Miami-Florida (7-4) at NC State (5-6)

Miami-Florida (7-4) at NC State (5-6)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Carter-Finley Stadium (57,082) -- Raleigh, North Carolina. Television: Raycom. Home Record: Miami-FL 4-2, NC State 3-3. Away Record: Miami-FL 3-2, NC State 2-3. Neutral Record: Miami-FL 0-0, NC State 0-0. Conference Record: Miami-FL 4-3, NC State 3-4. Series Record: Miami- Florida leads, 7-4-1.
GAME NOTES: The NC State Wolfpack will try to avoid a repeat of last year's season finale when they host the Miami-Florida Hurricanes for an ACC clash at Carter-Finley Stadium this Saturday. The scenario is simple for the Wolfpack: win, and they'll become bowl eligible. Lose, and go home -- again. Last season, with a bowl berth on the line in their final game against Maryland, the Wolfpack were blanked at home, 37-0. This time, however, they've got momentum on their side, having won three straight. On the other side of the field, Miami enters this game hoping to rebound from last Thursday's 41-23 loss to Georgia Tech. The setback snapped the Hurricanes' season-best five- game win streak. It was the team's longest win streak since an eight-game tear in 2005. Miami holds a 7-4-1 edge in the head-to-head series, although NC State won last year's meeting, 19-16, in overtime.
Against Georgia Tech, the Hurricanes had the most success throwing the ball, as freshman quarterbacks Robert Marve and Jacory Harris combined for 283 passing yards and three touchdowns. However, both threw an interception, including one by Marve that was returned 26 yards the other way for a touchdown. For the most part, the Hurricanes had trouble moving the chains, as they converted just 3-of-13 third downs. While they've struggled with their consistency from week to week, the Hurricanes have shown a penchant for generating points. They enter this contest ranked second in the ACC in scoring (27.91) and will no doubt be looking to improve upon last week's effort.
Last weekend against No. 25 North Carolina, the Wolfpack looked as sharp as they have all season en route to a 41-10 victory. Freshman quarterback Russell Wilson completed 17-of-29 passes for 279 yards and two TDs. He has thrown 203 consecutive passes without an interception, the longest active streak in the nation. He has also thrown multiple touchdowns in five straight games. Senior running back Andre Brown carried 20 times for 81 yards and a touchdown, spearheading a rushing attack that netted 187 yards and three scores on the ground. As a result, NC State held a key 16-minute advantage in time of possession.
The Wolfpack forced North Carolina into a season-high six turnovers, which no doubt was one of the biggest factors in the win. The NC State defense came away with three interceptions and recovered two fumbles, while the kick return team also got in on the action with a fumble recovery. The six turnovers were the most the Wolfpack has forced since 1998. They were able to stuff UNC at every turn, holding the Tar Heels to just 203 yards of total offense. Defensive end Willie Young headlined the box score with two sacks and an interception in the win. Four different Wolfpack defenders forced fumbles in the game. Look for a similarly aggressive game plan for the NC State defense this week.
NC State is playing well at the moment, and the team needs this game in a big way. Miami's freshman quarterback tandem won't have a whole lot of time to sit in the pocket and make plays in what should be a raucous environment at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: NC State 34, Miami-Florida 24