These two teams are heading in opposite directions right now. A&M is trending, and they will face an NC State with their best skill player on offense in Harmon WR, and LB in Pratt sitting out along with their OC who will be there, but took the App State job.

A&M's weakness is pass defense, and finishing games, and that's what they focused on in bowl prep, and I think it makes a difference especially since Jimbo Fisher is very familiar along with DC Mike Elko from their time in the ACC preparing for NC State. NC State has the veteran QB in Finley heading to the NFL, but they still need to run the ball well to make him successful. In their 3 losses they ran for just 2.52 ypc, and here they face a similar run defense to Clemson where they scored just 7 points. A&M ranks 11th in run defense, and that ranking comes while facing a tough opponent rushing offense ranking 45th in rushing yards per carry. This could create a few third and longs, that will be the difference in this game in my opinion.

NC State's secondary is not very good either. They faced a very weak SOS ont he season with an opposing QB rating on average around 83, and rank 61st. They really haven't played any balanced offenses with the exception of Clemson who won 41-7. A&M has an elite RB in Williams, a growing QB who can make all the throws in Mond, an emerging WR's who are sophomores. Mond, also a threat to run which makes this offense even more challenging to defend. The SEC also a perfect 7-0 ATS vs. the ACC This season.