NC State vs Cincinnati: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

Although the North Carolina State Wolfpack and Cincinnati Bearcats are nowhere near the AP Top 25 thus far, they still have plenty to play for.

For the Bearcats, they don't exactly play in the most dominant conference with West Virginia and South Florida as the leaders.

For the Wolfpack, they're trying to improve on a 9-4 record in 2010 and avoid regressing to the days when six wins was an accomplishment.

Both teams are also playing for some kind of bowl game, and given both have 2-1 records, they'll be raring to go come Thursday.

Where: Nippert Stadium

When: Thursday, Sept. 22, 8 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN, ESPN3

Listen: Wolfpack-Capitol Sports Network, 700 WLW AM

Betting Line: Cincinnati -8 

Key Storyline: NC State's Depleted Defense vs. Cincinnati's High-Powered Offense

NC State has already had a host of injuries hit the team like a hammer, including defensive tackle J.R. Sweezy and cornerback Jarvis Byrd. Byrd is out for the season while Sweezy is still expected to miss some time.

Against the Bearcats, who are ranked fourth in college football in points per game (51.3), this certainly isn't a good matchup for the Wolfpack. A lot of players on defense are going to have to step up for the Wolfpack to have a chance.

Who Might Not Play for NC State:

Jeff Reiskamp, Day-to-Day

Logan Winkles, Day-to-Day

Thomas Teal, Out

Sterling Lucas, Out for Season

Jarvis Byrd, Out for Season

J.R. Sweezy, Out

Mustafa Greene, Out

Who Might Not Play for Cincinnati:

None

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications:

Both NC State and Cincinnati don't figure to be in the top 25 discussion this season, but a win by the Bearcats would at least put them in that direction. One thing the Bearcats have is an explosive offense, which can always surprise some ranked teams down the line.

Big dates after NC State include South Florida on Oct. 22 and West Virginia on Nov. 12.

What They're Saying:

Paul Daugherty of the Cincinnati Enquirer:

"

You are the University of Cincinnati and you have spent mega-millions believing a lie. Nice job on that football practice bubble. Good work on the Lindner Center. Ambitious thoughts on revamping Fifth Third Arena and expanding good ol’ Nippert Stadium. Too bad you’ve done it all convinced of the bright future of the Big East Conference.

"

What Daugherty is talking about is the Big East's desperation at possibly being irrelevant in the world of college football.

Led by Zach Collaros, the Bearcats have a chance to surprise with their offense this season, but the defense needs to step up if they have any chance of making serious headway.

J.P Giglio of the News Observer:

"

The defense tightened up against the pass (182 yards allowed) but let South Alabama back Kendall Houston run for 117 yards on just 18 carries (6.5 yards per pop). The loss of linebacker Terrell Manning to a knee injury late in the first quarter didn't help the Pack's front seven, which already was missing two starters.

"

Giglio underscores the injuries which have stacked up for the Wolfpack and have them scrambling to make up for some key losses. It's hard to see NC State containing Collaros and Co. with a banged-up defense.

NC State Player to Watch: Mike Glennon, QB

In his first season as starter for the Wolfpack, senior quarterback Mike Glennon has made the most of his opportunity, throwing for 745 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception in the first three games.

Glennon should have some spots to pick apart the Bearcats' defense and, combined with running back Curtis Underwood Jr., should be able to put up some points. This is likely to be a shootout.

Cincinnati Player to Watch: Zach Collaros, QB

If the Bearcats are to make a name for themselves in 2011, they'll do so with their offense, led by Collaros. After passing for over 2,900 yards, 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions last season, Collaros is off to a sizzling start, completing 62 percent of his throws for 571 yards and seven touchdowns to no interceptions.

Look for Collaros to seek receivers D.J. Woods and Anthony McLung.

Key Matchup: Zach Collaros vs. NC State

There's no reason to think Collaros can't exploit NC State's depleted defense, but that will be the key for the Bearcats to distance themselves in the game.

If the Wolfpack can somehow contain Collaros, they have a decent offense and could make a game of this. Look for NC State to give Collaros several different looks on defense to cause some turnovers.

On the Hot Seat: The Big East

Connecticut was largely mocked when they came out of the Big East last season to play in the Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma. It didn't help matters when the Huskies lost, 48-20.

Every game for the Big East is a chance to prove themselves to the rest of college football. This will be a chance for Cincinnati to prove itself to the ACC.

Prediction: Cincinnati 38, NC State 28