North Carolina State

[irishsportsfan]

FSU is 2-4 and Jimbo is yellng at fans. NCST played that FSU team not the one that played BAMA.

Agreed to a certain degree. They lost their main piece of their offense and have Mr. Skin&Bones as a starter now.

They still have that same defense. Not saying FSU isn’t falling apart, they are. However I’m not writing off NC State as having an easy schedule because of that.

 

[South Bender]

"I'm really hoping ND can match the energy and effort NC State is going to bring to South Bend and not have the emotional let down I'm fearing, post USC."

That is what I am fearing as well -- similar to 1993 after Florida State.

Exactly.

Any other year - are we concerned about playing NC State? No. They are a solid team this year, but talent-wise they do not compare to us across the board. Sure they have a decent defensive line, but they haven't faced maulers like we have on the offensive line either. Our defense is much improved also.

We're finally playing inspired football this year. I'd put us up against anyone.

But the letdown after an emotional USC game cannot be overlooked. We have to be ultra focused on the task at hand on Saturday.

 

[ciscopack]

Why are they so good? Where do they ever finish in the top 25 in recruiting? Do they take Jucos?

Very Rarely but I'll tell you this.....don't bank on those rankings!!!!!!!! We sometimes beat teams with top 5-10-15 rankings every year. Take our 2014 class......watch them in the NFL! One is there now, Jones - Safety with GB. That class ranked like this.....

247 - 37th
Rivals - 30th
Scout - 26th
ESPN - 38th

I promise you when the NFL gets their choices in....it (2014 class) will be top 5 in the nation.....maybe number 1?

As for Dave Doeren....we have our 25 year head coach!

 

[ciscopack]

You shouldn't be evaluating team's based on how many "dog fights" they are in. "Dog fights" turn into coin flip games, and teams that are in a lot of coin flip games end up losing those kinds of games half of the time. There's no special skill at winning close games.

Elite teams rarely are in dog fights because they are too busy blowing the other team out. ND is an elite team, NC State is not.

I realize as ND fans it's hard to understand just how good this Notre Dame team is .. we've become cynical and jaded over the years as fans of this football program. But all the evidence points to ND being one of the best teams in the country .. and barring some unforeseen injury, or a matchup nightmare that's being overlooked, the chances of NC St. winning are very low.

Bring it! We play an elite team next week too......last year's National Champs, that we should have beaten.

 

[TheFullManti]

As usual you come up with good points. I would like to add my two cents.
I don't think that the Irish will have a letdown. This team has great players and leaders who know how important this game is. They also lost to NC State last year and will be looking for revenge. This is a home game for the Irish and Dexter Williams will be back healthy.
The Irish Oline is the best in the Nation and will want to prove it after faltering at Georgia.
The Oline and the power and speed of Josh Adams Dexter Williams Brandon Wimbush and Tony Jones will be too much for North Carolina State and the Irish will wear them out with 300+ yards rushing. Add Kevin Stepherson to the mix and the Irish offense is unstoppable. The Irish defense let Darnold pass like 21 out of 26 or something like that but only gave up 14 points.
USC was a more dangerous opponent than the Wolfpack. And the Irish beat them up like they did Boston College and North Carolina.

*** Bottom line is this Irish team has far too much talent and chemistry for anyone left on their schedule. Wimbush will not be stopped. I don't even think Georgia could stop him now.

*** I say Notre Dame wins 34 to 13 over NC State or something like that. Momentum and confidence is huge in college football and ND is flying high.

I have to admire your optimism, bozie. I just hope you're right. ND meltdowns in recent seasons have left me skeptical about this year's team, and I've worried about every game they've played ... including Miami of Ohio. Notre Dame has finally convinced me they're a good team this year. I'll withhold judgement on whether or not they're a great team until the season's over. NC State scares me more than Miami does, and I'll admit here and now that I'm scared shitless of Bryce Love.

 

[alpha08]

I realize you guys are the Irish and all of that but be careful assuming that you are the only team that will be focused on other games. This is not a conference game. Next week, we play Clemson at home. We win that game and we are likely in the ACC title game. All State fans would agree that the Clemson game is a much more important game. I think we are focused and ready for a great Irish team. But the world does not revolve around the Irish. We have other fish to fry as well. Go Pack.

