First look: Top story lines, betting odds for NC State vs Florida State football game
N.C. State was scary good on Halloween weekend, ripping off 21 points in the fourth quarter to knock off Louisville, 28-13.
Now the trick for the Wolfpack will be if it can keep that momentum going on the road agains Florida State. N.C. State is 1-2 on the road this season, but now is not the time to take a step back. It’s November and the conference title is still very much up for grabs. The Wolfpack still controls its own destiny to Charlotte, and the trip to Tallahassee is the second of four straight divisional games.
“November is an important month,” N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren said. “It’s the first time in my time in the league that it’s been wide open for who is going to represent each side of the division. So it’s exciting right now in our conference.”
The Wolfpack and Wake Forest are the only teams with no divisional losses so far. The Noles will look to play spoiler in that regard. N.C. State can’t get caught looking ahead to a potential division championship the following weekend. Florida State is picking up some momentum after a slow start and the Pack need to be prepared for a tough battle.
Don’t take the bait
This might be the biggest game on the schedule for N.C. State, and not because it’s the next game. Defeat Florida State and the next week is a big-time showdown for the Atlantic Division lead.
There’s so much on the line in Tallahassee and the Noles, with three divisional losses already, could play spoiler a week early. The chance to really have a special season is right there in front of the Wolfpack, but a message needs to be sent this weekend. The N.C. State players preach going 1-0 each week and they can do exactly that against FSU. Against Louisville, the Pack waited until the fourth quarter to get going offensively, but that can’t be the case on the road at FSU.
Not the same FSU
At the beginning of the season, a dumpster fire was brewing at Florida State. The Seminoles started the year 0-4 and many thought they would be in the market for another coach. But FSU turned things around, winning three straight before falling to Clemson last weekend. Florida State has seemingly got things in order and is fighting to save its season. It just so happens that N.C. State stands in the way.
“They had a lot of momentum,” Doeren said. “They are really doing some good things. They are much more physical, kind of settled in on who they are. They are a big, strong, physical defensive line, that’s the first thing you see.”
3 Florida State Seminoles to watch
Jermaine Johnson, DE: The former Georgia defensive lineman leads the ACC in sacks with six and looks to cause all sorts of problems for the N.C. State passing game. The Wolfpack has done a decent job of protecting Devin Leary, but Johnson presents a different kind of challenge. He’ll look to make a living in the N.C. State backfield in the passing or running game. Johnson (6-5, 262) also leads the conference in tackles for loss (11).
Jordan Travis, QB: You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it for the final four games of the regular season - running quarterbacks have caused some problems for N.C. State. Here comes another one in Jordan Travis. Travis is averaging 48.6 yards on the ground per game and is the third leading rusher on the team with 448 yards rushing. It’s a good thing the Wolfpack defense is coming off a week where they faced Malik Cunningham. Those strategies for stopping a running quarterback should still be in place.
Treshaun Ward, RB: The former walk-on has emerged as a key contributor for the Noles. Ward is averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He’s the second leading rusher on the team with 440 yards and has three rushing touchdowns.
3 NC State Wolfpack to watch
Cory Durden, DT: It’ll be a homecoming for Durden, who spent three seasons at Florida State before transferring. Durden has stepped in as a starter for the injured C.J. Clark and the N.C. State defensive front has hardly missed a beat. The question will be if Durden will be able to keep his emotions in check returning to Tallahassee and seeing his old friends on the other side.
“I know for Cory it will be emotional,” Doeren said. “We just have to keep him focused on his job and that’s a discussion we’ll have with him.”
Doeren added he thought that Durden played his best fundamental game versus Louisville last weekend.
Ikem Ekwonu, OL: Ekwonu is considered one of the best offensive linemen in the country this season. Johnson, the FSU defensive end, is considered one of the best at his position. Enough said. Game on. NFL scouts will be keeping a close eye on the battle at the edge between these two heavyweights. Ekwonu could really make himself a lot of money with a good showing versus Johnson.
Vi Jones, LB: At his Monday press conference, Doeren singled out the play of Jones, who was filling in for the injured Isaiah Moore. Jones, one of the most athletic players on the team, was instrumental in keeping an eye on Cunningham. Jones finished with seven tackles against Louisville.
NC State vs Florida State game, TV info
Who: NC State (6-2, 3-1) vs. Florida State (3-5, 2-3)
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Fla.
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
TV: ACCN
Vegas odds: NC State vs Florida State point spread
N.C. State is an early 3-point favorite over Florida State.
This story was originally published November 1, 2021 at 2:19 PM.
