NC State Keys to Victory vs USF for Season Opener
RALIEGH NC – The NC State Wolfpack will take on the USF Bulls for the fourth time in school history in the 2021 season opener at Carter-Finley Stadium on Thursday night. The series favors the Pack, collecting a record of 2-1 versus the Bulls, including winning their previous matchup 49-17 dating back to September 2014.
The Pack, led by 9th-year head coach Dave Doeren is coming off an 8-4 campaign in 2020 and find themselves entering week 1 as massive 18 1/2 point favorites. On the other hand, USF had a dreadful first season under second-year head coach Jeff Scott going 1-8. A face that Doeren and his staff are familiar with as Scott spent 11 years with ACC rival Clemson.
The Bulls ranked 118 out of 128 qualified teams a year ago, compared to the Pack who ranked 48. Even though the numbers are night and day, there are trap games, and the Pack will still need to put together a complete football game to begin the season with a win.
3 Keys to Victory & Score Prediction
Get after the quarterback: With an experienced defensive line for the Pack, who we have heard so much about this offseason, they should be able to get off to a hot start. The Bulls allowed an eye-popping 30 sacks (3.3 per game) in 9 games in 2020 for a total loss of 177 yards. The Pack must take advantage of the poor offensive line play especially considering they will be going up against sophomore QB Cade Fortin for the Bulls as Jordan McCloud transferred to Arizona.
Ground and pound: RB Zonovan Knight is coming off a productive season for the Pack. He racked up 788 rushing yards on 143 attempts (5.5 yards per attempt) while getting in the endzone 10 times. Another favorable matchup here for the Pack. The Bulls had one of the worst defenses in the nation, allowing 39.8 points a game. Their run defense was arguably their biggest concern surrendering 211.9 yards per game on the ground. For a Pack team who can run the ball effectively, Knight could have a chance to start his 2021 season in style.
Home-field advantage: Fans are finally back in Carter-Finley, and in college football, home-field advantage is crucial. It can be equivalent to having a 12th man. With over 65,000 fans cheering for their NC State Wolfpack, it does not bode well for a young Bulls team who lacks expierence and is already coming in as underdogs.
Game prediction: NC State cannot fall into a trap, and there are numerous reasons on paper why this game should not even be close. The Pack will take advantage of the countless weaknesses of USF and cruise to a 1-0 record by dominating them for a final score of 42-14.