Central Michigan @ North Carolina State preview

THE STORY: North Carolina State looks to avoid a three-game losing streak and get back to .500 when it plays Central Michigan for the first time ever. The Wolfpack, who were missing 12 players with injuries a week ago and have given up 89 points the last two games, need to play better defense and it won’t be easy. Central Michigan registered 563 yards of offense in its last game, its most since 2007. The N.C. State offense is led by receiver T.J. Graham, who is second in the nation with an average of 241.8 all-purpose yards. Central Michigan, which has 30 freshmen and sophomores on its 52-man depth chart, is 2-3 for the seventh time since 2003.

TV: ESPN3.com. LINE: N.C. State –10.5.

ABOUT CENTRAL MICHIGAN (2-3, 1-1 MAC): Quarterback Ryan Radcliff’s four touchdown passes last week were a career high and his 387 yards passing were the seventh-most in school history. Cody Wilson is his top target, with 22 receptions for 244 yards, and has caught a pass in 24 straight games. Safety Jahleel Addae has three interceptions and a fumble recovery over the last three games. His 18 tackles last week were the most in a game for CMU since 2003. Place kicker David Harman was MAC special teams player of the week with two field goals.

ABOUT N.C. STATE (2-3, 0-2 ACC): The Wolfpack have given up 31.4 points per game, but they have been good at taking the ball away. N.C. State has eight interceptions, tied for fourth in the nation, led by David Amerson’s four. The Pack also has 15 sacks and are sixth nationally in punt returns, but have allowed points in 18 of 20 red zone opportunities. Graham has 19 receptions for 428 yards and has scored five touchdowns -- one on a punt return. Quarterback Mike Glennon has 12 touchdown passes and averages 248.4 yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Graham needs four yards to pass former All-American Torry Holt for second place on the program’s career all-purpose yards list.

2. Central Michigan is 0-6 against ACC schools and has a six-game non-conference road losing streak.

3. N.C. State has been outscored 38-0 in the first quarter by FBS opponents this season.

PREDICTION: N.C. State 31, Central Michigan 13 – The Chippewas will likely stick around for a while, but the Wolfpack have too much talent and experience.