Prediction and preview for N.C. State

Ignorance is bliss.  I'm not sure who said this first, but I may be sympathizing with him a little bit lately.  I was a happy camper last week ignorantly assuming that the Gamecocks were going to roll into Carter-Finley Stadium and lay a whomping beat-down all over the N.C. State Wolfpack.  Now that I've done some more research, I'm a little nervous, and possibly somewhat less blissful.

Let's get one thing straight if you're a Gamecock homer, drinking the KoolAid and wearing the Garnet Glasses- N.C. State is no joke.  To put it in perspective, I think it's fair to compare the Wolfpack to Kentucky with a much better QB and defensive line.  True, Carolina has beaten Kentucky something like 9 years in a row, but that doesn't mean its easy, and this N.C. State game won't be a piece of cake either.  

Despite the score, last years 34-0 debacle wasn't a pretty game.  The Gamecock offense executed like a 3 year old eating a plate of spaghetti with chopsticks and N.C. State's offense obviously fared even worse.  The Gamecocks left with more questions than answers on the offensive side of the ball and the correct impression that the team would have to rely on the defense to carry the load for the whole season.  

It seems that many Gamecock fans have forgotten how odd that game was- despite the lopsided shutout score, things could have been different, and this year, I believe, things WILL be different.  Now I'm not predicting a Gamecock loss (more on the actual prediction later) but I'm certainly not predicting a shutout.  There are a couple of big reasons for this.  

1)Russell Wilson.  He's legit.  In fact, it seems to me like he's basically everything Carolina fans hope Stephen Garcia will be: A strong arm QB who can protect the ball and make some plays with his feet.  Quarterback is the most important factor in determining the outcome of a football game, and N.C. State probably has the edge in this game.  

2)Defensive line.  Very solid, possibly the best in the ACC.  They seem to have been running their mouths alot lately but they might be able to back it up.  I'm hoping for enough improvement from the Gamecocks line under coach Wolf to negate this factor, but we'll see.

3)Experience.  The Wolfpack are bringing a boatload of seniors to the game.  Age doesn't neccesarily make you a better football player, but it doesn't hurt, either.  Contrast this with the youth of South Carolina's secondary and the fact that N.C. State is returning All-Acc receiver Owen Spencer and several other good options for Wilson to throw to in 6'4" Javaris Williams and speedy T.J. Graham, and you could be in trouble.

Now, having said that, here's my prediction:  South Carolina 24, N.C. State 17.  It will be close, but I think USCs talent and an improved Stephen Garcia will allow Carolina to pull away in the second half despite being 4.5 point underdogs.  If you're expecting another blowout, though, you'd better think again.