What To Watch For Vs. NC State

The dust might have just settled on Grant Field at Bobby Dodd Stadium, but it's a quick turn around for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (2-8, 1-6). Coming off a historic 45-0 loss at the hands of the Virginia Tech Hokies, the Ramblin' Wreck will have to deal with a short week as they are set to face the North Carolina State Wolfpack (4-6, 1-5) this Thursday at 8pm.

Continuing a 3 game home-stand that ends the regular season, Georgia Tech enters their matchup with NC State with a 2 game win streak over the Wolfpack, including winning 12 of their last 15 against them. The Yellow Jackets hold the all-time series record against the Wolfpack at 19-10. Here's what to watch for against the Wolfpack as Tech hopes to end their 3 game losing streak:

Struggling Offense:

As much as the Yellow Jackets have struggled from an offensive standpoint, the Wolfpack hasn't exactly been that much better. They have started 3 different quarterbacks this season, and as a result have a scoring offense that ranks 12th in the ACC (22.9 points per game). Most recently under center has been redshirt freshman Devin Leary, who was inserted in a backup role against Boston College, then threw for 259 yards and 3 touchdowns. He has started each of the 3 games since, but has completed only 46.6% of his passes and thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns during that span. Unlike the quarterbacks that Tech has seen recently, Leary is a pocket-passer and not a dual threat QB, which will help immensely as mobile quarterbacks have torched the Yellow Jackets in recent weeks.

It doesn't help that whoever lines up under center doesn't have very many weapons around them. NC State's leading receiver is junior Emeka Emezie, and he only averages 52.1 yards per game despite having 24% of the Wolfpack reception total. Tight end Cary Angeline actually leads the team in yards per reception (16.0) and receiving touchdowns (4), but has only 23 receptions on the year. However, running backs Zonovan Knight and Jordan Houston do combine for 94.6 yards on the ground, with Knight averaging 5.6 yards per carry. But the Wolfpack doesn't run as much as they should, with the duo averaging 18.3 carries per game.

Glaring Turnover Margin:

As a whole, NC State has a defense that could matchup well with the Yellow Jackets. While they have the 95th best passing defense in FBS, their rushing defense is 31st. They also are yet another ACC team with a solid front 7, ranking in the top 15 national in sacks and tackles for loss. Linebacker Louis Acceaus and defensive tackle Larrell Murchison lead the Wolfpack in sacks and TFLs, with the duo combining for 18 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

But the biggest detriment on this NC State defense is their lack of turnovers created. They've hauled in only 3 interceptions on the year and recovered only 2 fumbles. Both marks are bottom 5 in FBS, but when combined make for the lowest turnovers gained mark in the nation. Making matters worse, 2 of NC State's 3 picks come from cornerback Chris Ingram, who is out for the season due to a leg injury. Taking into account the Wolfpack's 9 lost fumbles and 7 thrown interceptions, and you have the 7th worst turnover margin in FBS. The biggest factor in this prime-time matchup will be capitalizing on this and winning the turnover battle.

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