Texas A&M Football: 5 bold predictions for 2018 Gator Bowl vs. NC State
By Shelbie Warr
In the last game of the calendar year, Texas A&M football will take on the NC State Wolfpack in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Let’s get bold y’all.
Both of these teams have had relatively decent seasons, one a lot quieter than the other of course. The Wolfpack started the season 6-0 and found their way into the national rankings.
However after, running into a buzzsaw named Clemson, NC State seemed to lose its footing a bit. Losses to Syracuse and Wake Forest, though they sandwiched an overwhelming win over Florida State, weren’t all that great. Barely beating Boston College and struggling against North Carolina isn’t exactly something these guys like to discuss.
Even though the Wolfpack, like the Aggies, are coming off a win, it really isn’t the same in terms of momentum. NC State took down Eastern Carolina 58-3. On the other hand, the Aggies won a seven-overtime thriller over then-No. 7 LSU to cap off what has otherwise been a roller coaster of a season for each and every player on the field.
All of that being said though, new head coach Jimbo Fisher seems to have this team moving in the right direction.
How do these two teams match up? Why should you tune into this one on New Year’s Eve amidst the rest of your festivities? Let’s talk bold predictions and get to answering those questions.
5. Expect an offensive shootout for the ages
Both of these teams are extremely efficient in terms of the offensive side of the ball. Both finished just behind teams within their conference who are now in the College Football Playoff. Texas A&M finished behind Alabama, averaging 466 yards per game; NC State behind Clemson, averaging 471 yards per game.
Those kind of numbers, that kind of production, doesn’t happen by accident. Both quarterbacks — Kellen Mond for Texas A&M and Ryan Finley for NC State — have had their ups and downs.
However, they each have shown multiple times that they can handle the big time moments and games. The question now is simple. Which offense will be able to make more plays and then, by extension win the game?