 

[zonairish]

The game I've been most nervous about the entire season. I thought there would be a good chance ND would come out and play well vs USC, especially with a bye week and extra time to prepare. That said, now it's NC State coming off their bye week and man are they a complete team. Just very solid all around. The best defensive line ND will face all season, anchored by thebbest DE in the nation, IMO, Bradley Chubb. Offensively, that probably have the most complete quarterback we'll face in Ryan Finley and Samuels is one heck of an all around player.

I'm really hoping ND can match the energy and effort NC State is going to bring to South Bend and not have the emotional let down I'm fearing, post USC.

I think the team is much physically tougher this year. This is the week we find out how mentally tough they've become. I also fully expect this to be the first week an opponent goes over 20 points vs ND. The offense will need to show up.

This is a game that we are and should win. Here are my reasons. NCST is a good team they have a top 10 D. Although defensive secondary is weak. Their offense is average They have not beaten a top tier team. Although we give the WP an opportunity Saturday. The way for NCST to win Saturday is to keep our run game under check and force BW to pass more than usual. BW is developing as a passer. Then keep the game close and hope to either score a last-minute FG or TD. Some positives about NCST is the QB is accurate but not dynamic. The Irish need to pass at times and be patient with the run game, Adams will break one. BW is getting better in the passing game and he keeps it up we should win by 14-17 points. Our D needs to be consistent as they have all season. With Stephenson getting more time, that kid is dynamic and St Brown what a tandem. I see BW getting better. If you look @ the scores they are beatting sub-par teams but teams that have no D. The marquee win was against the Cardinals. How will they fare against a team with a good offense and defense?

 

[tbonesays]

I'm surprised nobody is discussing NC State's O Line. I realize ND's is probably the best in the nation. Very impressive. But NC State has given up ZERO sacks in ACC play (4 games). You can call the schedule weak all you want, but giving up zero sacks to FSU and Louisville is not an easy feat. Particularly at FSU. Not making predictions here but it is certainly worth a mention. Looking forward to enjoying a game at your hallowed stadium and campus. Go Pack.

We attributed that to your qb and his pocket awareness. Granted I only saw bits and pieces of your games against SCe and UL.

While we're here does NCST generally win the football recruiting battles with UNC? It seemed when the eels brought in that Miami coach that they were getting a lot of stars.

 

[Bodizephax]

I'm just a realist. USC game was great. The breaks in the game all went out way. You can't deny that.

We dominated them without the help of that.

Rushing stats were nice but you'll be the first to admit that was a depleted USC d line.

Doesn't take anything away from our performance...but...

USC also seems a little disorganized for whatever reason.

I think we will be ok against NC state but this will be a tougher game than USC. Write it down.

Sorry I lost my pen.

Oh wow you predict a tougher game against NC State. Way to go out on a limb.
It will still be a comfortable win for the Irish.

*** And you keep moving the goal posts. First you say before the USC game that USC is real tough and you won't know how good the Irish run game is until you see how the Irish do against USC. Well Notre Dame outrushed USC 379 to 76 and you still are not satisfied.

 

[alpha08]

^USC is not good. Credit to the Irish for winning a rivalry game. But when i watched the Trojans play Texas I thought they looked bad. When I watched them play Cal I thought they looked bad. I thought they looked terrible against a Washington State team that lost to Cal 37-3. They looked lost against Utah. And they again looked awful against the Irish. Again, credit to ND for beating USC, but the Trojans haven't impressed an objective viewer all year.

 

[88ND]

Sorry I lost my pen.

Oh wow you predict a tougher game against NC State. Way to go out on a limb.
It will still be a comfortable win for the Irish.

*** And you keep moving the goal posts. First you say before the USC game that USC is real tough and you won't know how good the Irish run game is until you see how the Irish do against USC. Well Notre Dame outrushed USC 379 to 76 and you still are not satisfied.

I was elated. It was wonderful. Having said that I believe USC was a bit depleted to which I did not know.

Even going against a depleted USC team they're still trying over there and pretty much knew we were running. Yet we still ran all over them. That's the sign of a great rushing team.

I do believe collectively on defense the Wolf pack are better than USC. We may still shred them like hot knife and butter but I think it will be a tougher game overall. I also think they'll test our defense more than USC.

I'VE SAID REPEATEDLY I THINK WE'LL BE OK but I don't believe this will be a 35 point win.

