Last week in this space, I launched my debut on this forum with a big win by Arizona State (+2-1/2) over Northwestern on the road. The Sun Devils almost coughed up a big lead in the second half, but got a couple late field goals to hold on for a 30-21 outright victory over the Wildcats.
Season Stats:
College Football 1 - 0 1.000 +4 units
Game: Ohio State at North Carolina State
Time: Saturday, 3:30 EDT
Pick: NC STATE +1 (1 unit)
Now, the real fun begins. After rolling over Division I-AA opponent Richmond 42-0 in the season opener, NC State (1-0) jumps right into the heart of what is considered one of the program's toughest schedules ever as the #7 Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) travel to Raleigh's Carter-Finley Stadium to take on the Wolf Pack.
The memory of last year's 44-38 triple-overtime heartbreaker in Columbus is still fresh in the monds of every Wolf Pack player and you can bet that revenge will be a strong motivator for NC State this Saturday afternoon.
NC State has a potential advantage as they were on the bye last week. Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring has been putting a lot of work into preparing for the Buckeyes' big play offense. The key for NC State's defense will be at the line of scrimmage.
If the Wolf Pack can get OSU in some 3rd and long situations, they can use their speed and do some things with the Buckeyes. NCSU is a little bit quicker.
The idea of a first-year QB (Justin Zwick), who has been rather mistake-prone so far, leading a young team into its first road game is dizzying enough. But, when you consider that this is being pushed around Raleigh as one of the biggest games in the program's history as well as the revenge factor from last year, this could get bumpy.
OSU needs to be able to establish the run, stop the run, and finish at least plus-2 in turnovers to win. The Buckeyes haven't consistently shown so far that they can do any of those things.
Take the small dog (or wolf) at home.
Season Stats:
College Football 1 - 0 1.000 +4 units
Game: Ohio State at North Carolina State
Time: Saturday, 3:30 EDT
Pick: NC STATE +1 (1 unit)
Now, the real fun begins. After rolling over Division I-AA opponent Richmond 42-0 in the season opener, NC State (1-0) jumps right into the heart of what is considered one of the program's toughest schedules ever as the #7 Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) travel to Raleigh's Carter-Finley Stadium to take on the Wolf Pack.
The memory of last year's 44-38 triple-overtime heartbreaker in Columbus is still fresh in the monds of every Wolf Pack player and you can bet that revenge will be a strong motivator for NC State this Saturday afternoon.
NC State has a potential advantage as they were on the bye last week. Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring has been putting a lot of work into preparing for the Buckeyes' big play offense. The key for NC State's defense will be at the line of scrimmage.
If the Wolf Pack can get OSU in some 3rd and long situations, they can use their speed and do some things with the Buckeyes. NCSU is a little bit quicker.
The idea of a first-year QB (Justin Zwick), who has been rather mistake-prone so far, leading a young team into its first road game is dizzying enough. But, when you consider that this is being pushed around Raleigh as one of the biggest games in the program's history as well as the revenge factor from last year, this could get bumpy.
OSU needs to be able to establish the run, stop the run, and finish at least plus-2 in turnovers to win. The Buckeyes haven't consistently shown so far that they can do any of those things.
Take the small dog (or wolf) at home.
