Welcome to the biggest test of UConn's non-conferenced schedule: a home date with a talented N.C. State team, whose fans think UConn has no chance. Don't be too hard on them though, because they probably didn't know we had Terry Baltimore's Elevator Music on our side.
As for the game: UConn's defense looked stellar against UMass and I expect them to come up big today as well. Their most important job may be getting pressure on Wolfpack QB Mike Glennon who was forced into four interceptions in N.C. State's opener. Unfortunately for the defense their only weak spot (the interior of the d-line) is still short theoretical starter Shamar Stephen, along with Ted Jennings who hurt himself last week.
The other side of the ball is a bigger question mark. Chandler Whitmer looked very promising against UMass, but he made the mistakes you'd expect a young QB to make and that could be trouble today as he faces David Amerson, one of the best corners in the country. Amerson got burnt a lot last week so he could be looking to make a statement today. Luckily for Whitmer whatever side of the field Amerson is not on should be a bit friendlier as corner C.J. Wilson is out serving a four-game suspension.
Oh, and we'll probably see some wildcat, which will infuriate me.
Some quick hits:
If you missed it last night UConn's soccer team beat Washington on a free kick in overtime. It was awesome.
Check out our N.C. State blog Backing The Pack, we did a Friends With Bennies with them to talk about the game.
I wrote this when I broke down the schedule at the start of the year:
This is easily UConn's toughest OOC game. NC State was an impressive 8-5 last year and defeated Louisville in their bowl game. It's helpful to have it at home but a win might be out of reach. Loss.
I have a little more hope after the UMass performance. Plus, when I wrote that I didn't realize UConn had touchdown fireworks now. I think the Huskies could pull out a close win today. UConn 21 - N.C. State 17.
The game kicks off at noon. SNY and ESPN3 have your tv coverage. This is your OpenThread. Join us in the comments below. Go Huskies.