If BW has a superior in college football it's probably Lamar Jackson. I'm not saying let's debate that but I just know the wolfpack chased that SOB all afternoon yet won by 14.

They held him to 73 yards rushing in 19 carries. That's damn impressive bevayse ghat guy can move.
He did throw for 360 against them so that could be what the doctor ordered to keep BW's passing momentum going.

We will see.

 

[ciscopack]

NC State hasn’t played one team this year to the caliber of ND and not anyone as physical.

ND wins by 17+ not sold on NC State

Sep 2 @

South Carolina L 35 - 28
Sep 9 vs

Marshall W 37 - 20
Sep 16 vs

Furman W 49 - 16
Sep 23 @

Florida St. W 27 - 21
Sep 30 vs

Syracuse W 33 - 25
Oct 5 vs

Louisville W 39 - 25
Oct 14 @

Pittsburgh W 35 - 17

Ummmmmmmmm where are the UGA’s, MSU and USC?

I know we're talking Knute's ND here and your stuff doesn't stink but we can't help season results. I'll just show you the Aug. 4, 2017 Strength of Schedule where NC State's schedule was at #17 and Notre Dame's was at #22.

http://www.fbschedules.com/2017/08/2017-college-football-strength-of-schedule-rankings-espn-fpi/

 

[88ND]

I know we're talking Knute's ND here and your stuff doesn't stink but we can't help season results. I'll just show you the Aug. 4, 2017 Strength of Schedule where NC State's schedule was at #17 and Notre Dame's was at #22.

http://www.fbschedules.com/2017/08/2017-college-football-strength-of-schedule-rankings-espn-fpi/

Obviously I'm rooting for ND but this is so funny and very true.

So many people go on and on about SOS which ****ing changes week to week.

Seriously. A top five ve schedule August 31 might be the 49th highest thanksgiving.

You guys are going to be tough.

Good luck.

 

[tbonesays]

^USC is not good. Credit to the Irish for winning a rivalry game. But when i watched the Trojans play Texas I thought they looked bad. When I watched them play Cal I thought they looked bad. I thought they looked terrible against a Washington State team that lost to Cal 37-3. They looked lost against Utah. And they again looked awful against the Irish. Again, credit to ND for beating USC, but the Trojans haven't impressed an objective viewer all year.

Really everyone is vulnerable except maybe Alabama. I say maybe because there are actually mny weeks where they will be not be seriously challenged. I thought there was a big 2 but then Syracuse happened to Clemson.

 

[TXND30]

I know we're talking Knute's ND here and your stuff doesn't stink but we can't help season results. I'll just show you the Aug. 4, 2017 Strength of Schedule where NC State's schedule was at #17 and Notre Dame's was at #22.

http://www.fbschedules.com/2017/08/2017-college-football-strength-of-schedule-rankings-espn-fpi/

We are way past August 4th bro

 

[ciscopack]

We are way past August 4th bro

Yes....that was preseason. Next is post-season.....we'll look at the schedules again. Both FSU and Louisville were ranked when we beat them. You found out last week that USC was severely overrated and injured. I have not watched ND play this year, because I don't care. I saw about 5 plays last week.

When you played UGA they were #15, when you played Michigan St. they were unranked, when you played USC they were 11th; when we played FSU they were 10th, when we played Louisville they were 17th....this week we play #10 and you play #15.

 

[NDSMC78]

Yes....that was preseason. Next is post-season.....we'll look at the schedules again. Both FSU and Louisville were ranked when we beat them. You found out last week that USC was severely overrated. I have not watched ND play this year, because I don't care. I saw about 5 plays last week.

When you played UGA they were #15, when you played Michigan St. they were unranked, when you played USC they were 11th; when we played FSU they were 10th, when we played Louisville they were 17th....this week we play #10 and you play #15.

Right now, Sagarin has ND's SOS # 25 and NCSU's SOS # 32. Interesting that you would be bragging about beating a 2-4 FSU team which was ranked when you played them, but refer to ND beating a 6-2 USC team as being "severely overrated."


http://sagarin.com/sports/cfsend.htm

 

[ncrebel574]

I think we can both agree both teams have played against good teams and good athletes. ND has had a slightly tougher schedule to date, but NC State has played some decent teams as well and won't be overwhelmed

 

[alpha08]

Yes....that was preseason. Next is post-season.....we'll look at the schedules again. Both FSU and Louisville were ranked when we beat them. You found out last week that USC was severely overrated. I have not watched ND play this year, because I don't care. I saw about 5 plays last week.

