Cincinnati is No. 4 in the nation in averaging 51.3 points per game. But it’s certainly worth questioning just how good this team is. The Bearcats have totaled 131 points in blowouts of cupcakes Austin Peay and Akron. But Cincy managed only 23 in losing to Tennessee by 22 points. Actually, UC’s defense was the story in Saturday’s win over the Zips. The Bearcats returned one fumble for a score and two interceptions for touchdowns — all in the first half. They became the first Big East team to score three defensive TDs since 2000. UC has won 20 consecutive home non-conference games at Nippert Stadium, dating back to 2003.

The Wolfpack have had arguably the weakest schedule of any FBS team thus far. They have blown out Liberty and South Alabama but were beaten by a touchdown at Wake Forest. QB Mike Glennon has been good in replacing Russell Wilson, throwing for 745 yards and seven touchdowns so far with just one pick.

These two teams faced off on a Thursday night in Raleigh last season, a 30-19 Wolfpack victory. N.C. State put up nearly 500 yards of offense and never trailed in the game. Zach Collaros, UC’s current QB, threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns. But Cincinnati managed only 75 yards rushing.

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