CFB Football Previews – South Alabama Jaguars vs North Carolina State Wolfpack
Week 1 produced a win for N.C. State’s first game in the post-Russell Wilson era but the win over the FCS’ Liberty showcased some red flags. It turns out the concerns were legit. In a game they were favored to win, the Wolfpack fell to Wake Forest last week. Life gets easier again when N.C. State hosts South Alabama this Saturday.
NCAAF Week 3: South Alabama vs N.C. State
Date: Saturday, September 17, 2011
Venue: Carter-Finely Stadium, Raleigh, North Carolina
Broadcast: ESPN3
South Alabama Jaguars at North Carolina State Wolfpack Betting Lines from Bookmaker
Money Line: OFF
Spread: N.C. State -25
Over/Under: 49.5
South Alabama Jaguars (2-0)
In all likelihood, Saturday’s game will come and go uneventfully, with N.C State winning easily. But don’t tell the South Alabama Jaguars that.
This game is monumental for them. South Alabama only got a football program in 2009 but has gone 20-0 since its inception. In 2013, it will join the FBS’ Sun Belt Conference. Saturday’s game at N.C. State will mark the Jaguars’ first ever game against an FBS opponent.
The Jags will try to stay in the game on the strength of their defense, which is allowing nine points and 253 yards per game so far and has reportedly impressed N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien in the film room.
N.C. State Wolfpack (1-1)
N.C. State had some positives and negatives to take away from their loss to Wake Forest last week. Offensively, they were fairly impressive. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Mike Glennon, Russell Wilson’s successor at quarterback, was far less of a caretaker and much more of a driving force last week. He threw for 315 yards and a touchdown on 24 of 41 passing. He was forced to throw a lot with N.C. State trailing and showed he was up to the task.
Defensively, the Wolfpack struggled. They allowed 438 yards of offense against Wake Forest? The Demon Deacons aren’t exactly a high-octane football team.
CFB Wagering Trends:
N/A
The pick:
Glennon’s ability to move the ball on Wake Forest last week was encouraging and bodes well against USA this week. I’d also expect N.C. State to play aggressively on defense and try to get their pass rush going against an inferior opponent.
I know this game means a lot to South Alabama. But, unfortunately for the Jaguars, they face a team that won’t take them too lightly. The Wolfpack have plenty to work on and are still vying for their first good performance of the season. They’ll get it on Saturday.
South Alabama vs N.C. State prediction: N.C. State 38, South Alabama 7
Money Line: OFF
Spread: N.C. State -25
Over/Under: UNDER 49.5
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