Knowing the challenges his team faces, including a 44-pound difference between the average size of N.C. State's offensive linemen (6-5, 304 pounds) and USA's undersized defensive line, Jones has been careful in declaring the game's significance.

"Some of the teams we've played, there's been guys we felt we can pick on. There's not really one guy on their team we can pick on," he said. "(But) I have never been one to gauge the success of a team based on one game.

"I think anytime you have a game like this, the emotional level is always going to be up. We'll prepare the same, but the emotional level changes. (Players) are excited about it."