North Carolina State @ Florida State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 28, 2010 ) Florida State 24, North Carolina State 28

THE STORY: Florida State has some badly needed momentum after beating up on overmatched ACC foes the past two weeks. With a newfound rushing attack and one of the best defenses in the nation, the Seminoles look to continue that trend Saturday against visiting North Carolina State. The Wolfpack have bounced back from a 2-3 start to win two straight, including 28-14 at Virginia last week. These teams have split the last 10 meetings, with N.C. State winning 28-24 in Raleigh last October.

TV: ESPNU. LINE: Florida State -19.5

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (4-3, 2-2 ACC): Florida State’s 86th-ranked rushing attack (126.9 ypg) has racked up more than 200 yards in consecutive games. Meanwhile, the Seminoles are ranked 12th in the nation in total defense (291.3) and fourth in sacks per game (3.6). Still, Florida State will have to be mindful of Wolfpack WR T.J. Graham, who leads the nation in all-purpose yards (185.7).

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE (4-3, 1-2 ACC): The Wolfpack got their first road win as Mike Glennon threw three touchdowns and corner David Amerson had two interceptions, pushing his total to eight, tops in the nation. North Carolina State (2.8 sacks allowed per game) may struggle to protect Glennon against a fierce pass rush.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Seminoles are the first team in college football history to record consecutive wins by a score of 41-16.

2. Florida State and N.C. State have failed to live up to preseason expectations thus far after being picked to finish first and third, respectively, in the ACC’s Atlantic Division.

3. Devonta Freeman is the first Seminole freshman to rush for 100 yards in back-to-back games since Sammie Smith did it in 1986.

PREDICTION: Florida State 37, North Carolina State 17 – The Seminoles’ swarming defense will make life miserable for Glennon and the nation’s 80th-ranked offense (370.6 ypg).