I'll take "College Football Playoff elimination games for $800, Alex."
After early stumbles, both teams have reset and gotten themselves back into the playoff discussion. The Wolfpack, seen as a chic pick to upset the ACC hierarchy, lost right off the bat to South Carolina, but have been nails ever since.
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| Notre Dame RB Josh Adams fuels a powerful Irish offense (One Foot Down) |
Notre Dame (6-1), mostly an afterthought at the start of the season based largely on last year's 4-8 fiasco, has ascended up the rankings thanks to a powerful ground game -- the nation's sixth best, as a matter of fact -- and has only a one-point loss to Georgia as a blemish.
While both teams are aware of the carrot dangling overhead, neither is ready to deviate from the blueprint that has taken them to this point.
"You just have to be aware of your situation," Irish coach Brian Kelly said. "You've gotten here because you have stuck to what we have asked you to do. They're aware of the big picture stuff, but they know how they got here, and they like where they're at."
NC State (6-1) has reeled off six victories in a row and has been stingy when it comes to giving up the football. The Wolfpack have lost just three fumbles, and quarterback Ryan Finley has yet to throw an interception. Yeah, he's pretty good.
This is the first real spotlight game of the season for the Wolfpack, and coach Dave Doeren believes they will handle it well.
"All we have been talking about is us and our enemy," Doeren said. "All that other stuff will take care of itself. You focus on what has brought you success. People are chasing you instead of you chasing them."
The Wolfpack, sixth nationally against the run, allowing just 91.3 yards per game, need to make sure they aren't chasing Notre Dame running back Josh Adams, who has entered the Heisman race by rolling up 138.1 yards per game and scoring eight touchdowns. The explosive Adams averages 9.2 yards per carry, and in tandem with quarterback Brandon Wimbush, who averages 6.2 yards per carry with 10 rushing scores, forms the crux of an overpowering ground game.
"I'm excited to watch the line of scrimmage in this game," Doeren said.
Notre Dame thrives on getting teams to turn the football over, ranking fourth in turnover margin. The Irish have converted 13 of their 17 turnovers into touchdowns, but face a tough customer in Finley.
The senior and former Boise State signal-caller has tossed 11 touchdowns and is completing 69.4 percent of his passes. He has a bevy of weapons, notably Jaylen Samuels (54 catches, 453 yards, 3 TDs) and Kelvin Harmon (36-547-2 TD), and the offensive line has allowed just eight sacks.
"Finley is smart, knows the system, a veteran quarterback," Kelly said. "Just does a really good job taking care of the football."
NC State also has a nice backfield weapon in Nyheim Hines, who averages 92.6 yards per game and has six touchdowns, but it wouldn't be surprising if the visitors attempt to take advantage of an Irish defense that allows 253 yards per game through the air.
Adams and Wimbush will be a huge focus for the Wolfpack defense, which is led by versatile end Bradley Chubb. The senior has 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks and leads a group that knows just one speed -- full-go. His matchup with Irish tackle Mike McGlinchey should be worth the price of admission.
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| NC State's Bradley Chubb is one of the nation's most feared DL (Shanahan Report) |
"Defensively, you know, I think as good of a group that we're going to see. Comparable to Georgia," Kelly said. "Physically very imposing. It's led with Chubb and [B.J.] Hill up front. Obviously they're getting the accolades that they deserve. They are very good football players.
"Chubb obviously has the ability to rush the passer, as well, plays with a great motor. I think what I'm impressed with is that not only they're physical, but they play hard every snap. ... We've got our hands full in all three facets."
Notre Dame is coming off of a dominating performance over rival USC, but NC State is the beginning of a stretch of grueling games against winning teams. Notre Dame has games upcoming against No. 8 Miami, Navy and Stanford.
The Irish have won five straight games by more than 20 points, but lost to NC State a year ago 10-3 in Raleigh in monsoon-like conditions.
North Carolina State shouldn't be fazed by the number next to the Irish, as it already sports a pair of victories over teams that were ranked -- Florida State and Louisville. It hasn't beaten three ranked teams in a single season since 1992, and this is the first time since 1980 that the Wolfpack are involved in a game featuring a pair of top 15 teams.
The Wolfpack has everything in its path, but needs to guard against looking ahead because next week is a home game against ACC champion Clemson -- a contest that could very well determine the Atlantic Division title.
Doeren doesn't have to be reminded what is awaiting his team at Notre Dame Stadium.
"It's a top 10 team at their stadium, it means a lot," he said. "We don't need to be perfect. We just need to be better."
Doeren may be in Raleigh, but he's no stranger to the Notre Dame mystique.
“I grew up in a Catholic home, going to Catholic church and that was part of the Sunday conversation,” Doeren said. “Every week it was the Notre Dame score, so I grew up brainwashed there, probably, with Lou Holtz as their head coach and a lot of great players that I got to watch. I really look forward to playing this game.”
