Notre Dame Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. NC State in Week 9

Notre Dame football is undoubtedly coming off their best win of the season, but will they experience a hangover against the No. 14 Wolfpack?

The Irish enjoyed one of their most exciting victories of the last few years with their 49-14 trouncing of USC last week, but will have little time to celebrate before shifting focus over to NC State. After falling to the Trojans by a score of 45-27 last season, Notre Dame displayed the resiliency to put that game, along with the rest of last year’s disappointments, behind them.

However, this week presents a different set of stumbling blocks altogether. While the Irish matched up well against a turnover prone USC squad, NC State plays much more conservatively, often forcing opponents to beat themselves. Notre Dame hasn’t looked like a team to lose in that fashion up to this point, but a change in atmosphere may be dangerous for the Irish.

Considering the five overall difference in ranking between the two teams, this is anything but a trap game. Expect both coaching staffs to have their respective teams ready to play in a game that should see the better team win. With a historically rich Irish program facing off against an NC State team in recently unfamiliar territory, this game has all the fixings to be a good one.

Here’s how to watch it all go down this weekend:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 28
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: South Bend, Ind.
Venue: Notre Dame Stadium
TV: NBC
Live Stream: NBC Sports

Keys to Victory

The key to victory for the Irish will be quarterback Brandon Wimbush’s ability to single-handily take over this game. N.C. State’s rush defense is among the top in the nation in regard to rushing yards allowed. The Wolfpack currently allow only 3.0 yards per carry to runners this season, a factor that may lead to more passing attempts from Wimbush.

In addition to the potential of the Irish backfield being limited Saturday, Wimbush may also be without the luxury of favorable field position given NC State’s ability to hold onto the football. The Wolfpack are the only team in the nation without an interception and have only lost possession through three fumbles. The Irish will go as far as Wimbush will take them against the Wolfpack.

While running back Josh Adams and a bend-but-don’t-break Irish defense will certainly factor into Saturday’s contest, much of this game will ride on Wimbush’s ability to not only make big plays, but big throws. Besides, the Irish won’t win a national championship without a decent pass game, so why not see what they’re truly made of here?

Prediction

Chances are that this game won’t be as much of a blowout as many may think after such a dominating win over the Trojans. While NC State isn’t particularly known for their success in big games, there’s a reason they come in at No. 14 in the nation. The Wolfpack will look to pull off an upset similar to what the Irish achieved last week, except this time with the roles being reversed.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 8

While much of this preview has taken a pessimistic approach in regard to Notre Dame’s chances in this game, it’s important to note that the Irish are by far the more talented team. With Notre Dame also taking particularly good care of the football as of late, talent will likely be the determining factor of this game. Look for the Irish to pull off a close one at home this week.

Final Score: NC State 23, Notre Dame 30