Georgia Tech @ North Carolina State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2010 ) North Carolina State 45, Georgia Tech 28

THE STORY: The offensive juggernaut that is No. 21 Georgia Tech should put up more big numbers when it rolls into Raleigh, N.C., to face faltering N.C. State. The Yellow Jackets lead the nation in scoring (53.2 ppg), total offense (630.5 ypg) and pass efficiency (283.6) and rank second in rushing (398.8 ypg). The Wolfpack, beset by defensive line injuries, are coming off a 44-14 humiliation at Cincinnati. N.C. State won last year’s meeting 45-28 in Atlanta, but that was with Russell Wilson (now at Wisconsin) at quarterback, not Mike Glennon. Tech has won five of the last seven meetings and 10 of 13.

TV: ABC/ESPN. LINE: Georgia Tech -11.5

ABOUT GEORGIA TECH (4-0, 1-0 ACC): Coach Paul Johnson’s option attack looks unstoppable. A-back Orwin Smith is averaging 18.4 yards a carry with five total touchdowns, WR Stephen Hill is averaging 33 yards a catch with four scores, and QB Tevin Washington has accounted for 12 touchdowns, including four on the ground. The defense, in its second year under Al Groh, has forced eight turnovers but is still vulnerable on third down. Opponents are converting 46.4 percent, which ranks 10th in the ACC.

ABOUT N.C. STATE (2-2, 0-1 ACC): Glennon has perhaps the strongest arm in the ACC and is averaging 270 passing yards, third-most in the ACC. He’s thrown 10 TDs against three INTs. Top target T.J. Graham is lightning fast and averages 107 receiving yards. But the running game has been horrid (2.8 ypg). Three of four projected starters on the defensive line could miss Saturday’s game due to injuries. DTs Brian Slay (ankle) and A.J. Ferguson (knee) were knocked out of last Thursday’s loss at Cincinnati.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Jackets have won three straight in Raleigh, including a 31-23 decision on their most recent trip in 2006.

2. Tech has had a 100-yard receiver in every game.

3. Graham, a dangerous kick returner, leads the nation with 230 all-purpose yards per game.

PREDICTION: Georgia Tech 41, N.C. State 24 -- The Wolfpack have too many injuries on defense to slow down the high-flying Jackets.