At the first of the year, fans might have checked this week’s game with Central Michigan off as a win for N.C. State. But the Wolfpack has been victimized by big plays and Central Michigan has been explosive this season, including four touchdowns of more than 45 yards each last week. So, what does State coach Tom O’Brien think about the match up.

QUESTION: In scouting Central Michigan this week, are there areas of specific concern that you have going into this ballgame?

COACH O’BRIEN: Yeah, we talked about
our defense is in shreds right now. When you play
four senior offensive linemen that are all
300-something pounds, big guys. They run the
ball well. Got a quick little tailback that gets behind
them and takes off and runs. The tight end can
really stretch the defense.

We’re red shirting a kid here, Asa Watson,
that kind of reminds us of him. Got a deep threat
quarterback that did a great job throwing the ball
last week. If you look at them on defense, they’re
really strong up the middle. The two guys that play
on the center and guard middle linebacker, the
second team on tackle and the two safeties that
are 1 and 3 on the team in tackling.

So they’re built strong from the middle out
on defense. They’ve got a definite big play on the
offensive side of the ball.