- So far this year the NC State offense has been very underwhelming. However, the games they really struggled in (Vols, Clemson, and No. Illinois) all have above average defenses. This week they will not see that in Wake Forest. Wake is coming off 2 straight games giving up over 200 yards on the ground, which is exactly what NC State needs on offense this year. Success on the ground can really open up the offense and let NC State control the game. Wake also features one of the worst pass defenses in the nation, ranking 115th in Finnelytics GameScore.

- Outside of Tennessee and Clemson the NC State defense has actually been pretty solid. Wake will try to sling it around a bit and that's aligns better for NC State with that being their better unit so far this year.

- Situationally, this game also benefits NC State. Obviously, this game is in Raleigh, but Wake Forest also has Clemson on deck. Not saying Wake would overlook an in-state rival, but I'm sure there is some space taken up inside about it.