CARDINALS

U of L-N.C. State glance: Matchups, TV times

Jeff Greer
@jeffgreer_cj

MATCHUP: North Carolina State at Louisville, Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

RECORDS: Louisville (5-2, 3-2 ACC); N.C. State (4-3, 0-3 ACC)

ON THE AIR: TV: Fox Sports South. Radio: WHAS-840, WKRD-790.

FAVORITE: Louisville by 17½.

SERIES: Louisville leads 3-1, though N.C. State won the last meeting, 31-24, in the 2011 Belk Bowl.

COACHES: Louisville: Bobby Petrino (46-11, fifth season). NC State: Dave Doeren (7-12, second season).

Story lines

Red-zone efficiency. Louisville and N.C. State have fallen in the national rankings in red-zone conversions, but the numbers for both teams are still impressive. The Cards have scored 26 of 29 times in the red zone, including 21 touchdowns. N.C. State is 24 of 29 with 21 TDs. And, to make things interesting, both squads are among the top 40 defenses in the country in the red zone.

Big running game ahead? N.C. State has one of the worst rushing defenses in the country, ranking in the 90s nationally and allowing 190.8 rushing yards a game. That sets up for one of Louisville's four running backs to have a big game. Brandon Radcliff (2), Dominique Brown (1) and LJ Scott (1) have each had 100-yard rushing games. Is it Michael Dyer's turn?

Will penalties make a difference? N.C. State is one of the most disciplined teams in the country, with just 32 penalties through seven games. That's good for 13th in the nation and just 38 yards a game. Louisville averages about eight penalties and 55 penalty yards a game. Last weekend's false starts and other miscues on the offensive line were particularly painful.

Curing the dropsies. Something that's lurked just beneath the surface because of Louisville's other offensive woes –receivers and tight ends dropping passes. Reggie Bonnafon might be the quarterback for the foreseeable future if Keith Towbridge catches the first third-down pass against Clemson or James Quick snags that deep ball on the next series. Pass catchers on Louisville can't afford to drop throws.

Players to watch

LOUISVILLE

Will Gardner

#11 | QB | RS SOPHOMORE

The coaching staff switched back to Gardner in the third quarter of last weekend's loss to Clemson, and Louisville's passing game got going. Gardner, when given time in the pocket, can be a solid downfield passer for the Cardinals. He showed that in the spring game. But one thing he said in the buildup to this season was that performing under the lights is different than spring games or practices. He has to show he can be confident and relaxed.

N.C. STATE

Jacoby Brissett

#12 | QB | RS JUNIOR

Brissett's presence under center immediately improved N.C. State from a year ago. The former Florida teammate of Louisville tight end Gerald Christian and former U of L receiver Robert Clark has been a solid offensive boost for the Wolfpack, but he's struggled the past few weeks. His team around him seems to be regressing. He was 32 of 48 for 359 yards and three touchdowns against FSU. Can he drum that up again?

TALE OF THE TAPE

Avg. points scored: U of L 31, N.C. State 30.9

Avg. points allowed: U of L 14.1, N.C. State 28.7

Avg. yards rushing: U of L 141.6, N.C. State 188.3

Avg. yards passing: U of L 229, N.C. State 225.9

Opp. yards rushing: U of L 60.3, N.C. State 190.4

Opp. yards passing: U of L 170.4, N.C. State 207.4

Turnover margin: U of L +2, N.C. State +1