When you played UGA they were #15, when you played Michigan St. they were unranked, when you played USC they were 11th; when we played FSU they were 10th, when we played Louisville they were 17th....this week we play #10 and you play #15.

Exactly. USC might not even be ranked in a few weeks. That would change SOS big time. Let's wait until the end of the year. I also don't think Mich State will be ranked either.

 

[IrishInOntario]

NC State, Eliah Drinkwitz, that DL and two weeks to prepare... They are going to be an excellent challenge. I have an enormous amount of respect for this NC State team.

 

[Ralwolf]

I will be at the game. It will be a great experience. i did attend the 1965 game at Notre Dame when my cousin was the captain of the North Carolina team. ND won 17-0. All 17 points were in the 4th quarter. I have since changed my
allegiances to NC State, Thank God! My cousin made the ND all opponent team that year. Look forward to this trip.

 

[SiberianKnightmare]

ND defense 3.56 yard per carry. Given up 1 rushing TD.
NCSU defense 3.0 yards per carry. Given up 6 rushing TD.

And ND's schedule is much, much, much tougher than NCSU.

We shouldn't be sweating them. They should be sweating us. Have some confidence.

 

[stu4don]

I'm with IIO. They start like nine seniors on D. Their front seven is close to Georgia and the Georgia game had Bodi saying the sky was falling USC's beat-up, unproven defensive front was one of the weakest we played this year. MSU, BC were better.

But what struck me in the Georgia game was how fast and talented their CBs and Ss were. They made our offense look average. Does NCS have that kind of talent on the back end of their D? If not, can Wimbush put it all together get the ball downfield and open up the run game?

Now, I think we are a better team than we were in week two. I see a team that has begun to believe in themselves. The team that played Georgia week two were still haunted by the ghosts of 2016.

Not any more. That said, NCS also has a veteran offense and a QB much better than the first-time starter we saw week two. One of these last games is going to be a nail biter.

I think this might be the one.

Still think the Irish win.

 

[South Bender]

^USC is not good. Credit to the Irish for winning a rivalry game. But when i watched the Trojans play Texas I thought they looked bad. When I watched them play Cal I thought they looked bad. I thought they looked terrible against a Washington State team that lost to Cal 37-3. They looked lost against Utah. And they again looked awful against the Irish. Again, credit to ND for beating USC, but the Trojans haven't impressed an objective viewer all year.

USC did not look "bad" vs Texas. Texas was playing a terrific game and USC was right there matching them play for play. USC also went into Salt Lake City and beat Utah. No small feat. They also pounded Stanford pretty good.
USC has two losses and is still ranked, so don't fool yourself into thinking they're a bad team.

 

[NDSMC78]

USC did not look "bad" vs Texas. Texas was playing a terrific game and USC was right there matching them play for play. USC also went into Salt Lake City and beat Utah. No small feat. They also pounded Stanford pretty good.
USC has two losses and is still ranked, so don't fool yourself into thinking they're a bad team.

The Utah game was played at the Coliseum.

 

[mirer03]

So I generally keep quiet on this game as I attended NCSU but am not a fan. Im mostly impressed by the ncsu fans on this board so far as generally ncsu is known to have a very passionate yet unrealistic view of their programs, try calling ncsu UNC's little sister and see how the conversation goes.

Ncsu gets a lot of local talent and historically has a few high level NFL level guys peppered into their teams. Holt, Mario Williams, Adrian Wilson, and Philip rivers to name a few. Generally it's similar to Notre Dame under Weis... But all the time. Enough guys to make big plays and win games, but then they lose games they shouldn't. It's tough being an ncsu fan since Valvano left the bball program in the late 80s although they had a bit of an uptick under amato, until that ran stale.

It's going to be a tough game strength on strength, but just to be clear...teams that have played Furman and Marshall are no where near as tested as Notre Dame and the sos is not comparable. ND plays 5 acc teams plus USC Stanford Navy MSU Georgia. Ncsu plays 8 acc games plus ND, Furman, Marshall and USCjr.

Not sure who said NCSU has their coach for 25 years, because rumors are two sec schools might be looking at him for next year, and sorry but Mr. Murphy isn't going to compete with those pockets when they come calling.

