South Alabama @ North Carolina State preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 17, 2011 ) South Alabama 13, North Carolina State 35

North Carolina State’s defense saved the day last week and that’s a big boost going forward as the Wolfpack prepare for their home opener against South Alabama on Saturday. The secondary, after struggling against Tennessee, regained its swagger with three interceptions and the Wolfpack stopped the run in a 10-7 victory at Connecticut. N.C. State will have to continue that against a South Alabama team that did not roll over easily last season in a 35-13 loss at Raleigh. The Jaguars, a member of the Sun Belt Conference who will have full-time FBS status in 2013, use a multiple-spread offense and have shown good balance. The Wolfpack offense has to forget about the first two weeks. N.C. State quarterback Mike Glennon has four interceptions and two touchdown passes, and his running game has yet to get on track.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN3.com. LINE: North Carolina State -31.5

SOUTH ALABAMA (1-1): The Jaguars, like N.C. State, leaned on their defense to deliver a 9-3 victory over Nicholls State last Saturday. Still, South Alabama has put up decent yardage in its first two games, with 351 passing and 236 rushing. Quarterback C.J. Bennett has completed 59 percent of his passes and running back Demetre Baker, who scored against the Wolfpack last year, is averaging 4.3 yards per carry. T.J. Glover may be the Jaguars biggest threat this year, with 218 all-purpose yards. The Jaguars defense has allowed only 311 yards passing in two games.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE (1-1): Only seven teams in the nation have allowed more sacks (seven) in the early season than the Wolfpack. That’s a product of many things, including a running game that has produced only 2.4 yards a carry. Teams are sending everyone after Glennon and, when they don’t get there, he’s throwing under pressure. The talent is there for the running game and offensive line to get better. Glennon did have four touchdown passes against the Jaguars last year. Earl Wolff was the ACC Defensive Back of the Week with an interception and fumble recovery and David Amerson, who led the nation with 13 picks in 2011, swiped his first against UConn.

EXTRA POINTS

1. South Alabama outgained N.C. State on the ground 104-95 last year and had 18 first downs to the Wolfpack’s 19.

2. N.C. State wide receiver Quintin Payton is averaging 25.3 yards per catch.

3. The Wolfpack are 0-4-1 in their last five against the spread in September games.

PREDICTION: N.C. State 38, South Alabama 13