The Wolfpacker Show: NC State vs. UNC rivalry week preview
NC State renews its rivalry with UNC this weekend. Both teams are 8-3 on the year with their seasons trending in opposite directions.
The Wolfpack has won four-consecutive contests, defeating Clemson and Miami at home before recording road wins over Wake Forest and Virginia Tech. UNC lost to Clemson last week, its third ACC loss in its past four conference contests.
Last year’s thrilling double-overtime Wolfpack win, and the 2021 NC State comeback at Carter-Finley Stadium, clearly showed that anything can happen in this in-state rivalry game.
In the days leading up to the matchup, The Wolfpacker Show hosts Ethan McDowell and Noah Fleischman recorded another episode to preview everything to do with the regular season finale.
During the show, they discussed:
*** Their initial thoughts on the matchup against the Tar Heels, highlighting their big-picture thoughts on the game, including what should be a raucous environment at Carter-Finley Stadium.
*** Then, Noah and Ethan broke down each side of the ball for North Carolina, looking the program’s explosive offense, led by future first round NFL Draft pick quarterback Drake Maye and dynamic running back Omarion Hampton. UNC’s defense is led by star linebacker Cedric Gray. The unit gives up 26 points per game and ranks dead last in the ACC in pass defense.
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*** The hosts also shared their respective keys to the game. Noah outlined how establishing a rushing attack with Brennan Armstrong can produce a consistent offense for the Pack, while Ethan talked about defending the Tar Heels’ talented tight end room.
*** After a quick break, they picked the spread and the over/under for Saturday’s showdown. Both hosts expect NC State to cover. Then, they shared their final score predictions for the game. Noah predicted an elite performance from the Wolfpack defense. Ethan expects a relatively high-scoring affair that leads to another thrilling ending.
*** The hosts also predicted who will lead the Pack in rushing, receiving and tackling. Both Ethan and Noah made their obvious picks for each but also shared their respective sleeper selections for the rivalry contest. To wrap up the episode, they each made one bold prediction.
All of those topics and more are discussed on Thursday’s show, which is available in audio and video on TheWolfpacker.com’s YouTube channel.
