Thursday Night Football: Cincinnati vs. N.C. State
By Ty Duffy
North Carolina State: Whether it’s attitude or talent, The Wolfpack rank 77th in the country in total defense. They have played two FCS teams, Liberty and South Alabama, as well as Wake Forest. They lost to Wake Forest. Really worrisome? They surrendered eight sacks combined in the two FCS games.
Cincinnati: The Bearcats went medieval on FCS Austin Peay and FBS stalwart Akron (Total Offense -114, Total Defense – 102). Against Tennessee they gave up 45 points and 405 yards through the air. Expect them to go down with the Big East ship, because asking Conference USA to take them back will be AWKWARD.
Reason for Pessimism: Cincinnati leads the nation in turnover margin (+12) and North Carolina State (+5) is in the top ten. That likely will even out. If neutrals are lucky, it may even be tonight.
Reason for Optimism: Neither is Boston College.
Prediction: 41-37 Cincinnati. Bet the Over (60).
[Photo via Getty]