Notre Dame vs NC State Game Predictions
The 10th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-0) are headed south this weekend to take on the NC State Wolfpack (1-0). It will be the toughest test yet for the Irish, who square off against veteran quarterback Brennan Armstrong and an aggressive Wolfpack defense.
Where: Carter-Finley Stadium (Raleigh, N.C.)
When: Saturday - September 9th
Time: 12:00 PM ET
Network: ABC
Line: Notre Dame -7.5; O/U 50.5
Irish Breakdown has broken down the game all week, and now it's time to make our predictions.
BRYAN DRISKELL, PUBLISHER
Prediction: Notre Dame 30, NC State 17
I have been back and forth on the score for this game all week. I had it much closer earlier in the week because I have a great deal of respect for Tony Gibson and the NC State defense. If Notre Dame's offense continues its early season scoring pace against this defense it will be an exceptional performance. It would be fun to see that, and if Notre Dame plays with great execution I could see them looking very good offensively, but that would require the line to play a lot better than it did last weekend. That's the ultimate key for the Irish offense, if the line plays well they will win convincingly.
I'm quite high on first-year NC State offensive coordinator Robert Anae, and a case could be made this is the best coordinator combination the Irish will face all season. His presence, and that of quarterback Brennan Armstrong, give me pause in this game, but I don't think the Wolfpack have enough fire power at the skill positions to score enough to beat Notre Dame, especially if the Irish front wins the trench battle. A better way of saying that could be if they are allowed to win the trench battle.
It will be a hard fought game, but at the end of the day I believe Notre Dame has too much talent and the Irish will improve to 3-0.
VINCE DEDARIO, FOOTBALL ANALYST
Prediction: Notre Dame 35, NC State 17
It is difficult to boil down a matchup to just one thing but I really do believe that is what this game comes down to. We can talk about Notre Dame's wide receivers and having to have a coming out party. We can talk about the Irish offensive line and how it has to play better than it did against Tennessee State last week if it wants to live up to the hype. We can talk about a lot of different angles on this but to me it comes down to one thing: Brennan Armstrong. If Notre Dame can turn Armstrong into a pass first QB they will win this game.
NC State is solid in a lot of areas but if they can limit Armstrong's production on the ground they will have a hard time getting their offense going. I am not convinced Armstrong can put this team on the shoulder of his right arm and be successful. I have full confidence in what Sam Hartman is going to do to this Wolfpack defense. I think they will first try to limit Notre Dame's run game and they will pay on the arm of Hartman and then they will adjust and the Irish run attack will come alive. Should be a lot of fun!
RYAN ROBERTS, RECRUITING DIRECTOR
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, NC State 17
Offensively, Notre Dame will look to establish their run game early. The Wolfpack lost some quality players from their middle of the defense from a year ago. Being able to establish that identity, and making enough plays against the talented NC State cornerbacks will be key.
Defensively, it’s tough to imagine NC State getting anything going on the ground. If they are able to keep Brennan Armstrong in the pocket, the Irish defense should be able to force him into a couple of bad decisions.
SEAN STIRES, STAFF WRITER
Prediction: Notre Dame 38, NC State 17
Wolfpack quarterback Brennan Armstrong should be the X-factor in this game, but it turns out it could be the weather. How much will scattered thunderstorms in the forecast in Raleigh this weekend affect the game? Hopefully, it’s not nearly as bad as it was when it down poured through the game in 2016 when Notre Dame last played at NC State.
If it does rain, it’s advantage Irish. Armstrong’s mobility won’t get the Wolfpack very far if it’s wet. He is just a 60% career passer and that will spell good fortune for the Irish defense. Meanwhile, Notre Dame has the far better running game and a much more accurate passer with Sam Hartman. Rain or shine, Notre Dame comes out on top in its first road game of the season. The scoring will be down if it’s wet and up if it’s dry.
ANDREW MCDONOUGH, IB CONTRIBUTOR
Prediction: Notre Dame 37, NC State 17
The Fighting Irish head to what could be a rainy Raleigh for a 12pm Saturday kickoff to face NC State for the first time since 2017. Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren brought in offensive coordinator Robert Anae and QB Brennan Armstrong from Virginia to retool the offense, but the Notre Dame defense presents a formidable challenge in Game 2. Notre Dame's secondary will be able to lock down the Wolfpack receiving corps, allowing the linebackers to play aggressively and limit Armstrong's running ability.
On the other side of the ball, NC State's defense presents a step up in competition from Navy and Tennessee State, but if Notre Dame wants to be a title contender this season, these are the games where your strongest position groups need to step up and dominate. If Notre Dame is who I think they are this season, the offensive line and running game are able to lean on the Wolfpack, and Sam Hartman hits a couple big plays over the top. Notre Dame cements itself as a team to reckon with after a convincing 20-point road victory.
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