Texas A&M Football: 5 bold predictions for 2018 Gator Bowl vs. NC State
By Shelbie Warr
2. The Aggie defense will give the NC State offensive line a big test
NC State has had one of the best lines in the ACC this year. They have been great at protecting quarterback Ryan Finley. As it stands now, they lead the ACC in terms of sacks allowed and that is a huge statistic to circle in this one as the Aggies bread and butter starts with the sack attack.
Now, it isn’t the focus of the defense as it was when the likes of Myles Garrett and Dae Dae Hall were bookending the defense. But, Kingsley Keke, Landis Durham and Otaro Alaka have had their fair share of sacks this season. Throw Daylon Mack in there too and things could get interesting in a hurry for the NC State offensive line.
Here is the kicker though for the Wolfpack and it has nothing to do with sack numbers. The NC State offense relies heavily on the passing attack. That is no secret. However, the run game is just as important to help open up the passing lanes to make that attack happen. What are the Aggies one of the best at? Stopping the run.
The Wolfpack have four losses on the season. Out of those four, three have come on low rushing totals. To be specific, this team is 8-0 when they have about 115 yards on the ground. Lower than that? 1-3. Look for the Aggie rush defense to be a big time test for the Wolfpack offensive line for sure.