Matchup: NC State vs. No. 19 Texas A&M (-7)
Location: TIAA Bank Field- Jacksonville, FL
Date and Time: Monday, December 31 at 7:30 ET on ESPN
All-Time Series: First Meeting in History
The Gator Bowl is one of college football’s longest running bowl games, being held every year since 1946. This year’s game pits the 9-3 NC State Wolfpack against the 8-4 Texas A&M Aggies. Dave Doeren has led the Wolfpack to a successful season with the help of NFL prospect quarterback Ryan Finley. Their three losses have come at Clemson and Syracuse, and a upset loss at home against Wake Forest. Nonetheless, this has been an extremely successful campaign, peaking at No. 14 in the AP poll in 2018. They will look to accomplish a 10 win-season, as well as potentially finishing the year ranked in the AP Poll for back-to-back seasons.
Texas A&M’s 2018 effort is looking like just the beginning of something special on the horizon in College Station. In his first year as Aggie head coach, Jimbo Fisher has led his crew to an 8-win season. Two of their losses came to the two teams battling for the College Football Playoff National Championship next week, being Clemson and Alabama. This team has a lot of promise, and could be a Playoff contender in the rather near future.
What to Watch:
NCSU: The play of quarterback Ryan Finley will be key to the outcome of this game. There’s no doubt that he is talented, but this SEC defense may present a challenge to his abilities. Runningback Reggie Gallaspy will also have to be efficient in order to try to wear down this Aggie defense.
North Carolina State quarterback Ryan Finley (15) passing against Louisville (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
TAMU: The Aggies will go after this Wolfpack defense right out of the gates. In order to win this ballgame, they will need to find a way to shut down Aggie runningback Trayveon Williams. However, that is just part of the equation of what NC State will need to do. Stepping aside from the ground game, they will have to deal with quarterback Kellen Mond, who can also hurt them in the running game. He has a talented core of receivers, including Quartney Davis, along with tight end Jace Sternberger, who leads the team in receiving yards. Stopping this explosive offense will be a challenge for the boys from Raleigh, as the Aggies were able to put up 74 points on LSU (granted, this was in game comprised of seven overtimes).
The Verdict
My Prediction: Texas A&M def. NC State 41-28
Ultimately, I think that Texas A&M’s offense will be just too much for the Wolfpack to contain. I also think that NC State will struggle moving the ball consistently. In the end, the Aggies pull off a bowl win in the River City to get to 9 wins.
Images Via:
ACC Sports
12th Man
