NC State football game predictions: Marshall

NC State football practiced with a spark this week following its decision to promote sophomore MJ Morris into the starting quarterback job. Marshall will travel to Raleigh this weekend hoping to spoil his 2023 season debut.

The Thundering Herd heads into this game undefeated at 4-0 with a Power 5 win over Virginia Tech already on its resume. Considering the Sun Belt foe boasts the No. 22 scoring defense in the country at 15.7 points allowed per game, this will not be an easy test for Morris and the Wolfpack offense.

Coming into this game, NC State is 0-2 against FBS opponents at Carter-Finley Stadium on the season. The Pack will try to stop that streak Saturday, starting with a 2 p.m. kickoff.

Here are TheWolfpacker.com’s predictions for the non-conference showdown.

Ethan McDowell’s prediction for NC State vs. Marshall

NC State head coach Dave Doeren made the change at quarterback because the offense needed a “spark.” In practice media availability this week, there was clearly a sense of urgency and excitement around the team. It looked like the boost the coaches were looking for.

Marshall is NC State’s second Group of Five opponent this season and should worry fans much more than UConn. The Thundering Herd is a very solid program with a great rushing offense and a defense that can get after the quarterback. Keep an eye on edge rushers Sam Burton and Owen Porter, who have 4 and 3.5 sacks already this season. Marshall averages 4 sacks per game.

With that said, the Sun Belt standouts gave up 6.1 yards per rush against Virginia Tech in its September 23 win. The Wolfpack has not maintained a consistent rushing attack this season, but this should be an opportunity to establish one, keeping the pressure off Morris.

The sophomore quarterback will show the products of an offseason full of hard work Saturday. He is clearly a great leader and said he took steps forward on the mental side of the sport since his freshman year. That, paired with his impressive arm talent, should boost the Wolfpack passing game.

NC State’s offensive line continues to concern me but, with center Dylan McMahon back from injury, there will at least be consistency and experience in that unit.

Rasheen Ali is an elite running back and has scored 9 touchdowns over 4 games. He will be the focal point of Marshall’s offense, and NC State will limit him and turn the Herd into a one-dimensional attack. That will lead to turnovers, short fields for the offense and a confidence-building win for the Wolfpack.

Prediction: NC State 27, Marshall 13

Previous predictions:

NC State 31, Louisville 30 (Actual: Louisville 13, NC State 10)
NC State 31, UVA 13 (Actual: NC State 24, UVA 21)
NC State 45, VMI 0 (Actual: NC State 45, VMI 7)
Notre Dame 27, NC State 20 (Actual: Notre Dame 45, NC State 24)
NC State 24, UConn 10 (Actual: NC State 24, UConn 14)

Noah Fleischman’s prediction

Louisville provided a tough task for NC State’s run defense, but the Wolfpack held the Cardinals to just 20 yards on the ground. That will bode well this week as Marshall visits Carter-Finley with an explosive run game. 

If NC State can replicate what it did against Louisville when the Thundering Herd is in Raleigh, that should give the Wolfpack’s offense a prime opportunity to win the game. 

The contest is sophomore quarterback MJ Morris’ first start of the 2023 season, and he should be able to provide the spark that coach Dave Doeren is looking for on the offense. 

Morris’ ability to do that hinges on NC State’s offensive line being able to keep him clean, something it struggled with against Louisville. With starting center Dylan McMahon back in the lineup after he missed the last two games with an injury, the Pack should see improved line play.

With that in mind, the Wolfpack should be able to bounce back from its loss to the Cardinals and hand the Thundering Herd its first loss of the season.

Prediction: NC State 24, Marshall 10

Previous Predictions:

Louisville 35, NC State 21 (Actual: Louisville 13, NC State 10)
NC State 31, UVA 10 (Actual: NC State 24, UVA 21)
NC State 52, VMI 3 (Actual: NC State 45, VMI 7)