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NC State Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Wake Forest in Week 12

By Connor Muldowney

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Ryan Finley #15 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack looks to pass during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Ryan Finley #15 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack looks to pass during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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Saturday’s NC State football game against Wake Forest will be important for the Wolfpack in order to gain some confidence.

NC State’s loss to South Carolina in the season-opener looked to be a wakeup call for the Wolfpack. They won six straight games following that defeat, including victories over Florida State and Louisville — both teams have since fallen into irrelevancy this year. Still, the Wolfpack have the talent to compete with just about anyone in the ACC.

The 7-3 Wolfpack are ranked No. 19 in the country and are led by junior quarterback Ryan Finley who has passed for 2,665 yards and 15 touchdowns with just four picks. Kelvin Harmon, a sophomore receiver, has broken out for 867 yards and four touchdowns on 56 catches. Do-it-all athlete Jaylen Samuels has 811 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns on the year.

As for Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons are no longer ACC pushovers. Sure, they aren’t contenders, by any means, but the Deacons are bowl eligible with losses to Florida State, Clemson and Notre Dame in the process. Can the Demon Deacons show the rest of the conference that they can hang with the elites of the league?

John Wolford has had a strong season for the Demon Deacons at quarterback, putting together career numbers. He has passed for 2,354 yards and 10 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Greg Dortch has been his favorite target, but he has missed the past two games. Will he be able to develop new targets against the Wolfpack?

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s NC State vs. Wake Forest game:

Date: Saturday, Nov. 18
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Winston-salem, N.C.
Venue: BB&T Field
TV: ESPNU
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

It’s pretty simple, getting after Wake Forest’s surprisingly-effective starting quarterback will be important. He has been fantastic all year long, but can make some mistakes with pressure in his face. As long as that strong defensive line can get a push, the Wolfpack will be in good shape on the road. Also, slowing down Wake Forest’s run game will be important. The defensive line for NC State is the most important position group in this contest.

Wake Forest may be favored by 1.5 points in this one, but don’t let that fool you. They get two points for being the home team and it’s fairly obvious that everyone is expecting an NC State victory. For that, the Demon Deacons can play with nothing to lose. They’re already bowl eligible so playing tense football will get them nowhere. Getting after Finley in the pocket and forcing him into some bad throws which could lead to turnovers will be the No. 1 key to victory. The other key? Containing Nick Chubb on the defensive line.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: First round after Week 11 edition

Prediction

Wake Forest is somehow favored in this battle which, based on the past few weeks for NC State, somewhat makes sense. Still, the Wolfpack are far too talented to falter in a winnable game such as this one. The only issue may be their focus, but Ryan Finley should have a solid day through the air while the defense, led by Bradley Chubb will make surprising starter John Wolford’s day under center tough.

Final Score: NC State 38, Wake Forest 27

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