NC State vs. Marshall Fearless Prediction, Game Preview

By: Pete Fiutak | September 20, 2018 12:41 am

NC State vs. Marshall fearless prediction and game preview.

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 22
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Venue: Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, WV
Network: CBS Sports Network

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NC State (2-0) vs. Marshall (2-0) Game Preview

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One Reason Why Marshall Will Win

It’s only been two games, but the NC State defense isn’t coming up with the big stops it’s supposed to.

The pass rush is fine, but the Wolfpack only has two takeaways so far and it’s not doing much of anything defensively on third downs. Marshall’s offensive line has been terrific so far at keeping defenses out of the backfield, and it’s managing to generate points when absolutely needed.

It’s been a wee bit of a grind at times, but there’s no threat of an NC State running game – there isn’t one – and overall, the Herd attack has worked, averaging 467 yards pre game.

Keep the chains moving. Do that, keep Ryan Finley on the sidelines, and this will at least be close in the fourth quarter.

One Reason Why NC State Will Win

Miami University and Eastern Kentucky isn’t Miami and Kentucky – Marshall hasn’t beaten anyone amazing yet.

NC State might have its issues in certain areas, but Finley has been amazing so far – especially on third downs – and the Herd secondary gives up the occasional deep shot. MU allows 11.7 yards per completion, and Finley is averaging nine yards per throw, hitting 75% of his passes for 735 yards in two games.

The Wolfpack passing game works; Marshall’s running game doesn’t. Either the Herd have to be better with their passing game than the team with a guy who’s growing into the darling of the NFL scouting world, or they’re sunk.

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What’s Going To Happen

Neither team has beaten anyone with a pulse yet, and both teams are rested after their respective games were cancelled last week.

Finley and the NC State offense will be effective from the start, controlling the game throughout. Marshall will come up with a few explosive scoring plays to keep it interesting, and then the Pack will answer with long marches.

It’ll be an interesting game, with Marshall making it a four quarter fight. But the Wolfpack will be more effective when they have to be.