As a part of this week’s football preview, ASOR welcomes R. Cory Smith of “Pack Pride” for this week’s edition of “Ask A Beat Writer.” Pack Pride is a sports site on the 247Sports Network, covering NC State Athletics. 

The Wolfpack has a lethal offense, scoring just under 34 ppg. Who generates the offense and what is the key to stopping it?

Pack Pride: Well, I’m not exactly sure how to stop Tim Beck’s offense or else I would be a DC in the ACC, but the key has been quarterback play this season. After starting the year with Bailey Hockman under center, Devin Leary took over the reins and put up phenomenal numbers before suffering a season-ending injury.

While many doubted Beck’s ability to run the offense with Hockman the second time around, Bailey has stepped up in the last two games by going 43-of-62 for 513 passing yards, five TDs, two interceptions, one receiving TD and one rushing TD against Miami and FSU combined.

If Hockman is rattled early and has an off night, there will be a huge opportunity for Liberty to pull off the road win.

The Wolfpack ranks 98th in the NCAA in total defense, allowing 456.5 ypg. How can the Flames exploit NC State’s defense Saturday?

PP: Ironically enough, the biggest area where NC State’s defense has struggled this season has been against dual-threat quarterbacks. Whether it’s been missed assignments on mesh RPO plays or not making the first tackle, the Wolfpack has been gashed by mobile signal-callers all season.

If Willis is able to get going on the ground early and force State’s linebackers and safeties to bite on the threat of him running, that could once again lead to open receivers down the field.

The Wolfpack have 3 RBs with over 100 yards rushing on the year. Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person Jr have rushed for over 400 yards on the year. With a balanced rushing attack, how do the Flames stop it, and is this the key to jump-starting the Wolfpack offense?

PP: Bam Knight and Ricky Person have actually traded off the top rushing yardage each week for NC State since the start of the season, so Person is due for the top role this weekend. But Knight is more of the power runner while Person can break off an explosive play at any moment.

Not exactly sure how to stop it, but limiting big plays at the second level will be critical against Person and Knight. Both rely on getting chunk yardage to gain confidence, and tend to wear down defenses once they get into the second half.

What player or team unit will be key in swaying the game into the Wolfpack’s favor?

PP: On the offensive side, it will likely need to be the downfield wide receivers. Whether it’s Emeka Emezie, Cary Angeline or Devin Carter, all three have good strength and size to pull down tough catches. If Hockman is able to get the ball to his home run threat receivers, State’s offense has been one of the most effective ACC teams in the red zone this season.

On the defensive side of the ball, Hugh Freeze was correct in his assessment of Alim McNeill being a reason for concern. The Pack’s nose tackle has graded out as the top P5  interior lineman by Pro Football Focus all season long and continues to be a catalyst for State’s front six.

What is your prediction for the game?

PP: I think NC State ultimately wins this game, but it’s a close contest. I’m going with 35-31 in favor of the Pack, but definitely think it could be a game that gets in the 40s as well. NC State’s offense has been able to answer the bell nearly all season at the end of games, and that could be tested again this Saturday.