Notre Dame at North Carolina State College Football: Everything You Need To Know

Prior to Saturday’s game against Syracuse, Notre Dame installed new defensive coordinator Greg Hudson in an attempt to improve a defensive unit that had been atrocious. And while the Irish did prevail by 17 points, Notre Dame gave up 33 points, which is exactly the score they allow each game on average. It will take time for the defense to find its sea legs under Hudson, but a victory, no matter how many points are given up, is a positive start.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Irish’s offense was tremendous, as quarterback DeShone Kizer threw for 471 yards and 3 touchdowns. The first quarter vs. the Orange was a shootout rivaling any in Old West lore, as both teams combined for 36 points before five minutes had elapsed. When the quarter was over, the teams combined for 339 yards of total offense. Kizer set the tone early with two long touchdown passes to Equanimeous St. Brown (79 yards and 67 yards) within the game’s first four minutes. C.J. Sanders added a 93-yard kickoff return in the period for Notre Dame.

Saturday’s matchup with the Wolfpack could bring similar offensive results as North Carolina State is averaging 40 points per game behind quarterback Ryan Finley (1,014 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, 0 interceptions). That is, if the game is played at all. Hurricane Matthew is threatening the Carolinas and officials are closely monitoring the storm and could cancel or postpone the game if the weather becomes threatening.

Kickoff time: 11 a.m., CT
TV and radio: ABC, Notre Dame sports network.
Point spread: Notre Dame is favored by 1 point, according to scores and odds.
Tickets: Tickets are sold out, but are available on the secondary market at sites like Stubhub.com.