NC State vs. Louisville: 2011 Belk Bowl Preview from the Sports Mac

In its 10th year, the Belk Bowl has always had an interesting matchup as it features a couple of conferences that cover the entire length of the Eastern seaboard. The ACC-Big East matchup had produced some good tight ball games with teams that haven’t had the best of seasons. This year’s participants fall right into that category, having up and down seasons, but they seem to be evenly matched as well.

North Carolina State got off to a rough start this season trying to adjust to life without graduated QB Russell Wilson. They started the year 2-3 and were blown out by Cincinnati on the road. Things started to come together after that, however. 

It started with a win over Central Michigan, and it continued through the rest of the season. They won five of their last seven games, including three wins over ACC bowl teams. The signature win of the season was a home blowout win over ACC champion Clemson that ended the Tigers' hopes of playing for the BCS championship. NC State ended the year with seven victories and made the postseason for the second straight year.

Louisville started the season similar to the Wolfpack as they began 2-4 with their only wins over FCS Murray State and a rivalry win over Kentucky. But the second half of the season was a different story.  The Cardinals ended the year on a hot streak, winning five of their last six games. They beat Big East champion West Virginia, and were in the thick of the Big East title race right up until the last weekend.  They also won seven games this season and made a bowl for the second straight year.

So, which team will continue their good play and carry momentum into the 2012 season? Read on for the preview of the 2011 Belk Bowl.

North Carolina State offense vs. Louisville defense

The Wolfpack offense has been inconsistent at best this season. They did average 28 points per game, but they had up and down performances all year. NC State did score at least 35 points six times, five of those wins. But then there were games where they scored just 14 points at Cincinnati, 13 points in a win over North Carolina and just 10 in a bad loss to Boston College. 

Mike Glennon continues to lead the offense, but the main threat to watch out for is RB James Washington. He led the team this year in rushing and tied for the team lead in catches per game. He’ll be the main focus of a Cardinals defense that had a solid season. They ended up 10th in run defense, 14th in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense this season. Louisville should cause plenty of problems for the North Carolina State offense on this night.

Edge: Louisville

Louisville offense vs. North Carolina State defense

As inconsistent as NC State’s offense was this year, Louisville’s was just as bad, possibly worse. They averaged just over 21 points per game and ended up with one of the 20 worst offenses in the country this season.

There have been plenty of growing pains for the Cardinals with the debut of true freshman QB Teddy Bridgewater. They have a three-man rotation at tailback with Vic Anderson, Dominique Brown and Jeremy Wright. But they weren’t effective, either. Louisville finished 94th in the country in rushing with just under 122 yards per game. 

They’ll be going up against a Wolfpack defense that was the stronger unit of the team this year. They finished in the top 40 in total defense and just outside the top 30 in pass efficiency defense. They’ll have the advantage here as the Cardinals struggle to score and can have problems moving the ball.

Edge: North Carolina State

Special Teams

Neither team has been stellar across the board in this area, but there is one unit that could prove to be a difference in this contest. North Carolina State finished just outside the top 20 in punt returns this season and the main weapon there is T.J. Graham. The leading receiver on the team, he averaged over 12 yards per return this season and had an 82-yard return for a TD. He is the kind of game changer that could play a big role in this game.

Edge: North Carolina State

This and That

This will be a virtual home game for North Carolina State. It’s just a three-hour drive from Raleigh, so there should be plenty of Wolfpack fans in Charlotte. Each team is playing in its second straight bowl game, and each is coming off a bowl victory last year. Both teams are each coming into this contest on a two-game winning streak, but NC State has the most impressive victory over ACC champion Clemson.

Edge: North Carolina State

So, what will happen in the 2011 Belk Bowl?

This has the potential to be a sloppy, low-scoring game. The defenses should have the advantage, and it might come down to a scoring play by either defense or special teams. North Carolina State should make a couple more plays and capitalize on the inconsistent Louisville offense. It’ll be a third straight bowl victory for the Wolfpack.

Line: North Carolina State by 1

The Sports Mac Prediction: North Carolina State 20, Louisville 14