NC State Wolfpack at South Florida Bulls Preview
On Saturday afternoon when the NC State Wolfpack (2-0) meet the University of South Florida Bulls (1-1) in Tampa, Florida, the crowd at Raymond James Stadium should expect an exciting game.
The Bulls under second year head coach Willie Taggart sport a balanced offense and a nationally ranked defense. The Bulls defense thrives off opportunistic play that ranks them fourth in the nation in takeaways with eight in 2 games. Led by sophomore linebacker Nigel Harris, the defense limited the Maryland Terps last week to a mere 2.9 yards per rushing attempt and forced six turnovers. Harris alone had nine tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a sack against the Terps.
Sep 6, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Marlon Mack (5) runs the the ball during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
The USF offense is averaging 188.5 yards rushing led by true freshman Marlon Mack who is getting an astounding 7.6 yards per carry. This week the Wolfpack should expect to receive an even larger dose of Mack and company as the offense will surely attempt to nurse the clock and protect their ailing quarterback Mike White.
White, a sophomore, injured his arm last week on the first play of the Maryland game. Reports are that White suffered a slight fracture on his non-throwing arm and will probably play on Saturday. Then again coaches have been known to hedge the truth a little when it comes to injuries, so the Pack should also be prepared for USF’s capable backup Steven Bench.
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Last week against Old Dominion the Wolfpack had to mount yet another second half comeback to secure the win. This week the opposition talent level increases and Dave Huxtable’s young defense will be severely tested. In two games the Wolfpack defense has given up an average of 471 yards per game with 221 of those yards given up on the ground.
Thus far second year head coach Dave Doeren’s regime has had mixed reviews against so-called lesser opponents. The offense, while statistically fine, has to start performing better in the first half. The running duo of Shadrach Thornton and Matt Dayes has been a success along with the steady quarterback play of Jacoby Brissett.
They will have to continue to improve as #1 ranked Florida State is only two weeks away.
Saturday’s game will be only the third meeting between the two teams with each having won once in the series.
Prediction: NC State 24- USF- 13