Go Irish.

 

[ncrebel574]

So I generally keep quiet on this game as I attended NCSU but am not a fan. Im mostly impressed by the ncsu fans on this board so far as generally ncsu is known to have a very passionate yet unrealistic view of their programs, try calling ncsu UNC's little sister and see how the conversation goes.

Ncsu gets a lot of local talent and historically has a few high level NFL level guys peppered into their teams. Holt, Mario Williams, Adrian Wilson, and Philip rivers to name a few. Generally it's similar to Notre Dame under Weis... But all the time. Enough guys to make big plays and win games, but then they lose games they shouldn't. It's tough being an ncsu fan since Valvano left the bball program in the late 80s although they had a bit of an uptick under amato, until that ran stale.

It's going to be a tough game strength on strength, but just to be clear...teams that have played Furman and Marshall are no where near as tested as Notre Dame and the sos is not comparable. ND plays 5 acc teams plus USC Stanford Navy MSU Georgia. Ncsu plays 8 acc games plus ND, Furman, Marshall and USCjr.

Not sure who said NCSU has their coach for 25 years, because rumors are two sec schools might be looking at him for next year, and sorry but Mr. Murphy isn't going to compete with those pockets when they come calling.

Go Irish.

Not trying to be rude, but the SOSs are comparable, according to sagarin. Ignore Furman? Fine. I get that. But you can't discredit a 6-1 mid major in Marshall (RPI of 31) while not saying the same about Miami OH and temple who have RPIs of 114 and 82. (not to mention a TERRIBLE UNC team). I'm not sure what else there really is to compare, but both teams have been tested, just ND a little bit more.

 

[wicker]

added pressure this week because ND is now seen as true playoff material, finally getting national acclaim. would be crushing to post season hopes and embarrassing to the program to lose after being under the radar all year. We wouldnt hear the end of it til who knows when

 

[stu4don]

Agree. Texas has one of the better defenses I've seen this year. Charlie Strong's legacy.

 

[RochesterRedWolf]

NCState fan here. First off just wanted to congratulate you guys on a great year so far and for being awesome and knowledgeable fans to banter back and forth with. Also, thanks for beating the shit out of U*NC.

Any ncstate fan will tell you that if we're being honest, we're worried we're going to get blown out, and we HOPE we can keep within striking distance and Clemson is more important anyway...

But we aren't going to be going after each other on the field. The players for sure believe they can win and they've played in more hostile environments against teams just as athletic and big and held their own.

As for SOS, it really is a week to week thing. If ND beat MichSt with their full complement of players and the next week MichSt loses their starting QB and Left tackle for the rest of the year. Yea, the SOS is going to go down quite a bit, but doesn't change how good ND is and certainly isnt reflected by an End of Year SOS.

We've both played good teams. Can't wait till Saturday.

 

[ciscopack]

You'll get a chance to go up against a team full of 3 *** star players....I know that must worry you. We've averaged around 50th in recruiting the last 5 years....that's who you'll be playing according to the experts.

 

[ldeisel2010]

State fan here. I appreciate some that have offered reasonable analysis (would even say most of you). A few chest beaters in here but every fan base has those, so that's understandable. A few notes below (long):

First to the Dave Doeren comments: I highly doubt any SEC schools will come calling. We are having a great year, but this is the first year of real success, and it has come in year 6. Not really what SEC schools are looking for. I am very happy with Doeren and think he has really built a nice foundation for us at NC State, but I don't think he is an excellent coach, that big-time schools will be coming after -- at least not yet.

On the talent: Notre Dame is the more talented team, IMO, and likely in most opinions. However, I don't think the gap is as far as some would like to believe. This NC State staff has excelled at developing players into being better than the star ranking coming out of high school. And as a veteran team, the talent level currently of our starters is top 25 level talent. Now where the talent gap will start to show is the depth. Players are coached up at NC State and many are not as naturally skilled coming into the program as some of those programs that consistently recruit the 4&5 Stars guys, so our depth in some areas is a little weak.

