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NC State suffered a demoralizing, mostly self-inflicted loss last week down in Miami, but now returns home to Raleigh to face a surging Louisville squad. Despite being 3-3 against FBS competition this year, the Cardinals have been playing good football of late, led by a potent offense.
Can a Wolfpack defense, one that’s suddenly being forced to rely on a bevy of youth for production, be able to stop the Louisville offense that’s averaging 31.5 points per game in ACC play? Or will the Cardinals up their record in Carter-Finley Stadium to 4-1 with a win?
Each BTP contributor provides their score prediction below, plus a quick blurb on their predicted outcome. Here we go!
JEOHankins2
Prediction: 38-35 (W)
Comment: “Defense takes a minute to adjust to our new reality, but offense steps up knowing their role now...I believe this team is built different and responds rather than shrinks, disappointment and injuries after MSU led to a multi-game win streak, our new one starts Saturday“
AlecLower
Prediction: 31-24 (W)
Comment: “Competitive game that comes down to the end, Devin Leary leads a late TD drive to win.“
Essad
Prediction: 24-34 (L)
Comment: “Replacing your MLB going into a matchup against a dual threat QB is not a good recipe. Offense keeps it close but not close enough (I hope I’m wrong). Also expect a bounce back game from Devin Carter, they go to him early and often.“
Steven
Prediction: 35-31 (W)
Comment: “I’m hopeful about seeing an NC State team with renewed focus, and Louisville has probably the worst defense the Pack has seen outside of Furman or USF.“
SP+
Prediction: 31-26 (W)
Comment: “beep boop“
no23sports
Prediction: 31-28 (W)
Comment: “I expect this football team to rally from last week’s loss. And they’ll have a strong Homecoming night crowd to get them going.“
PirateWolf
Prediction: 34-32 (W)
Comment: “Back and forth game, with State stopping a Louisville 2-point try to secure the win.“
BTP Staff Cumulative Prediction: 32-30 (W)
Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments!