NC State Wolfpack Welcome A Proven Huskies Program

Wolfpack | NC State player Kevin Concepcion — © Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

The NC State Wolfpack (2-2, 0-1 ACC) are back on home turf as they host the Northern Illinois Huskies (2-1, 0-1 MAC) on Sept. 28 at noon EST on the CW. This is a pivotal bounce-back game for two teams on the verge of stardom. The Wolfpack are on the prowl and looking for redemption after last week’s performance at Clemson. The Huskies want to upset another Power Five program and add to the collection conveniently known as "The Boneyard." Which team will impose their will and add another victory to the win column?

Wolfpack’s Woes

NC State is a football team looking to find its identity and fill the shoes of last year’s team that finished the season in The Associated Press Top 25. In every game this season, the Wolfpack have entered halftime tied or behind on the scoreboard. The defense, the Wolfpack’s strength last season, has taken massive steps back in their first four outings. The Wolfpack defense is second worst amongst other teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, allowing 417 yards per game.

The Wolfpack offense has also struggled to make waves in the ACC. Despite preseason excitement, quarterback Grayson McCall has been unable to find electricity or consistency within the Wolfpack offense. The offense is averaging 5.6 yards per play and 365 yards per game, all while showcasing an uncanny inability to score points. The Wolfpack will look to make plays on offense early to enter halftime with its first lead of the season and use that momentum to power through the second half.

NC State Wolfpack will face the Northern Illinois Huskies Saturday, Sep. 28 — © Jaylynn Nash Imagn Images

NC State Key Players

Defense

The Wolfpack defense has taken a significant step back from its success last year. Touted on speed and physicality, the defense has shown little of those traits this season. The Wolfpack defense needs to play beyond its potential against the Huskies and their dynamic running back Antario Brown.

Grayson McCall, Quarterback

McCall has not been the Wolfpack’s problem this season, but he has not showcased the great play NC State coaches and fans saw during his tenure at Coastal Carolina. McCall needs a huge game against the Huskies to find a rhythm with the offense before entering ACC play.

Huskies and The Boneyard

Northern Illinois is coming off a loss to Buffalo because the Mid-American Conference is the epitome of parity. However, the Huskies are one of the few MAC programs built and ready to compete against the Wolfpack and other top competitors. Just ask Notre Dame, who is still recovering from a Week 2 loss to the Huskies. The Huskies are amongst the most experienced teams in the country with 32 seniors. Twenty-one of them have been at Northern Illinois for their entire career. The Huskies will lean on that experience again to topple the Wolfpack and add another bone to “The Boneyard.”

The Huskies have been the early "darlings" of college football. Thanks, largely, to their exciting win over then No. 5-ranked Notre Dame. That game introduced the nation to Northern Illinois and “The Boneyard,” a team monument where wins versus teams from power conferences have been tracked since 1983.

Northern Illinois Key Players

Offensive Line

The Huskies' offensive line is senior-laden and proud, leading Northern Illinois to the No. 17 offense in college football. They must continue to use their experience and talent against the Wolfpack defense.

Antario Brown, Running Back

Brown is a full-service back. He not only leads the team in rushing, but he is also the Huskies' top wide receiver this season. Behind that experienced offensive line, Brown needs to continue dominating on the ground and through the air.

Wolfpack vs. Huskies

If this matchup were in the wild, then the nod would undoubtedly go to the Wolfpack. This game is being played between the white lines and that is an advantage to the Huskies. The Wolfpack defense is giving up 417 yards per game, which places them second to last in the ACC. The Wolfpack offense is also in the bottom tier in the ACC standings. Meanwhile, the Huskies are a top offense in the nation. The Northern Illinois defense has held 12 of its last 16 opponents to 24 points or less. The Wolfpack will put up a good fight but ultimately will be the next victim in “The Boneyard.” The Huskies will win another big road game.