I really like this game as the best on the day as the best player in the building will be the Wolfpack's returning QB Russel Wilson 31 TD 11 INT and over 3,000 passing yards a year ago. Wilson has composure and good presence in the pocket. I don't think he'll be afraid of star end Bruce Miller coming off the edge as he's very capable scrambling and he's got the receiving corp to have a great day against an inconsistent secondary from UCF that returns 3 starters, but is the same team that gave up 297 yards in their bowl game to freshmen QB of Rutgers Tom Savage. Wilson is better than Savage and I expect a big game for him as he seems more focused than in years past.
The big news here is Nate Irving at LB returning for the Wolfpack. He is a big boost to this defense which will face a 2 QB system. I'm not confident in Calabrese although he can run and pass he is very raw in his Junior year and the freshmen Godfrey is just 5-11 and 176 pounds He might have trouble passing in the pocket over these two lines. UCF will run the ball a lot with Jon Davis 1109 yds 14TD last year. UCF has strength at WR, but again can these QB's get it to them? NC State can have the advantage in special teams with TJ Graham a special athlete that can take it back at any time.
This is the 4th year in a row that UCF is facing an ACC opponent. They beat NC state two years ago but that was by 2 points and NC state gave up a 92 yard TD or close to open the game. NC State will be able to stop that kind of big play with the return of IRving playing in his home state. UCF could not play with Boston College or Miami in their other ACC match ups. I just think that UCF will struggle here and NC State needs a win here to be considered in the ACC. UCF just 13-28 in their last 41 non conference games.
