Preview: NC State travels to Old Dominion
Saturday night’s game at Foreman Field will feature a rematch of the NC State/Old Dominion 2014 shootout in Raleigh (NC) that featured a 46-34 come from behind Wolfpack win. In that game, the Pack gave up a whopping 504 total yards!
I’m not exactly sure what NC State gets out of playing a home and home with Old Dominion, but they do, so the Pack had better be motivated.
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Whether the Monarchs seek revenge or are simply excited about having an ACC opponent at their house, the Pack needs to also be prepared. They had better not overlook this team on their way to the Louisville game two weeks away. Not only is it the Wolfpack’s first road game, but the Wolfpack defense has been Jekyll and Hyde thus far this season. In game one against Troy, the defense was porous. However, they turned it aorund against Eastern Kentucky in the 35-0 rout.
NC State (2-0) looks to improve to 3-0 when they travel to Norfolk, Virginia to play the Old Dominion Monarchs (2-0) . The Conference USA foe is undefeated after wins against Eastern Michigan (38-34) and Norfolk State (24-10).
Monarch sophomore running back Ray Lawry has 438 yards and 6 touchdowns for an average of 219 yards per game. The 5’10” 201lb. 2014 Conference USA Freshman of the Year already has half his 2014 total of 947 yards in his first two games. Expect the Monarchs to continue to do what they do best in running the ball.
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Of note is the fact the ODU has a 33-9 record in the 42 home sellout games at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
NC State will attempt the same strategy as Old Dominion by also running the rock. The Monarchs appear to be soft in the middle as they have given up 256 yards rushing to Eastern Michigan and 103 yards rushing to Norfolk State.
The game will feature the return of senior running back Shadrach Thornton from a two game suspension for an off-season violation. Back running back Matt Dayes and quarterback Jacoby Brissett should continue with their stellar play. However, the question mark like last year’s game, is can the Pack defense slow down the Monarchs? Last year the game featured dueling quarterbacks. On Saturday, each team’s explosive rushing attack will be on display. In the end, I think the Pack will have too much firepower and the defense WILL show up.
PREDICTION: NC State 35 – ODU 17
When: Saturday, September 19, 2014 @ 7:00pm
Where: Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium, Norfolk, VA