NC State vs. William & Mary Prediction, Game Preview
NC State vs. William & Mary prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who's projected to win the matchup between
NC State vs. William & Mary prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who’s projected to win the matchup between the Wolfpack and Tribe.
NC State vs. William & Mary Game Preview
Broadcast Info
Date: Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
Television Station: ESPN3
NC State vs. William & Mary Storylines
Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren has a .250 win percentage in ACC play over the last three seasons. This schedule is tougher than last year, and the Wolfpack are at the point where they need to notch a signature victory.
Meanwhile, Colonial Athletic Association member William & Mary is one of the best teams in FCS, and the Tribe continues to be led by Jimmye Laycock, who has run the program since 1980. Keep an eye on DeVonte Dedmon, who is the CAA’s best punt returners (16.4 yards per return in ’15).
NC State vs. William & Mary Betting Odds
Spread: NC State -22
Over/Under: NA
Matchup to Watch
William & Mary rushing attack vs. NC State defense
The Wolfpack struggled defensively over the last six games of 2015, allowing 37.2 points per game in the second half of the season. The Tribe, meanwhile, averaged 30.9 points per game last season and have one of the league’s best backs in Kendell Anderson, who rushed for 1,418 yards last season. Wolfpack coordinator Dave Huxtable has a lot of returning starters (despite losing end Mike Rose), including end Bradley Chubb and tackle B.J. Hill. Can they control the line of scrimmage and contain the ground game of the Tribe?
Advantages
Offense: William & Mary. The Wolfpack lost quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who excelled for two seasons after transferring from Florida. Throw in a line that lost three starters, and there are plenty of question marks on offense for Doeren’s squad.
Defense: NC State. The Tribe lost two key pieces in safety DeAndre Houston-Carson and linebacker Luke Rhodes, who was a four-year starter.
Special Teams: NC State. In addition to being a valuable safety, the Tribe’s Houston-Carson was also a factor as a kick and punt blocker.
Coaching: William & Mary. Doeren has a chance to establish himself in a Power Five conference, but Laycock has won 240 games as a head coach.
Intangibles: NC State. The Wolfpack faithful should be loud for a night game at Carter-Finley.
NC State vs. William & Mary Prediction
The Wolfpack may not look in sync offensively early in the season, but this is still FBS vs. FCS. The Tribe will hang around for a bit, but Doeren has steadily increased the talent level in Raleigh. The Wolfpack’s athleticism will be too much for William & Mary to overcome.
Final Score Prediction For NC State vs. William & Mary: NC State 38, William & Mary 20
