NC State Wolfpack’s ACC Home Opener

The NC State Wolfpack will have a chance to make an early statement and protect home-field advantage when they host the Louisville Cardinals at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday to begin ACC play. Both teams enter the game at 2-2, setting up an important early ACC conference collision. Louisville comes into Raleigh looking to bounce back from a 30-27 loss to Wake Forest, while NC State enters with positive momentum after defeating Appalachian State 41-31.

The challenge for the Wolfpack will be carrying their offensive success into ACC play while eliminating some of the mistakes that have caused problems earlier this season. Quarterback CJ Bailey has provided stability for NC State through the first four games. He has completed 67.3% of his passes for 893 yards and six touchdowns. His smart decisions and consistent ability to move the offense will be critical against Louisville. NC State also improved its running game last week. Jayden “Duke” Scott rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry this season. If Scott can continue producing on the ground, it should take the pressure off CJ Bailey and force Louisville’s defense to defend both sides of the Wolfpack offense. 

One of NC State’s biggest areas of concern has been turnovers; the Wolfpack have committed seven turnovers through their first four games. Giving Louisville extra possessions or short fields could change the game quickly. NC State needs to protect the ball and make the Cardinals drive the length of the field. Louisville has playmakers who can change the game quickly. NC State’s defense will need to keep everything in front of them to avoid giving up those big gains. Making Louisville consistently put together long drives could put the Wolfpack in a much better position late in the game. Then there’s the X-factor: home-field advantage. Carter-Finley Stadium should be loud; that kind of atmosphere should help the Wolfpack while disrupting the Cardinals.