The Wolfpack, meanwhile, are attempting to avoid 2-2 by defeating BSU to go 3-1 in the first month. NC State has . . .
It was a different story last week on the road, however, as West Virginia outscored the visiting Wolfpack 44-27.
Saturday, Sept. 21 -- 7 p.m. ET
Carter-Finley Stadium -- Raleigh, NC
ESPNU
Series: First Meeting
ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE
➤➤ NC State and West Virginia were tied 21-all at the half last Saturday. The Wolfpack, however, managed just two third quarter field goals after intermission, and WVU put 24 points on the board.
➤➤ Both teams were heavily penalized, with the hosts drawing 12 flags for 105 yards, while NC State was penalized nine times for 88 yards.
➤➤ The Wolfpack averages 34.0 ppg and surrenders an average of 16.7 ppg.
➤➤ Ball State is second among MAC teams in scoring offense (37.3 ppg) and ninth in points allowed (34.7).
➤➤ The Cardinals own the MAC’s top passing attack, averaging 348.3 ypg. Western Michigan is second with 299.0 ypg.
➤➤ North Carolina State is holding opponent rushing attacks to 74 ypg. Opposition passers are getting 199.3 ypg.
➤➤ Quarterback Matthew McKay has completed 66 of 113 (58.4%) for 715 yards (6.3 ypp) with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
➤➤ Junior Emeka Emezie has been a favorite target, leading Wolfpack receivers with 21 receptions for 205 yards. Three other receivers have nine catches apiece, collectively providing 361 yards.
➤➤ Safety Tanner Ingle has registered a team-high 20 tackles.
ABOUT BALL STATE (1-2)
➤➤ Ryan Rimmier’s 30-yard field goal gave Ball State a 17-14 second quarter lead over Florida Atlantic last week. The Owls, who lost to a pair of Top 20 teams in the first two weeks, squeezed in a touchdown with nine seconds before intermission and then added two more TDs to take control. Each team then added a fourth quarter touchdown.
➤➤ Junior Drew Plitt was sacked five times by the Owls. Nonetheless, he completed 26 of 38 attempts (68.4%) for 303 yards and three touchdowns. He was intercepted once.
➤➤ Through three games, Plitt has passed for 1,040 yards with 11 TDs and three interceptions. He has completed 70.6 percent of his passes and his 66.6 quarterback rating is 46th nationally.
➤➤ Riley Miller, Antwan Davis and Justin Hall have combined for 43 passes, 620 yards and six TDs.
➤➤ Caleb Huntley has been the Cardinals rushing workhorse, carrying 49 times for 231 yards and a couple touchdowns.
➤➤ Linebacker Jacob White has a team-high 29 tackles.