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BELK BOWL PREVIEW: NC STATE v. Mississippi State Bulldogs

By A. Zach Williams

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The NC State Wolfpack head to Charlotte for their season finale at the Belk Bowl to play the Mississippi State Bulldogs of the SEC.

Back in August, if you asked any Wolfpack fan if going bowling in December would be a welcome sight, most would undoubtedly say “Of course.”  Though that sentiment has not changed, the reality is that this NC State (7-4) football team fell short of the pre-season excitement and high expectations.  The season got off to a resounding, though untested 4-0 start.

Then reality set in.

The Wolfpack suffered two disappointing losses (Louisville and Virginia Tech) to teams that they were evenly matched against.  The loss of senior Shadrach Thornton to immature and poor behavior was an unexpected setback and distraction.  Then losses to big boys, Clemson and Florida State proved the Pack was not ready to challenge for the division title like everyone thought.

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All of a sudden this darkhorse team that had such high hopes, was now laden with 4 losses.   A second unexpected loss in Thornton’s very able replacement, Matt Dayes, did not help matters at all.  In the end, the Wolfpack ended up defeating all of the conference’s weak sisters, but failed miserably against the better competition.

What probably irked NC State fans most though, was as Wolfpack fortunes fell, they had to watch North Carolina’s stock rise to incredible heights.  Thanks to a much weaker division, the Tarheels soared to national prominence in a matter of weeks.  They were exactly where many had predicted the Wolfpack had a chance to be. Adding insult to injury, the 2015 ACC regular season ended with a humbling loss at home to those same Tarheels that had stolen their glory.

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On Wednesday, NC State will get the chance to release a little frustration and win their 8th game of the season. They will face the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Charlotte. The Bulldogs (8-4) who finished tied for 5th in the SEC West division, look to rebound after a season ending loss, like the Wolfpack, to an arch-rival…Ole Miss. The Bulldogs are led by Dak Prescott at quarterback who was a pre-season Heisman candidate. Dak completed 66.9 percent of his passes for 3,413 yards with 25 touchdowns and only four interceptions. He also led the Bulldogs in rushing with 541 rushing yards.

Nov 28, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) attempts to throw as pass as he is tackled by North Carolina Tar Heels defensive end Mikey Bart (45) during the second half at Carter Finley Stadium. North Carolina won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Wolfpack, still licking its wounds from the UNC thumping, gave up 553 yards (374 rushing) to the Heels, will have it’s hands full against the Bulldogs. Fortunately, for the Pack, the Bulldog defense has its own issues as it has given up an average of 414.8 yards (191.5 rushing) per game over their last four games.

NC State, likewise has its own dynamic quarterback in re-shirt senior Jacoby Brissett who has 2,448 yards passing for 19 touchdowns and four intersections. He has 303 yards and five rushing touchdowns. Jaylen Samuels, Reggie Gallaspy II and Nyheim Hines will need to each contribute in a big way for the Pack to keep up with the high-octane Bulldogs.

In many respects the two teams are mirror images of themselves. Hopefully, everything will gel in time for the Pack to end 2015 on a high note.

If history means anything, in 1995, NC State defeated Mississippi State in the Peach Bowl 28-24. Maybe this is a good omen.

Let’s go PACK!

When:  Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Time:  3:30pm

Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

TV:   ESPN

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