Week 5: South Florida at N.C. State

Tom O’Brien’s Wolfpack knocked off one Top 15 team – East Carolina – last week. Can North Carolina State do it for the second week in a row?

It will be tough.

First, South Florida has won its first four games, including one against Kansas. The Bulls struggled last Saturday (17-9) against a Florida International team opening a new stadium, but are still averaging 450.5 yards a game, 19th best in the nation.

Also, USF quarterback Matt Grothe is a proven winner. He leads the Big East in total offense (266.8 yards), passing yards (229) and pass efficiency (148.7). He has a deep group of receivers, including Taurus Johnson, who has 231 yards this season on 16 receptions. Not to mention, South Florida is ranked No. 12 nationally in total defense.

The other reason beating USF will be tough for N.C. State is because of injuries. Both starting Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson and leading tackler Nate Irving are out.

Harrison Beck is listed as N.C. State’s starter at QB. Beck has played, completing 25-of-44 passes for 353 yards with touchdowns and three interceptions. Freshman Dwayne Maddox will replace Irving.

South Florida, though, also has personnel concerns. Senior linebacker Brouce Mompremier, who was airlifted from the FIU game amid fears of a spinal injury, will miss a minimum of two games, although he’s back with the team. Junior Chris Robinson will take his place.

Notes:

South Florida will be playing on the road for the third time in the last four games. This game, though, will be the first outside of Florida this season.

N.C. State is 2-0 at home and 0-2 on the road this season. The wins have been against William & Mary and ECU, while the losses have been to South Carolina and Clemson.

The only other time the teams have played was in the 2005 Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte, N.C. The Wolfpack won that game 14-0. It was USF’s first ever bowl game.

Key Player (Bulls) – George Selvie, DE

Selvie, one of the nation’s best sackers last season, will have to put pressure on N.C. State quarterback Harrison Beck. After a slow start, Selvie has sacks in the last two games.

Key Player (Wolfpack) – Harrison Beck, QB

Beck passed for 246 yards in a little more than two quarters against William & Mary, but this will be a much tougher test.

South Florida by 7