Belk Bowl preview: the ‘Pack should chew up Cardinals

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For the second straight year, the Pack is going bowling against a Big East opponent.

This time around N.C. State (7-5) will be matched up in the Belk Bowl on Dec. 27 against the 7-5 Louisville Cardinals, who came out with a share of the Big East title. This will also be the Cards’ second straight year in a bowl game, as they defeated Southern Mississippi last year in the Beef  O’ Brady’s Bowl 31-28.

Both teams are riding two-game winning streaks, and both have battled back from rough patches in their season. The Cardinals endured a three-game losing skid, and State took a punch in the face by losing to Florida State 34-0.

This game has all of the makings of a defensively charged match-up. Teddy Bridgewater has been the Cards’ main quarterback throughout the season, but his numbers have been less than stellar, throwing 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The running game has also been a non-factor for Louisville. Its number-one back, Dominique Brown, has averaged only 3.7 yards per attempt on 131 carries.

Cornerback David Amerson and the rest of the N.C. State defense can take advantage of Louisville’s offensive inconsistency. State is leading the nation in interceptions with 24, and Amerson also holds the individual lead with 11. The Pack is also 13th in sacks with Terrel Manning and Darryl Cato-Bishop both ranking in the top 10 in the conference.

State has also had its struggles in the running game, but Mike Glennon has been a surprisingly decent performer, despite the low expectations from the fans and maybe even head coach Tom O’Brien. Glennon currently ranks second in total touchdowns and fourth in passing yards per in the conference. T.J. Graham has been holding court as a receiver and kick returner, averaging 147 all purpose-yards per outing.

I do expect N.C. State to win this game, but not decisively. Louisville ranks second in opponent first downs in the Big East, so Glennon and company will need to fight for every yard.

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