OL/DL: This will be a very important area of the game. ND has an Elite OL, but I'd like to think NC State has an Elite DL as well. So a real strength versus strength battle. The pass rush is a weaker point for the DL as compared to run defense, which again matches strength to strength. If ND is held to less that 250 yards rushing, I really like NC State's chances in this one. We have faced the best mobile QB in the country in Lamar Jackson, and won the game, however, the Louisville OL doesn't compare to what NC State will face against ND. Winbush's running ability is one of the biggest worries I have going into Saturday. The most overlooked part of the NC State team so far has been the OL. They have been very good. Especially since the return of tackle Will Richardson. The ability for NC State to establish a balanced offense, including successfully running the ball will be a big key in the game. NC State offense is at it's best when the run game is having success.

On Play Calling: Someone mentioned Drink's (OC) play calling, and while it has been good, it can also be frustrating. In most games this year, it has felt like there is an entire quarter where the offense just gets off track. This is usually started by poor first and second down play calling. He will have a tendency to call two vanilla running plays in a row, for a couple series, and get us behind the chains. This has happened repeatedly in games and is very frustrating to watch as a fan. On the other hand -- he loves a trick play. And when successful, they look great. However, his timing is sometimes off. We have ran multiple trick plays inside the redzone that have stalled drives. Other times we have been driving successfully for 5-6 plays, and then a trick play loses 7 yards and our whole rhythm is thrown off. Additionally, sudden change plays, he rarely attacks deep, regularly just going back to the first down runs. He is very set in his ways, and sometimes that plays against us. However, after pointing out the flaws -- I will say he is a very good OC. Lots of motion to move the eyes of the defenders, and he and the QB Finley are always on the same page. Will be interesting to see the play calling in this game.

NC State Secondary: It's not great. We are ranked near the bottom of FBS rankings in pass defense. Partially due to our run defense being so stout, that most teams just give up on the run and pass. So while that may alter some of the stats, the eye test is not all that pretty either. We play very soft coverage, often allowing easy passes underneath. I look for St. Brown to have a big game if ND is successful. I know that is not the go to for the ND offense, but I think ND will have to pass more than usual in this game. I could see St. Brown with over 100 yards. In almost every game this season, one opposing receiver has eclipsed the 100 yard mark.

Final Thoughts: Finley is as a solid as they come. Very 2017 Alex Smith like. Doesn't like to take chances but will give his big play makers some opportunities to make plays when needed, especially Kelvin Harmon, who is one of the most underrated receivers in the nation. The kid is a stud, and I hope you all will get to see that. Hines and Samuels are just football players, who thrive on game day. NC State will need a great effort from both of these. The game very well may come down to special teams, where NC State's kicking game is anything but special. It's at best 50/50 from inside 40 yards right now on FG's. I see this one being a close game, with ND scoring a late TD to win by 10. I've enjoyed reading the boards this week, and look forward to a great game and a hopeful Wolfpack win. However my prediction:

ND 34 NC State 24.

Go Wolfpack!

 

[twalsh]

I have since changed my
allegiances to NC State, Thank God!

Is that legal in the State of North Carolina??

 

[alpha08]

USC did not look "bad" vs Texas. Texas was playing a terrific game and USC was right there matching them play for play. USC also went into Salt Lake City and beat Utah. No small feat. They also pounded Stanford pretty good.
USC has two losses and is still ranked, so don't fool yourself into thinking they're a bad team.

You make some good points. Pounding Stanford is impressive. I was just surprised to see USC struggle with a Texas defense that gave up 51 points to Maryland two weeks prior. But i'll give you that, Texas was a bad example. They look improved.

 

[SiberianKnightmare]

Listen, it's college football. Anything can happen. Either team could win. But don't try to sell me that what NCSU has done this season is as impressive as what ND has done. It's not. When 5-3 Louisville is your best win and ND's best wins are blowouts of other ranked teams, on paper, ND is significantly more impressive.

 

[ncrebel574]

This is a game that we are and should win. Here are my reasons. NCST is a good team they have a top 10 D. Although defensive secondary is weak. Their offense is average They have not beaten a top tier team. Although we give the WP an opportunity Saturday. The way for NCST to win Saturday is to keep our run game under check and force BW to pass more than usual. BW is developing as a passer. Then keep the game close and hope to either score a last-minute FG or TD. Some positives about NCST is the QB is accurate but not dynamic. The Irish need to pass at times and be patient with the run game, Adams will break one. BW is getting better in the passing game and he keeps it up we should win by 14-17 points. Our D needs to be consistent as they have all season. With Stephenson getting more time, that kid is dynamic and St Brown what a tandem. I see BW getting better. If you look @ the scores they are beatting sub-par teams but teams that have no D. The marquee win was against the Cardinals. How will they fare against a team with a good offense and defense?

