N.C State new head coach Tom O’Brien didn't get off to a good start last season, as the Wolfpack started the 2007 season by losing their first five games against Division 1A opponents before rallying to win four of their final six games.  This game should have been scheduled a few years later after O'Brien had time to get the program on a roll.  They should have scheduled an opening game against a similar team to UCF so they could get the kinks out of their system and get the starters feeling good.  NC State should be better in O’Brien’s second season at the helm, but they’ll struggle to top last year’s 5-7 record thanks to a tougher schedule.  This game would make a huge statement if they could pull out a win, but pack fans, that's just not going to happen.  State would have to play near flawlessly to win this game tonight.  NC State has some talented running backs and the return to health of Andre Brown will help, but the Wolfpack still appear to be weak on the offensive line and the rushing attack looks to be below average again.  The Oddsmakers at Bodoglife.com currently have South Carolina -14 favorites to North Carolina State with the total at 45.

People say that South Carolina is overconfident about this game.  They are the favored team in this match up and definitely have the potential to win big in this game.  They have more overall talent and the game is at Williams-Brice.  South Carolina started the 2007 with a 6-1 record, including a win at Georgia, and a #6 ranking before injuries on defense and inconsistent quarterback play led to five consecutive losses to end the season.  South Carolina may not look like a great team on the surface, but look a little closer. Steve Spurrier is their head coach and they were ranked 6th in the nation during the middle of last season.  Sure NC State is getting better, but they are also improving and a better team than last year, especially on defense.  The pressure is on for Steve Spurrier to produce after a modest 21-16 record in his first 3 years as the savior of the program.  I think there is no way that North Carolina State pulls off the upset in this spot.  You will be going up against a nasty defense ranked in the top 6 for pass defense that will be vastly improved against the run.  South Carolina  may not be a flashy team in the SEC, but keep in mind the SEC is far and away the best football conference in the nation.  What will make the Gamecocks special is a defense that returns ten starters to a unit that was 0.6 yards per play better than average in 2007. 

Trends For This CFB Matchup-
NC State: 5-1 ATS as a road underdog of 10.5 to 14 points
South Carolina: 5-1 UNDER in first month of the season
North Carolina State is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games on the road
North Carolina State is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games
South Carolina is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games
South Carolina is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games

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