Louisville at NC State football first look: Odds, key matchup, game day info
N.C. State returns home this weekend for its second ACC matchup against a red-hot (pun intended) Louisville.
The Cards lit up the scoreboard against Boston College on Saturday afternoon, whipping Boston College, 56-28. . They recorded touchdowns on their first seven drives of the game, scoring 56 points for the second time this season.
Plus, their offense has scored at least 21 points in all four matchups this season.
Meanwhile, the Wolfpack’s inconsistency on offense and defense remain a concern. Both groups have shown the abilities to make great plays, but they’ve also shown major weaknesses.
On the offensive side, N.C. State hasn’t scored more than 24 points in any of its FBS games — too few points for the way ACC teams have played thus far — and defense has given up at least two scores in those contests.
This weekend will presumably give the team, and its supporters, a better idea of what this season could ultimately look like.
Key matchup: Jawhar Jordan vs. Wolfpack linebackers
N.C. State gave up four rushing plays of 10 yards or more against Virginia. Plus, UConn had the 71-yard rushing touchdown and Notre Dame scored an 80 yarder. Now, the Wolfpack is set to face the best rusher in the ACC.
Jawhar Jordan leads the league in rushing, recording 478 yards for an average of 119.5 yards per game and 9.56 yards per carry. Against Boston College, even when the Cards went to a pass-heavy offensive attack, he gained 134 yards.
Jordan contributed a 75-yard receiving touchdown — his first of the season — to open the second half against BC. He recorded three total touchdowns in the 56-28 win and is up to seven on the season.
The Wolfpack will have its hands full trying to stop Jordan. It’s shown exceptional plays, including some tough tackles from guys like Payton Wilson and Caden Fordham, but the opponent explosives are impossible to forget.
This week, N.C. State tests its defense against one of the toughest run teams in the nation.
Vegas betting odds
Louisville is a 3-point favorite over the Wolfpack.
Louisville at NC State game and TV info
Teams: N.C. State Wolfpack (3-1, 1-0 ACC) vs. Louisville (4-0, 2-0 ACC)
Where: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh
Date: Friday, Sept. 29
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Stream: DIRECTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV
