Saturday Blitz
Fansided

South Carolina vs NC State: 3 things to watch in season opener

By Terrance Singleton

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 05: Jake Bentley reacts after a play against the Missouri Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 05: Jake Bentley reacts after a play against the Missouri Tigers during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Tyler Lecka/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack leaves the field with a piece of the Kenan Stadium hedges between his teeth following a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack leaves the field with a piece of the Kenan Stadium hedges between his teeth following a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

1. Chubb vs Young

The South Carolina offensive line has been a point of emphasis the past few years and they have shown improvement, including Malik Young the starting left tackle for the Gamecocks.

He will be thrusted into the fire to begin the year against one of the best defensive ends in the nation.

Meet NC State DE Bradley Chubb.

The 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive end has lived in the backfield since his position change in 2015. In 2016, his 22 tackles for loss was fourth in the nation and second in the ACC. Only Mario Williams has more tackles for loss for the Wolfpack. His 10.5 sacks was good enough for 19th in the nation last year, third in Pack history.

All of that being said Malik Young will have to play the best game of his career so far this Saturday.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

This matchup between left tackle and defensive end will be the deciding factor of the game. If Young and the offensive line can give Jake Bentley time to throw he will do better against this tough Wolfpack secondary. But if Chubb and the defensive line can get to Bentley a lot and soon, it will be a long tough game for Bentley.

Home/NC State Wolfpack