Pittsburgh Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017

The N.C. State Wolfpack are on the brink of finding some success in the ACC Atlantic Division. The Wolfpack return four senior starters on one of the top defensive lines in the nation.

N.C. State went 7-6 last season, 3-5 in the ACC, but will look to turn things around in 2017. Come October, they could be one of the tougher teams in the Atlantic.

The offensive line returns four starters as they look to replace running back Matt Dayes. Dayes was a 1,000-plus yard rusher for the first time in his career last season before graduating. Hybrid tight end/fullback Jaylen Samuels should fill the void without an issue though.

Led by defensive end Bradley Chubb, the Wolfpack defensive line is a force. Chubb led the N.C. State front-four with 21.0 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks last season. He’ll look to have a big game against a seasoned Pittsburgh offensive line.

The Wolfpack only allowed 108.6 rushing yards (3.3 per attempt) per game last season. If they can shut down the Pittsburgh Panthers run game and make them a one-dimensional team, things could get ugly in a hurry.

Pittsburgh has playmakers in Quadree Henderson and Qadree Ollison but if they can’t produce at a high level, the Panthers may find themselves in losing territory. The two teams haven’t met since the 2009 season.

Final: N.C. State 31, Pittsburgh 13 (4-3, 2-1 ACC)