Belk Bowl Capsule

By foxsports
Published

North Carolina State (7-5) vs. Mississippi State (8-4), Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)

Line: Mississippi State by 7

Series Record: North Carolina State leads 3-2

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Mississippi State hopes to send senior QB Dak Prescott out a winner in his final game. Prescott is looking to end his career on a positive note after a 38-27 loss to rival Ole Miss in the regular season finale on Nov. 28. N.C. State looks for its best win of the season.

KEY MATCHUP

North Carolina State QB Jacoby Brissett vs. Mississippi State defense. Brissett has thrown for 2,448 yards and 19 touchdowns with just four interceptions this year. He has the ability to improvise and keep plays alive with his feet. If he gets hot early, the Wolfpack has a shot at the upset.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

North Carolina State: TE/RB Jaylen Samuels. He lines up at both spots. The versatile Samuels leads the Wolfpack with seven touchdown catches and has also run for 315 yards and seven TDs. He is averaging 5.9 yards per carry.

Mississippi State: QB Dak Prescott. Dangerous with his legs and his arm, he does it all, throwing for 3,413 yards and 25 touchdowns this season while rushing for 541 yards and a team-high 10 TDs.

FACTS & FIGURES

North Carolina State's scoring defense improved from 13th (27 ppg.) in the ACC last season to fifth (23.8 ppg) this year. ... The Wolfpack has forced 14 turnovers in the last four games. ... Wolfpack is averaging 201.4 yards rushing per game. ... Mississippi State WR Fred Ross led all Power 5 Conferences with 41 catches in November. Ross has at least 100 yards receiving in the past four games. ... In all, 23 freshman have played for the Bulldogs. ... Mississippi State has outscored its opponents 96-34 in the fourth quarter this season.

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AP College Football website: collegefootball.ap.org