Hyundai Sun Bowl: #24 NC State Wolfpack and Arizona State Sun Devils
Wolfpack D May Prove to be the Difference in this Game
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The Hyundai Sun Bowl will be played at 3 p.m. E.T. in El Paso, Texas, as the #24 NC State Wolfpack (8-4) meet the Arizona State Sun Devils (7-5). The Wolfpack, who were 2-3 for their final five games of the season, won their final game 33-21 against UNC. They finished 6-2 and in fourth place in the ACC Atlantic. The Sun Devils finished their season with two straight wins, finishing fourth in the Pac-12 South with a 5-4 record. Our NC State plays Arizona 2017 Hyundai Sun Bowl pick has the Wolfpack favored by 6.5 and the over/under from 63.0.
NC State Overview
The Wolfpack offer a productive passing offense and solid running game. They’re averaging 30.6 PPG. QB Ryan Finley (64.0 COMP%, 16 TDs, 6 INTs) spreads the ball out fairly evenly amongst three receivers, Kelvin Harmon, Reggie Gallaspy II and Jaylen Samuels. Each has four TD receptions. Samuels, a dual threat, has 11 touchdown runs. RB Nyheim Hines has 181 rushes for 1,040 yards and nine scores. Reggie Gallaspy II has five TD runs.
NC State’s defense is sound versus the run, but they have a hard time containing the pass, as they are allowing 245 yards through the air. They are holding teams to 24.8 PPG. The Wolfpack have some massive players on defense, including DE Bradley Chubb (72 TCKLs, 10 SCKs, 23 TFL) and safety Shawn Boone (58 TCKLS, 4 INTs, 3.0 SCKs, 4 TFL).
Wolfpack Summary
Productive and deep receiving group
Ground attack is solid
D is tough versus run
Arizona State Overview
Scoring is not a problem for the Sun Devils who, like their opponents, bring a balanced attack that includes on average 248 YPG passing and 180 YPG rushing. They’re averaging 31.9 PPG. QB Manny Wilkins (63.5 COMP%, 17 TDs, 5 INTs) has two primary receivers, N’Keal Harry (73 REC, 1,000 YDs, 13.7 AVG, 7 TDs) and Kyle Williams (59 REC, 678 YDs, 11.5 AVG, 6 TDs). RBs Demario Richard (185 ATT, 977 YDs, 5.3 AVG, 12 TDs) and Kalen Ballage (153 ATT, 657 YDs, 4.3 AVG, 6 TDs) carry the brunt of the ground attack duties.
The Arizona State D is having a difficult time containing opponents, as they are giving up 31.3 PPG and 447 yards per game total. They have a tough time stopping both the air and ground game. Players such as JoJo Wicker (39 TCKLs, 6 SCKs, 12 TFL) and Alani Latu (37 TCKLs, 7 SCKs, 10 TFL) will be important in stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.
Sun Devils Summary
Running game tough to stop
Defense has trouble containing opponents
Wilkins is an accurate passer
Three Hyundai Sun Bowl Takeaways
Here are our three takeaways for the NC State plays Arizona 2017 Hyundai Sun Bowl pick-
QB edge- teams are even
Receiving edge Wolfpack
NC State D holds edge
Our 2017 Hyundai Sun Bowl Pick
Our NC State plays Arizona 2017 Hyundai Sun Bowl pick likes the NC State offense and defense in this matchup. We’re taking the Wolfpack at -6.5 and the under at 63.0. Keep checking the over/under if you’re taking the under, as it’s going up.
Summary NC State at Arizona State Picks- Wolfpack at -6.5 and under 63.0
