#18 NC State Keys to Victory vs Miami

RALEIGH NC – Believe it or not, it is already week 8 in the College Football season, and the #18 NC State Wolfpack (5-1) gets ready to travel and take on the Miami Hurricanes (2-4) on Saturday night.

Opening up as just 3 point favorites, the Pack will need to come in and make a statement that they should be getting more recognition for their recent success. But does this team need to keep on making statements when they have been on an absolute roll? Apparently, because any team can be beaten but this is a matchup where the Pack can quickly come out at 6-1 if the game plan is executed. Similar to last week, it is all about making mid-game adjustments. Something this team and its coaching staff have perfected so far in 2021. 

3 Keys to Victory & Score Prediction 

Start fast: This was one of the few things that the Pack has struggled with in previous games. They had difficulty finding any rhythm in the early stages of the BC game, and it resulted in them only leading 10-7 at halftime. They also ran into this problem against Louisana Tech, only being up 13-10 through 2 quarters of play. That is when the mid-game adjustments came into play, but the Pack should not even have to get to that point. They must put up points early and put the ball in Miami’s court. It will be challenging to see the Hurricanes crawl back if the Pack can take the crowd out early and gain momentum by putting up points in the 1st and 2nd quarters. It does not matter how the points are scored. Whether it is offense, defense, or even special teams, take the lead quickly and do not look back. 

Take advantage of Miami’s defensive struggles: There is really no other way to put this, but the Miami defense is extremely weak. They surrender over 30 points a game and have yet to bail out their offense, which has been able to keep them in games despite the record. The Pack offense should have a field day ahead of them as they are averaging 32 points per game in 2021 and a little above 34 points during their winning streak. Expect the run game to be established towards the middle stages because it could be out of hand quickly if Devin Leary and company come out firing, as they should.

Put the pressure on QB Tyler Van Dyke: It will be another week where the Pack will take on a backup QB. Tyler Van Dyke gets the start, and even though the offense can put up points, it still should be an advantage the Pack will have to run away with. He has passed for just over 700 passing yards with 5 touchdowns. The Pack will be by far the best defensive unit Van Dyke has gone up against, as they allow just 294 yards a game with a whopping 14 points a game. If you can pressure Van Dyke and make him feel uncomfortable, it will be difficult for the Miami offense to put up points at the rate they have been over the last couple of weeks. It is simple, make Van Dyke attempt to beat you with his arm. 

Game prediction: NC State will keep rolling on all three phases of the ball, and the Hurricanes defense will continue to struggle massively. This will lead the Pack to a 5th straight victory, defeating Miami, 38-20.