Game Prediction: NC State Wolfpack at #17 North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina (9-2) has already clinched its spot within the ACC Championship recreation, however they noticed their six-game win streak snapped final week in a shocking loss to Georgia Tech. With the intention to get some momentum again heading into its matchup in opposition to Clemson, the Tar Heels might want to determine a method to beat rival NC State, who has gained 4 of the final six video games on this matchup.

NC State has had a disappointing season riddled with key accidents, however knocking off the Seventeenth-ranked Tar Heels could be a pleasant method to finish the season.

The place: Kenan Stadium (Raleigh, N.C.)
When: 3:30 PM ET (Friday)
Community: ABC
Line: UNC -6.5, O/U 56

IB has damaged down the sport and now it is time to make our predictions.

BRYAN DRISKELL, PUBLISHER

Prediction: North Carolina 35, NC State 21

We’ll discover out this weekend if the loss to Georgia Tech was only a unhealthy day, or if the Tar Heels are buckling beneath the strain of their excessive rating and pending ACC title berth. I am going with it being an anomaly. 

NC State has one of many higher defenses within the ACC, however they have been weak to essentially good move assaults, and North Carolina has one of the best move assault the Wolfpack will face this season. Quarterback Drake Maye is enjoying like a Heisman contender, and the Heels will ought to be a bit salty after final week’s loss to Georgia Tech. I anticipate an enormous bounce again recreation for Maye and star wideout Josh Downs, who was held to simply three catches final week.

The Wolfpack offense lacks the firepower to win this recreation for my part. His future is vivid, however I’ve a tough time seeing freshman MJ Morris out-dueling Maye.

Prediction: North Carolina 42, NC State 28

It’s humorous how my love for the Irish sways my votes on these video games however right here we’re once more. ND wants UNC to win as many video games as attainable so strengthen their NY6 resume. They’ve already locked themselves into the ACC title recreation so hopefully they’re nonetheless enjoying for retains throughout this recreation. It helps that the sport is at dwelling and it’s a rivalry recreation. Drake Maye is enjoying very effectively and I feel he’ll proceed. On the finish of the day I don’t assume this recreation might be that shut.

RYAN ROBERTS, RECRUITING DIRECTOR

Prediction: North Carolina 27, NC State 20

I simply can’t get on NC State proper now. I do know that North Carolina is coming off of a really disappointing loss to Georgia Tech however they’re nonetheless a way more reliable group offensively to belief.

Drake Maye and Josh Downs are the distinction on this soccer recreation. NC State has routinely caught across the 20-21 level vary so the primary group to hit the over is the victor on this one. 

SHAUN DAVIS, RECRUITING ANALYST

Prediction: North Carolina 42, NC State 28

North Carolina’s disappointing efficiency in opposition to Georgia Tech might have taken among the shine off Drake Maye’s season and his possibilities on the Heisman. Nevertheless, NC State lacks the firepower to deal with the response I anticipate from the Tar Heel offense.

SEAN STIRES, STAFF WRITER

Prediction: North Carolina 36, NC State 24

This is able to have a greater likelihood of being a enjoyable recreation if NC State QB Devin Leary was wholesome, however he’s not. The Wolfpack would possibly nonetheless rating in opposition to the Tar Heels, however not sufficient to beat Drake Maye and Co. 

ANDREW MCDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR

Prediction: North Carolina 31, NC State 21

North Carolina hosts a reeling NC State group coming off a shocking loss to Georgia Tech. The Tar Heels have already clinched a spot within the ACC Championship in opposition to Clemson, however must rebound this weekend to get again momentum heading into that recreation. 

The excellent news for North Carolina is that rival NC State has been a shell of itself since dropping QB Devin Leary to a season-ending damage. Since Leary was injured in opposition to Clemson, the Wolfpack have averaged simply 18.3 PPG. They’ve managed to remain above water on the energy of a powerful protection, however North Carolina would be the greatest offense they’ve confronted all season. 

The Heels management this one the complete manner and safe a 10-win season on behind a bounce-back efficiency from QB Drake Maye.

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