Belk Bowl Preview: NC State vs Louisville

Louisville Cardinals (7-5, 5-2 in Big East)

Most impressive victory: 38-35 at West Virginia (Nov 5th)

Worst loss: 17-13 vs Marshall (Oct 1st)

Notable alumni: Bruce Armstrong, Ray Buchanan, Mark Clayton, Tom Jackson, Johnny Unitas, Wes Unsled

Under second year coach Charlie Strong, the Cardinals started out just 2-4. They lost to FIU, Marshall, UNC and Cincinnati during this stretch but played all of the games close as they never lost by double digits despite losing some games they shouldn’t have. Going into the season most figured Louisville might have some growing pains this year because they were the least experienced team in the Big East by a pretty wide margin (Phil Steele actually had them as the second least experienced returning team in the FBS behind Auburn).

Once Freshman QB Teddy Bridgewater took over at QB and got his feet wet, Louisville took hold and finished the season winning 5 of their last 6. Bridgewater posted his best two statistical games on the road as he led the Cardinals to an upset of West Virginia in Morgantown (he went 21 of 27 and threw for a career best 246 yards) and in the finale when they topped USF (19 of 28 for 241 yds, 3 TDs and 0 INT). When Louisville has the ball you should also keep your eyes on RBs Dominique Brown (former QB who finished with 482 yds on the season) and senior Victor Anderson (478 yds). They aren’t Bilal Powell but they have progressed throughout the season.

Offense is great but for Louisville to win this game, it must happen on defense. In both of Charlie Strong’s seasons at Louisville his team has given up less than 20 points. The year before Strong came on board they gave up 26. Louisville also boats the #3 rushing defense in the Big East (103.5 ypg, 3.05 ypc) and the #3 passing defense in the Big East (224.3 ypg). Keep your eye on LB Dexter Heyman as he was the most consistent defender for the Cardinals this year and finished the season with 15.5 tackles for loss, 3 INTs, 4 sacks and 83 total tackles.

North Carolina State Wolfpack (7-5, 4-4 in ACC)

Most impressive victory: 37-13 vs Clemson (Nov 19th)

Worst loss: 14-10 at Boston College (Nov. 12th)

Notable alumni: Bill Cowher, Zach Galifianakis, Torry Holt, Philip Rivers, John Tesh, David Thompson, Spud Webb

The NC State season was up and down but much like Louisville, they settled down and played better at the end of the year (well if you don’t count FSU and Boston College). After five games it looked like it was going to be a long season for the Wolfpack. They stood at 2-5 with their two wins being against Liberty and South Alabama. The Wolfpack would rebound at the end of the year and beat bowl bound teams Virginia, UNC and Clemson.

NC State runs a pretty balanced offense (passing just over 50% of the time) but honestly didn’t have much success running the football (just 3.09 ypc which tied for last in the ACC with Duke). QB Mike Glennon finished the year with 2790 yards passing and 28 TDs to 11 INT. Glennon is coming off his two best games of the year (no I’m not including Central Michigan or South Alabama) against Clemson (3 TDs vs 0 INT) and Maryland (5 TDs). 

NC State has an average defense as they finished 7th in the conference in scoring defense (24.8 ppg) and 4th in total defense (351.9 ypg). David Amerson is the name you will want to remember. Why? He had 11 interceptions this season. He had a pick in all but four games this year, now that’s impressive.

The Pick

Kevin: On paper this one looks pretty close. College Football by the Numbers actually has this one as an 18-18 tie when they put the numbers in their computer. Here at CFBZ we don’t like kissing our sisters so when in doubt we will go with defense.

Louisville 27 NC State 23