Preview: NC State/Georgia Tech

Homecoming 2014.  On Saturday Georgia Tech invades Raleigh to face NC State in a November showdown that in recent years has gone the Yellow jackets’ way.  The 12:30 pm game will feature one of the nation’s premier rushing attacks in 7-year coach Paul Johnson offensive scheme.

Georgia Tech (7-2, 4-2) winners of their last two games ( Pitt and Virginia) have been playing well lately averaging 319 yards per game on the ground.  While preparing for GT and their vaunted spread  option attack will not be easy, it is predictable.  Kinda.  You know the Yellow jackets will run the ball; however figuring out where the ball will come from and where it will go can be very challenging.  That’s the beauty of this type  offense.  Smash-mouth and deceptive, the running game is one that few teams have been successful in stopping.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets head coach Paul Johnson.  Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Johnson, a North Carolina (Newland)  native and Western Carolina graduate is a 2 time ACC Coach of the Year and one-time candidate for the NC State job that Tom O’Brien eventually landed.

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NC State head coach Dave Doeren who won his first ACC game last week, hopes to build on that success and gain some momentum as the team heads down the home stretch.  The 12 game skid is over and a Bowl invite is within reach.

Nov 1, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of a game against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. North Carolina State won the game 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

With two straight good defensive games under its belt, the Pack will definitely have its hands full.

The good news for the Wolfpack is that as good offensively as GT has been this season, their defense has been atrocious at times.  They have allowed an average of over 413 total yards and 26 points per game.  The saving grace has been an effective offense that puts up 37 ppg.  If NC State has an advantage in this game it will be home field and a more balanced offensive attack.  The Wolfpack will need to get backs Shadrach Thornton, Tony Creecy and Matt Dayes involved early.  Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has to be on his A game and oh, it won’t hurt if receivers Bryan Underwood and freshman Bo Hines can step up and shine like the talent both possess.

Tomorrow’s game will answer a lot of questions for the Wolfpack.  Win and the momentum continues and seeds are set for an interesting finish. Lose and questions will continue to loom as to the direction and success that this team AND coaching staff will have in future years.

Time: 12:30pm

Where:  Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC

TV:  ACC coverage/ESPN3