NC State football vs. Notre Dame: Scouting report, prediction for Wolfpack's home opener

NC State football faces Notre Dame in a highly anticipated game. Notre Dame's strong rushing attack could pose a challenge for NC State.

The NC State Wolfpack, coming off a solid 10-point victory over UConn, is set to return to their home turf in Raleigh for what promises to be an electric atmosphere. Their opponents, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, have started their season with two dominant wins against Navy and Tennessee State, outscoring their opponents by an average of 46 points.

When it comes to head-to-head matchups, NC State has had the upper hand, emerging victorious in two out of their three previous encounters with Notre Dame. As we look ahead to this game, there are several key factors to keep an eye on, and we'll also provide a score prediction.

One crucial aspect for NC State will be their ability to contain Notre Dame's rushing attack. In their four losses last season, the Fighting Irish averaged a mere 111.5 rushing yards. To stifle their opponents, the Wolfpack must focus on limiting the effectiveness of Notre Dame's ground game. Notably, according to Notre Dame's own game notes, they have an impressive record of 17-2 since 2021 when at least one player reaches 100 rushing yards. In Week 1, UConn's Victor Rosa fell just short of that mark with 99 yards and two touchdowns against the Pack. Additionally, Notre Dame's Audric Estimé has been averaging an impressive 105.5 rushing yards in their first two games.

Now, let's explore how NC State can potentially upset Notre Dame. We'll break down NC State football's recipe for success against the Fighting Irish.

Looking back at previous matchups, former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman has faced the Wolfpack three times, resulting in two losses for him, both of which occurred in Raleigh. In those games, Hartman put up solid numbers, averaging 308 passing yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions. However, since joining Notre Dame, Hartman has been in fine form, completing 33 of his 40 passes for seven touchdowns.

On the defensive side, the Fighting Irish boasted a strong unit last season, ranking 21st in total defense. They particularly excelled in limiting opponents to under 200 rushing yards per game, a feat they hadn't achieved since 2019. Impressively, Notre Dame's defense has yet to allow a touchdown in their first two games. NC State's quarterback, Brennan Armstrong, has never faced the Fighting Irish, but he made an immediate impact in his debut with the Pack. Against UConn, Armstrong showcased his versatility, scoring two rushing touchdowns and accumulating 96 yards on the ground. Notably, this marked the most rushing yards by a Wolfpack quarterback since Jacoby Brissett's 128-yard performance against UNC in 2014.

As we conclude our analysis, we offer our score prediction. We anticipate a hard-fought contest, with Notre Dame ultimately prevailing with a score of 27-19. The Fighting Irish have an impressive track record against ACC teams, having won 28 consecutive games against them. However, NC State has the potential to keep it close, thanks to their formidable abilities and the electric atmosphere of their home stadium.

In summary, the NC State Wolfpack is gearing up for a highly anticipated clash with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Both teams possess strengths and weaknesses that will undoubtedly impact the outcome of the game. Ultimately, it will be a battle of wills, and only time will reveal who emerges victorious.

If you have any further inquiries or wish to connect with staff writer Rodd Baxley, feel free to reach out to him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter at @RoddBaxley.

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