The NC State football team will take on Texas A&M in the 2018 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida on New Years Eve. The Wolfpack (9-3) will look to get to double-digit wins in a season for the first time since 2002, while the Aggies (8-4) are trying to finish strong in head coach Jimbo Fisher’s first season.
Let’s take a look at how the Wolfpack matches up offensively versus the Aggies.
Quarterback vs. Secondary
In what will be his final game in an NC State uniform, graduate Ryan Finley will look to go out in style as well as improve his stock in the upcoming NFL draft. The Aggies’ secondary allows 263 passing yards per game on the season.
Wide Receivers vs. Secondary
This could end up being the most intriguing matchup of the game. With junior Kelvin Harmon sitting out the game to prepare for the NFL draft, the Pack will need its other receivers to step up. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem with fellow 1,000-yard receiver redshirt junior Jakobi Meyers being Finley’s most targeted wideout this year.
Senior safety Donovan Wilson, who is first in interceptions with two, will be sitting out of the bowl game due to a hernia surgery he recently underwent. This will be key for the Pack and Finley as they will look dominate the Aggies in the passing game.*
Running Backs vs. Linebackers
The Wolfpack’s senior Reggie Gallaspy Jr. has been something special that past couple games. He collected all five touchdowns against rival North Carolina and followed that up with a 220-yard performance against East Carolina to get to 1,000 yards rushing on the season. Gallaspy has been instrumental to the Pack offense this season and he will look to further that concept in the bowl game.
He and the rest of the running back group will be going up against a solid group of Aggie linebackers. Senior Otaro Alaka leads the Aggies in tackles and is a force to deal with standing at 6-foot-3 240 lbs. Alongside him will be junior Tyrel Dodson who is third on the team in tackles. While the Aggies have allowed an average of 204 rushing yards, these linebackers will look to slow the Pack’s running game down and force NC State to go to the air attack.
Offensive Line/Tight Ends vs. Defensive Line
The Pack will have its entire offensive line for this game however, the team will not have offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford as he accepted the offensive coordinator job at Louisville. Even without Ledford, it is doubtful that the Pack will have any problems on the line as it is a tight-knit group who have impressed all year long.
Redshirt sophomore tight ends Dylan Autenrieth and Cary Angeline will look to continue their steady role as blockers in the running game. Angeline will also look to get involved in the passing game with Harmon sitting out.
The Pack’s O-Line will be matched up against an experienced defensive line for the Texas A&M. The Aggies line features three seniors and a redshirt sophomore. On the season, the four players have accounted for 22.5 of Texas A&M’s 35 sacks as well as, 17 of their 28 quarterback hurries. This could be a key matchup in the game determining whether or not the Pack will be able to move the ball on the ground against the second best run defense in the country.
Matchup to Watch
The key matchup in this game will be the Pack’s wide receiver core without Harmon against a talented Texas A&M secondary. Finley will have to spread the ball around as he usually does a good job of. Keep an eye on Meyers and sophomore Emeka Emezie who will take over Harmon’s spot in the game.
This is a key matchup because of Wilson being out due to an injury for the Aggies. Going up against the second best rush defense in the country, Finley will need to attack this matchup along with the wide receivers.*
*Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect Wilson’s availability for the game.
