Top ACC Coaches Clash in Winston-Salem

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tom O'Brien and the NC State Wolfpack(3-1, 0-0) are traveling to Winston-Salem to take on Jim Grobe's Wake Forest(2-2, 0-1) team who has struggled lately against quality teams.



NC State are coming off a very impressive non-conference win at home against a tough Pittsburgh team, while Wake Forest is trying to bounce back after a very disappointing loss to Boston College.



Both teams are searching for their first conference wins of the season, along with Jim Grobe wanting to exact revenge for a loss in Raleigh last year.

Keys to Success for NC State Wolfpack

• Utilize Russell Wilson's Abilities

Russell Wilson is leading the ACC in touchdown passes(12) along with passing efficiency, also known as quarterback rating(169.6) and he has also rushed for 115 yards. Wake Forest's pass defense is one of the worst in ACC falling second to last, allowing 217.0 yards per game and eight touchdowns through the air.

• Pressure Riley Skinner

Wake Forest has an experienced senior quarterback in Riley Skinner under center, but he has looked nothing like an experienced quarterback making bad decisions in throwing five interceptions tied for most among ACC quarterbacks. The Wolfpack also have Willie Young who is third in sacks in the ACC with four. NC State as a team are only +1 in turnover margin while Wake is -4 in turnover margin.

• 3rd Down

Third downs are always ways important in any game but, in this game Wake Forest is one of the best in the ACC in converting third downs but also they the worst in allowing opponents to convert on third down. Wake converts 47.5% of their third downs(2nd in ACC) and they allow their opponents to convert 39.7% of their third downs(last in the ACC). NC State converts 50.o% of their third downs(1st in the ACC), while they are only allowing their opponent to convert only 20.0% of third downs.

Official Game Prediction

Wake Forest has had to replace a lot of players on both side of the ball and they aren't looking so hot after that overtime loss to Boston College. I think NC State wins an important conference game 35-17.

This Article is also available to read on Carolina Co-Op

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