CFB: Notre Dame Fighting Irish Week 7 Preview

NC State Wolfpack (Notre Dame Stadium); 3.30pm EDT; 8.30pm IST/BST

After consecutive weeks of facing a new opponent for the very first time, Notre Dame remains in South Bend to face a slightly more familiar foe in NC State. The two schools have only met on four previous occasions; the Wolfpack won the first two, the Irish the last two. 

It is a fixture with a history of weather disruption. Two years ago, ND had a comfortable 45-24 win on a day that saw a two-hour weather delay, most notable for Audric Estimé running for an 80-yard TD on the first play after the delay, and after his famous hot dog. 

And, of course, in 2016, on Notre Dame’s first visit to Raleigh, there was also a lightning delay, on a day where Brian Kelly called 30 passes in a game played, quite literally, in a hurricane (Matthew). He then threw his center, Sam Mustipher, under the bus, in one of the more shameful episodes of his time at Notre Dame. Thankfully, the forecast for Saturday is for zero precipitation and benign conditions, which should favour the more talented Irish. 

The Wolfpack have a very dangerous offense and a vulnerable defense, not entirely dissimilar to the Arkansas team ND defeated a fortnight ago. They began the season well, handing Virginia their only loss to date, and winning at Wake Forest to go 3-0. But defeats at Duke and to Virginia Tech have seen them fall to 4-2, with four currently ranked opponents still to come. 

True sophomore QB, CJ Bailey, impressed as a freshman and has already thrown for over 1,600 yards, 13 TDs and 4 INTs this season. Their backfield is led by the fantastically named Hollywood Smothers, who combines breakaway speed with excellent vision, and is a threat both as a runner and a pass catcher. Ohio State transfer Noah Rogers is their leading returning WR and is a threat with his speed. 

If Bailey has time to throw deep, then the Irish secondary will be tested, especially with Nickel Devonta Smith out injured again. That, however, may be more easily said than done, given the ability of the Wolfpack OL. LT, Jacarrius Peak, is the strength of the position, but the rest of the line is not at his level, and the RG is a true freshman, which could be music to the ears of the Irish DTs. 

Notre Dame has been better against the run than the pass so far this season. If they can keep Smothers in check and pressure Bailey in obvious passing situations, then they should be well-placed to continue their current run of improving good form. 

The NC State defense has been hit by early-season injuries, especially in the middle of the unit. So, while their relative strengths lie at Edge and CB, they are not in a great position to deal with the Irish run game, especially between the Tackles. Jaden Greathouse remains out for ND with a leg injury, so Will Pauling in the Slot can expect to be used liberally. Getting the RBs involved in the passing game will also exploit a weakness in the Wolfpack’s back seven. 

Notre Dame expects K, Noah Burnette, to return, and it will be vital for him to get a run of full fitness with bigger games ahead. NC State have their own issues at the position, not to mention a kickoff specialist who allows several returns per game. Jadarian Price’s ears ought to prick up at that.