Looking to bounce back after a home loss to the University at Buffalo, NIU football will head to Raleigh, North Carolina, to face Atlantic Coast Conference foe North Carolina State University at Carter-Finley Stadium.
In addition to rebounding from their first defeat since November, the Huskies will also look to knock off their second Power Four opponent this season after stunning then-No. 5 University of Notre Dame in Week 2.
NC State sits at .500 four games in after suffering a pair of blowout losses to Top 25 opponents – most recently a 59-35 walloping by then-No. 21 Clemson University on Saturday. Also needing a rebound win, the Wolfpack will aim to defend their unbeaten record at home this season.
Ahead of Saturday’s kickoff, the Northern Star interviewed Colby Trotter, sports editor at Technician, NC State’s student newspaper, to preview NIU’s matchup with NC State.
Northern Star: NC State is a perfect 2-0 at home this season but played close with opponents from the FCS (Western Carolina University) and Group of Five (Louisiana Tech University) in each of those games. Do you see that trend continuing for NC State in its upcoming matchup against NIU?
Colby Trotter: Yes, I do. It’s not necessarily because it’s been a trend but Northern Illinois is a better team than both of those schools and will present a massive challenge for NC State. The reason why the Wolfpack has been in closer games with “lesser” teams is because of poor starts. NC State is averaging 2.5 points in the first quarter this season, allowing opponents to either take a big lead like Clemson did last week or let a team hang around. Against LA Tech, the Wolfpack trailed 17-6 at halftime, and against Western Carolina, it trailed by four points entering the fourth quarter. Unless NC State flips the script and starts hot, I see this being a tight game until the end.
NS: Assuming graduate student starting quarterback Grayson McCall will be out again this week, what do you expect to see from true freshman CJ Bailey in his first start at home?
CT: In his first career start last week, CJ Bailey was impressive in a hostile environment. Bailey started the game 10-for-11 and threw his first career touchdown pass in the second quarter. The freshman has shown impressive poise, decision making and accuracy in the six quarters he’s played this season. He also hasn’t looked nervous yet, so I expect him to be calm even in his first start at Carter-Finley. The Huskies will present a tough challenge for Bailey given they haven’t allowed over 205 passing yards in a game this season and rank top 20 in the country in total defense. Despite that, I think Bailey will rise to the occasion and make a case to be the Wolfpack’s starting quarterback for the rest of the season regardless of Grayson McCall’s status.
NS: Do you think NIU’s defense can slow down sophomore wide receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion, and what other offensive weapons are likely to cause problems for the Huskies?
CT: Yes, I do because three other teams have already done so this season. Since going for 121 yards and three touchdowns in the season opener against Western Carolina, Kevin Concepcion hasn’t gone over 55 receiving yards in a game and has failed to get in the end zone. Concepcion is still being targeted the most of any receiver but teams have keyed in on him and have prevented the explosive plays Concepcion is known for. If the Huskies can contain Concepcion, I would look out for (junior) tight end Justin Joly. Joly has the second-most receptions and yards on the team and has been a security blanket for both quarterbacks. He also averages the most yards per reception on the Wolfpack. Whenever a play breaks down and the quarterback has to get out of the pocket, Joly finds the soft spot of the defense and is there for his quarterback.
NS: What playmakers on the Wolfpack defense should NIU’s offense be looking out for?
CT: This is not the same defense of NC State’s past. The Wolfpack has taken a major step back on the defensive side this year, highlighted by giving up 51 and 59 points to Tennessee and Clemson, respectively. That doesn’t mean there still aren’t guys on that side of the ball that can disrupt the game. As expected, (graduate student) defensive end Davin Vann has been a force this season. NC State has two pick-sixes this year, and both came to fruition because Vann hit the quarterback while he was throwing. Even though he’s taken a step back this year, (graduate student) cornerback Aydan White is still a player to look out for. The former First-Team All-ACC corner is considered to be the Wolfpack’s lockdown corner and has a knack for the ball with nine career interceptions.
NS: How do you see this game playing out, and what’s your score prediction?
CT: Under head coach Dave Doeren, NC State has always played its best when their backs are against the wall. Coming off an embarrassing loss to Clemson on national TV, NC State is looking to make a statement against the Huskies. Despite that, the Wolfpack hasn’t shown me anything this season for me to believe it can dominate or blow out an opponent. On top of that, Northern Illinois is one of the best Group of Five teams in the country and has proved it can win in a tough environment with its victory over then-No. 5 Notre Dame. I see this one being close in the fourth quarter, but Bailey will seal the game with a late-scoring drive to put himself on the map and give NC State a much-needed victory. Final score prediction: NC State 24, Northern Illinois 20.
