Notre Dame vs. NC State game prediction, preview: Who wins, and why?

What to expect when Notre Dame and NC State square off in this Week 2 college football game with our updated score predictions

So far, so good are the returns on the Fighting Irish attack under the leadership of veteran transfer quarterback Sam Hartman, who has helped spearhead a renaissance on offense in two games by outscoring opponents 98 to 6, but this week brings a tougher test as No. 10 Notre Dame visits NC State in college football's Week 2 action on Saturday.

What can you expect from the matchup? Here's what you should know about when Notre Dame and NC State face off, including our latest Week 2 game predictions.

Notre Dame vs. NC State prediction, preview

What to expect as NC State hosts Notre Dame / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 9
Time: 12 p.m. Eastern
TV: ABC network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Notre Dame vs. NC State odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Notre Dame -6.5 (Track live)
Total: 50.5 points
ML: ND -300 | NCST +220
FPI pick: Notre Dame 78.5%

Related: Notre Dame vs. NC State picks, predictions, Week 2 college football odds

What to watch for

NC State vs. Notre Dame predictions / USA Today Images

1. Hartman vs. the Pack's front. Notre Dame's new quarterback has lit up the scoreboard hitting 83% of his passes with no INTs, and led 11 TD drives on 12 possessions, but this week he lines up against a decidedly more physical pursuit group that has the bodies to throw him out of his comfort zone. This defense picked off Hartman 6 times in their last 2 when he was at Wake and brings in a 3-3-5 alignment that will create plenty of confusion prior to the snap. The Irish line projects as one of college football's best but has been inconsistent at times in the first 2 games.

2. Armstrong/Anae connection. First-year NC State quarterback Brennan Armstrong was reunited with offensive coordinator Robert Anae this season. The two did great things at Virginia, where Armstrong passed for almost 9,200 yards with 58 touchdowns but the Wolfpack are still scouting that go-to receiver to build around. Keyon Lesane is the likely No. 1 target on a group that boasts a lot of potential, but until then, Armstrong has enough mobility to extend plays, throw the Irish tacklers out of position, and give his receivers time to create openings down field.

3. Irish on the ground. Notre Dame boasts a potent rushing attack that currently ranks fourth nationally with 412 yards, led by tailback Audric Estime, who is over 7 yards per carry and will challenge a Wolfpack run stop that was surprising anemic against UConn, allowing over 6 ypc and 2 scores, including an 18 yard TD run early on. Estime will have opportunities to create in space on the outer edges of the formation.

Notre Dame vs. NC State prediction

Irish eyes will be on Hartman in the hopes he can repeat his early season success against a more cohesive secondary and in the face of a more complex and productive front seven attack. The Wolfpack have proven they can rattle him into mistakes, but this ground game should come through to take some pressure off.

Notre Dame is 17-2 since the 2021 season when it has a 100-yard rusher and so far Estime is posting around 105 per game. Armstrong's scrambling and the Wolfpack's ability to get yards after the catch will frustrate Al Golden's defense most of the day, but the Irish have the power at the line to hold a late lead.

College Football HQ picks...

• Notre Dame wins 28-20
• Covers the spread
• And hits the under

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