Watch CBS News

FSU & Wolfpack Set For High Noon Showdown

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami.com) – If Florida State Seminoles fans are hoping for a blowout victory over the N.C. State Wolfpack may need a quick refresher on the recent history of the ACC series.

Since 2000, not a single game between the two sides has been decided by more than two touchdowns. In fact, since 2001, the schools have played six games decided by a touchdown or less.

That sets the stage for Saturday's high-noon showdown between the Noles and the Wolfpack.

On one side of the field, you'll have a North Carolina State defense ranked 66th in the country in total defense, allowing just 388.9 yards per game on the season.

Standing opposite the Wolfpack defense will be a very powerful Seminoles offense.

The Noles offense is averaging 431 yards per game, with the majority of that coming in the air. The Noles are ranked 13th in the nation in passing offense, averaging better than 300 yards per game.

But, the Noles glaring weak spot has been the inability to run the football. The once-vaunted Noles running game has been reduced to just 127 yards per game on the season.

The one good aspect of the Noles rushing offense has been that the team can put the ball in the end zone, 12 TD's this season.

When the Wolfpack have the football, they have the ability to score in bunches. N.C. State is averaging better than 31 points per game in 2011 and averages 371 yards per game, according to cfbstats.com.

The problem for the Wolfpack is that they will be running into a top 20 ranked Noles defense that is giving up just 19 points per game.

The Noles are especially stout against the run, ranking sixth in the country and allowing just 82.9 yards per game.

FSU's total defense is ranked 12th in the country, allowing just 291.3 yards per game. The Noles give up just 4.3 yards per play this season.

The game can be seen on ESPNU starting at noon.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.