Even though NC State took care of lightly regarded South Alabama, Coach Tom O’Brien is leery of playing Citadel, a member of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision.

“(They’re a) Triple option team that certainly presents a lot of problems to any defense when you have to get ready for it in one week,” said O’Brien, who compared them to powerhouse Georgia Tech.

“It’s very similar to what Georgia Tech does from what we’ve seen on tape,” he said during his weekly media teleconference. “Everyone has got their own peculiar little wrinkle here or there, but the base of the offense is run the way that Georgia Tech’s base offense is run.”

Junior quarterback Ben Dupree makes the offense go. “He’s a very quick, fast guy that does a great job with the option. It’ll be a big challenge for our defense and our football team this week, but look forward to a great night here.”

It’s Military Appreciation Night at Carter Finley and O’Brien will need to figure out a way to slow down the advancement of the Citadel’s offense.

“They believe that if they run 30 triple options that you can’t be disciplined – whether you’re the dive guy, the quarterback or the pitch guy – that you can’t be disciplined enough for those 30 snaps so they can make plays,” he said. “Sooner or later the ball is going to go flying over your head.”