NC State @ Notre Dame Preview.
#14 NC State (4-0)(6-1) @ #9 Notre Dame (6-1)
3:30 / NBC
Notre Dame -7.5
Over/Under 60.5
Its been quite the turnaround for the Fighting Irish in 2017. They don't look like the same program from their four win season last year. Much of the improvement has to do with their massive offensive line and devastating running attack. The Irish are coming off a 49-14 rout of USC, where running back; Josh Adams, ripped the Trojans for 191 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback; Brandon Wimbush, adds to the rushing attack, averaging 6.2 yards a carry. Wimbush ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more against USC. The Irish defense had five sacks and 10 tackles for loss last week.
The Wolfpack are similar to the Irish in that they like to pound and ground too. Head coach; Dave Doeren, was riding the hot seat before this challenge to an ACC Atlantic title. They have won six in a row, including a 35-17 win over Pitt; October 14th. Nyheim Hines killed the Panthers off at Heinz Field with an 83 yard touchdown run and a 92 yard punt return. NC State has outrushed their opponents on average to the tune of 177-91.
This game matches up Notre Dame's huge offensive line against NC State's athletic defensive line. The Wolfpack ranks sixth in the FBS in rushing defense, while Notre Dame ranks sixth in the country in rushing offense. Each line have four seniors.
Notre Dame has lost to NC State in their previous two meetings. NC State won, 28-6, in the 2003 Gator Bowl and won, 10-3, in the wind and rain in Raleigh, last year. This should be a very good, tough football game with more on the line for the Irish in their push to crash the playoff party.
Notre Dame 24-20
