Wake Forest vs. North Carolina State: Initial Thoughts

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday to take on the North Carolina State Wolfpack. Below are some quick, initial thoughts on Saturday's game.

• North Carolina State opened as a 12-point favorite, went up to 13.5, but is now at 12.5.
• Wake Forest has not won in Raleigh since 2006.
• In ACC play, N.C. State is averaging 20 points per game, while they are allowing a whopping 38. Wake Forest is averaging a dreadful 11.4 points, while allowing 30 per contest.
• As of 11/1, N.C. State was ranked 49th nationally by Football Outsiders' S&P+ ratings. Wake Forest is ranked 113th.
• This is Wake Forest's best remaining chance at a win.
• State has an excellent quarterback in Jacoby Brissett. The junior is averaging 220 passing yards/game, has 18 passing touchdowns to just 5 interceptions, with a passer rating of 134.65.
• Brissett is also a threat to run, as he averages 9 attempts and 28 rush yards per game.
• N.C. State has the 72nd best defense in the country according to Football Outsiders. I expect that number to become worse after they allowed 56 points to Georgia Tech on Saturday. State's offense is ranked 33rd, but I also expect that number to drop.
• Wake Forest has the 57th best defense and the 126th best offense.