With a win over Miami (6-4), NC State (5-5) can ensure they go bowling this weekend with their sixth win of the season on Senior Day in Raleigh.
Currently, Brett McMurphy of ESPN is projecting NC State to face Temple in the Military Bowl. Judging by the way the season has gone, many Pack fans would be content with this projection.
It certainly has been a roller-coaster season for NC State, a team that does not lack talent, but rather, a killer instinct to put their opponent away in a game’s most meaningful moments.
Currently, the Hurricanes are only a 3-point favorite to beat NC State.
Miami started the year on fire, winning their first four games, but then dropped their next four games. Over the last two weeks, however, the ‘Canes have looked much better in wins over a talented Pitt team and decisive 34-14 win over UVA in Charlottesville.
Miami will be making their first appearance in Raleigh since 2008, when a Russell Wilson-fueled NC State squad defeated Miami in a shootout, 38-28.
This time around however, Quarterback Ryan Finley will lead NC State out of the tunnel after coming off of his best game to date, completing 20-of-29 passes (69% clip) for 340 yards and a touchdown at Syracuse. Finley distributes the ball very evenly to All-ACC tight end/fullback/running back Jaylen Samuels and receivers Nyheim Hines, Bra’lon Cherry and freshman Kelvin Harmon, who chose NC State over Miami in a tight recruiting battle last year.
Expect the Pack to lean heavily on All-ACC performers Jaylen Samuels and senior running back Matt Dayes. Dayes is a true senior, and will be looking to become the first 1,000 yard back NC State has had since T.A. McClendon in 2002. A Fort Lauderdale, FL native, Dayes is currently sitting at 939 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on the season.
Expect a motivated Dayes to easily eclipse the 1,000 yard mark in this game.
On the other sideline, NC State will face one of the better quarterbacks in the college game in Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya (2,568 passing yards, nineteen touchdowns and seven interceptions). The Chicago Bears have reportedly done extensive scouting/research on the Los Angeles native.
Kaaya will look to test NC State’s rocky secondary early and often in this matchup.
Only 21 years of age, and a three-year starter, Kaaya became just the second quarterback to throw for more than 9,000 yards in his career at Miami. Only two-time Heisman runner-up Ken Dorsey has more (9,565 yards).
The biggest test for Miami will be containing a deep and talented NC State defensive line, led by a likely high NFL draft pick and defensive captain, Bradley Chubb (eight sacks, three forced fumbles).
Can NC State pull off the win against a very solid Miami team sporting an NFL quarterback? Dave Doeren’s future with the team may just depend on it.
Final prediction—With their bowl eligibility on the line and on Senior Day, NC State finally is on the other end of a close call. NC State 30- Miami 27.
