Tudor's take: North Carolina at N.C. State

It's reached the point that it's dangerous for opponents to even attempt passes against Carolina (8-3, 4-3 ACC). Still, Russell Wilson and the Wolfpack (4-7, 1-6) probably will need to throw a lot.

The Pack's ground game has improved some of late, but how do you play it safe when the defense is giving up 32 points? That's been State's dilemma for two months.

Both teams will bring in incentives galore, but emotions aren't likely to rule the entire afternoon.

Tar Heels, 27-20.

Observations

Bible will be missed

Offensive coordinator Dana Bible's absence today - he's fighting leukemia and hasn't been with the team in more than a week - certainly will affect N.C. State.

Bible's strengths are developing quarterbacks and calling plays. He seemed to have a particular knack for creating open spaces for receivers. That's not a skill that Jason Swepson, the running backs coach who is calling plays today for the Wolfpack, can learn in a short period.

Heels play fast, smart

There hasn't been much said recently about what's turned out to be the most important hire of coach Butch Davis' tenure at North Carolina.

After Everett Withers' first season as defensive coordinator in 2008, there was some concern that the Tar Heels weren't getting enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Those days are long gone. Withers has a lot of NFL-caliber talent on his defense, and he's got the Tar Heels playing fast and smart.

Player to watch

Russell Wilson

N.C. State, SO., QB, 5-11, 191

Wilson will have to do something special against the ACC's most dominating defense for N.C. State to have a chance of winning. Wilson leads the ACC with 27 touchdown passes but has been unable to generate much offense the past two weeks against the strong defenses of Clemson and Virginia Tech. North Carolina's speed should prevent him from doing much damage on the run, so he will have to be sharp throwing the ball.

By the numbers