Posted by NoleCC

By Bill Kristoph

N.C. State Wolfpack Head Coach Chuck Amato has FSU’s number. This is a statement than many analysts have made over the last couple of seasons. However, I respectfully disagree with them. Phillip Rivers had FSU’s number, not Chuck. Granted, ACC opponents may not fear the Seminoles as much as they used to, but there is no reason to believe that a mediocre N.C. State is going to beat the ‘Noles. It is believable that the ‘Noles will play down to N.C. State, though, and combined with the home field, it gives N.C. State a legitimate shot to beat FSU.’,'For the Seminoles, it is imperative that the offense starts strong and takes the rabid Wolfpack fan-base out of the game early. They have not been able to do that on a road game yet this season, maybe they will now. Wyatt Sexton will have to show the same fire that he had last Saturday when the Seminoles took the field for the first time in the second half. Leon Washington will need a solid game, and that should lead to some holes opening up for Lorenzo Booker, who has struggled at times without his counterpart. Also, look for the tight end to be open, as they have been for the past couple of games. Let’s just hope that they catch the ball, when they are given the opportunity.

Give Chuck Amato credit. He will give the Seminole defense some fits. He has already shuffled around players to maximize their potential. (N.C. State’s offensive line has been shuffled quite a bit due to injury.) Expect to see the redshirt freshman quarterback Marcus Stone if his knee is healthy enough. (I suspect it will for a big game against the ‘Noles.) And there will be some wonderfully crafted schemes to watch on television. Oh, how I hate watching the 4 yard passes dink and dunk the ‘Noles all game. The Wolfpack defense is solid, and Chuck will handle Jeff Bowden’s mediocre play-calling, but it shouldn’t keep the ‘Noles at bay for the entire game.

On special teams, FSU has found Gary Cismesia (who tied a school record last week by going 5/5 on field goals), which means they at least have a clean slate at kicker. If the game is close there will be hope for a Seminole victory. Wyatt Sexton is overdue for a solid road-game performance, and Leon Washington makes his return for the Seminoles. This one is close through 3 ½ quarters, but not close enough for the Wolfpack. Sexton throws a late TD to ice the game. FSU 31, N.C. State 20.

Happy Veteran’s Day! Go ‘Noles, and check this one out on ESPN at 7:45 Thursday night! It will be a good one!