NC State Friday 5: Bold predictions for the Wolfpack’s matchup with VMI

NC State is at home for the second straight week, and it hosts the Virginia Military Institute, looking to get back on the right track after a 21-point loss to Notre Dame last weekend. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. EST on The CW. 

But before the Wolfpack’s first meeting with VMI since 1946 kicks off, TheWolfpacker.com will debut its weekly five bold predictions, and we’ll see how they went in next week’s edition. 

1. NC State will eclipse 250 rushing yards

The Wolfpack’s rushing attack started on the right foot at UConn with 209 yards, but NC State only rushed for 84 yards against Notre Dame last week. VMI has allowed 137 yards per game against Davidson and Bucknell through the first two weeks of the season. We’re saying the Wolfpack will take advantage of the Keydets’ undersized defensive line compared to the NC State offensive line. Senior running back Jordan Houston and sophomore running back Michael Allen are primed to have big days, while true freshman tailback Kendrick Raphael could also have a successful day in the backfield. 

2. Davin Vann will record two or more tackles for a loss/sacks

NC State junior defensive end Davin Vann, the ACC’s sack leader through the first two weeks, recorded two sacks against Notre Dame’s stout offensive line. The Cary, N.C., native recorded 4.5 sacks last season, and already has three this season. With VMI, an average FCS team, entering Carter-Finley Stadium this weekend, Vann should have his way with the Keydets’ offensive line. 

3. A pair of freshmen will score their first-career touchdowns

NC State freshman tight end Juice Vereen led the Wolfpack with four receptions for 65 yards in his freshman debut against Notre Dame last week. Freshman wide receiver Kevin Concepcion has recorded nine receptions for 60 yards this season, good for 6.7 yards per catch, but hasn’t found the end zone yet. This is the week both Conception and Vereen get their first-career score in Raleigh since he’ll be able to separate from VMI’s cornerbacks in coverage. 

4. NC State won’t commit a turnover

After the Wolfpack committed three turnovers, all interceptions, against Notre Dame after NC State didn’t give the ball away at UConn in the team’s season opener. NC State fumbled the ball three times last week, but didn’t lose any of them. The Wolfpack have been focused on correcting the mistakes from the loss to the Irish last weekend, and NC State will be sure to take care of the football against the Keydets on Saturday afternoon. 

5. The Wolfpack will have a third-down conversion rate greater than 50%

While we’re on the theme of learning from last week, NC State should see an increase in its third-down conversions against VMI. The Wolfpack went 8-of-15 on third down at UConn before it was 8-of-19 on third down against Notre Dame. It was just over 40% against the Irish, which was better than Notre Dame’s 35% third down conversion rate. But this week, with an increased focus within NC State’s program, the Wolfpack should be able to move the ball well against VMI and third down conversions will be key in that. 

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