Miami Hurricanes Football: A Preview Of North Carolina State

Sept 22, 2012; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State quarterback Mike Glennon (8) watches the second half against the Citadel Bulldogs at Carter Finley Stadium. North Carolina State won 52-14. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-US PRESSWIRE

The Miami Hurricanes (3-1) return home to Sun Life Stadium this Saturday to face the North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-1).

The two teams have not met since 2008 when the Wolfpack beat the ‘Canes 28-38.  This will be the third time that the two teams will face each other since Miami joined the ACC in 2004.  The pair has played each other 13 times and Miami leads the series 7-5-1.  However, as ACC opponents, the Wolfpack holds a 2-1 record against the ‘Canes.

Miami is riding high after a thrilling come-from-behind victory against Georgia Tech.  They will seek to keep the momentum rolling as they strive to become 3-0 in ACC conference play for the first time since 2004.  If the Hurricanes are to beat the Wolfpack, it would be their first three-game winning streak under head coach Al Golden.  Also, it would be Miami’s first 4-1 start since 2009.

North Carolina State is coming off of a 52-14 thrashing against Citadel.  The Wolfpack suffered a 35-21 season-opening loss against Tennessee.  Since then, they have beaten UCONN, South Alabama and Citadel.  Going on the road to face a confident Hurricane team will most certainly be a test for the Wolfpack.

Senior QB Mike Glennon will be leading North Carolina State’s offense.  On the year, he has completed 63 percent of his passes, thrown for 982 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions.  Following his college career, many analysts expect Glennon to play on Sunday’s.  He has a big arm and stands 6-6, weighing 282 pounds.

The Miami defense will have to keep an eye on Wolfpack WR Quinton Payton – he has been Glennon’s go-to-guy thus far.  Through four games, Payton (6-4, 210) has caught 17 passes for 338 yards and one touchdown.

Another impact player on the Wolfpack roster is CB David Amerson.  In 2011, Amerson led the NCAA in interceptions with 13 and has already picked the ball off three times this year.  It is important that Miami QB Stephen Morris knows where he is at all times.

When: Sat, Sept. 29, Noon p.m. ET,

Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.

Television: ESPNU

Favorite: Miami by 3.5 points