NC State's offense is not average. It was a very good, balanced, offense. Can ND shut it down? Sure, it is definitely possible. However, they are #3 in the ACC (scoring and yards) and #24 in the country, yardage wise, despite not running much tempo.

 

[twalsh]

You make some good points. Pounding Stanford is impressive. I was just surprised to see USC struggle with a Texas defense that gave up 51 points to Maryland two weeks prior. But i'll give you that, Texas was a bad example. They look improved.

Texas D has greatly improved since the Maryland fiasco. Played great last week, giving up only 13 to Okie State in OT. Frosh QB is struggling though.

 

[South Bender]

Couple points to consider.....
1. How many opportunities does NCSt get to play on TV in front of a national audience? And playing a ranked opponent while being ranked themselves? Not many. Will they melt under the spotlight?
2. While the ND game is huge, the following game they play is against Clemson for a possible shot at the ACC title. ND/NCSt means way more to ND than in does to NCSt. I think the game will show that.
3. ND is deeper than NCSt. By a long shot. Should a couple key players get injured or miss significant plays for whatever reason for NCSt, do they have the horses to finish the game? Don't overlook this as being a possibility, as ND will be one the most physical teams NCSt will face this year. Your players WILL get beat up.

 

[IrishInOntario]

I'm with IIO. They start like nine seniors on D. Their front seven is close to Georgia and the Georgia game had Bodi saying the sky was falling USC's beat-up, unproven defensive front was one of the weakest we played this year. MSU, BC were better.

But what struck me in the Georgia game was how fast and talented their CBs and Ss were. They made our offense look average. Does NCS have that kind of talent on the back end of their D? If not, can Wimbush put it all together get the ball downfield and open up the run game?

Now, I think we are a better team than we were in week two. I see a team that has begun to believe in themselves. The team that played Georgia week two were still haunted by the ghosts of 2016.

Not any more. That said, NCS also has a veteran offense and a QB much better than the first-time starter we saw week two. One of these last games is going to be a nail biter.

I think this might be the one.

Still think the Irish win.

6 seniors in their front 7 and 1 fifth year senior. These guys have been around the block. They have a 1st round draft pick in Bradley Chubb and 2 others I think are off the board by round 3-4.

I know Notre Dame guns are incredibly confident right now with the running game, and we should be... But this Is going to be trench warfare. That is a proud group of old men coming to town, led by the nation's best defensive end. Both interior DL are 315lbs+ and they make it hard as hell to run inside zone.

ND has to double Chubb and trap him inside. I think the Irish can run on the perimeter vs this team. Their secondary is missing two key players for the season and wasn't great to start with. They lost two key pieces (I think) to the NFL last year. This team's speed at linebacker is also nothing like Smith, Patrick, Bellamy and Carter from Georgia. Their linebackers a quality players, old and experienced, but I'd liken them more to a solid group such as Michigan State's rather than an elite group like Georgia's. If you can get past the front 4, you can score, but that's really tough.

 

[zonairish]

6 seniors in their front 7 and 1 fifth year senior. These guys have been around the block. They have a 1st round draft pick in Bradley Chubb and 2 others I think are off the board by round 3-4.

I know Notre Dame guns are incredibly confident right now with the running game, and we should be... But this Is going to be trench warfare. That is a proud group of old men coming to town, led by the nation's best defensive end. Both interior DL are 315lbs+ and they make it hard as hell to run inside zone.

ND has to double Chubb and trap him inside. I think the Irish can run on the perimeter vs this team. Their secondary is missing two key players for the season and wasn't great to start with. They lost two key pieces (I think) to the NFL last year. This team's speed at linebacker is also nothing like Smith, Patrick, Bellamy and Carter from Georgia. Their linebackers a quality players, old and experienced, but I'd liken them more to a solid group such as Michigan State's rather than an elite group like Georgia's. If you can get past the front 4, you can score, but that's really tough.

I think they will have a similar plan like MSU

NC State's offense is not average. It was a very good, balanced, offense. Can ND shut it down? Sure, it is definitely possible. However, they are #3 in the ACC (scoring and yards) and #24 in the country, yardage wise, despite not running much tempo.

just an opinion