"NC State vs. Marshall Football: Scouting Report and Prediction for MJ Morris' Debut"

NC State's defense remains strong, while Marshall carries a winning streak. NC State is predicted to win 28-20.

The upcoming game between NC State and Marshall in Raleigh is set to be an intriguing matchup. NC State has a perfect 5-0 record against Marshall in their all-time series, with the Wolfpack winning by an average of 17 points in their last three meetings. Adding to the excitement, NC State will be honoring its 1973 ACC Championship squad on their 50th anniversary this weekend.

While NC State's offense has faced some struggles, their defense has remained strong, thanks in large part to the exceptional play of linebacker Payton Wilson. Wilson currently leads the ACC in tackles with an impressive 56. The Wolfpack's defense is also ranked third in the ACC in run defense, holding opponents to just 95.6 rushing yards per game. However, they will face a challenge from Marshall's offense, which has been averaging 163 rushing yards per game. Dual-threat quarterback Cam Fancher and running back Rasheen Ali have been key contributors to Marshall's ground game. Fancher had a standout performance against Old Dominion, accounting for two touchdowns with 278 passing yards and 102 rushing yards. Ali, on the other hand, has been averaging 5.2 yards per carry and is one of only three running backs in the nation with nine rushing touchdowns.

One of the most exciting storylines for NC State is the return of MJ Morris as their starting quarterback. Morris had his freshman season cut short due to a knee injury but showed great promise during his time on the field. He completed 66.6% of his passes, averaging over 237 passing yards and throwing six touchdowns in wins against Virginia Tech and Wake Forest. Head coach Dave Doeren is hopeful that Morris will provide the spark needed to elevate the Wolfpack's offense. However, Doeren also emphasized that the team as a whole needs to improve in order to support their quarterback.

Marshall enters the game with a nine-game winning streak, including an impressive victory against Notre Dame last season. They have continued their success this season with a 4-0 start, which includes wins against East Carolina and Virginia Tech. It is clear that Marshall is a formidable opponent and NC State should expect a tough battle.

In terms of a score prediction, I believe NC State will come out on top with a 28-20 victory. However, it is important for the Wolfpack to not overlook Marshall, as they have proven their ability to defeat Power Five opponents in the past. This game will serve as a crucial test for NC State before their prime-time matchup against Duke.

In conclusion, the game between NC State and Marshall promises to be an exciting clash between two talented teams. NC State's defense, led by Payton Wilson, will be looking to contain Marshall's potent rushing attack. Meanwhile, the return of MJ Morris as the Wolfpack's starting quarterback adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. Marshall's recent success and ability to defeat strong opponents cannot be ignored. Ultimately, NC State will need to bring their A-game in order to secure a victory.

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