When N.C. State has ball

Redshirt freshman quarterback Russell Wilson will be making his first collegiate start in front of a rowdy crowd at one of the SEC’s loudest stadiums. Wilson will look to use his legs and speed to create passing lanes and avoid the Gamecocks’ pass rush. He’ll try to get the ball to talented tight end Anthony Hill, who missed all of last season with an ACL injury. The ground game started preseason with four solid backs, but it has dwindled down to just two with Andre Brown to get most of the workload. USC’s defense, which returns 10 starters, will aim to shut down the run game, its weak link in 2007. Captain Munnerlyn and Emanuel Cook help make up a secondary that won’t make it easy on N.C. State’s inexperienced receivers to get open.

Advantage: USC

When USC has the ball

Coach Steve Spurrier found little pleasure in watching his offense throughout preseason scrimmages but that was facing a very tough defense that knew what was coming every practice. Now, he’ll get to see what junior QB Tommy Beecher can do against an N.C. State defense that returns only four starters. The Wolfpack’s strength is on the defensive line, so if Beecher gets time to throw, all-SEC receiver Kenny McKinley and tight end Jared Cook could have a big game. Spurrier could play four running backs, with Taylor Rank getting the start. Spurrier’s offense has been prone to slow starts in the opening game during his tenure, but the Wolfpack lost five of their top six tacklers from 2007.

Advantage: USC

Special teams

N.C. State’s Josh Czajkowski didn’t record a kick last season, and punter Bradley Pierson averaged 37.2 yards per punt in 2007. With RB/KR Jamelle Eugene hurt, freshman T.J. Graham will handle return duties. USC senior Ryan Succop returns as a Lou Groza Award candidate after connecting on 13-of-17 field goals last year. Chris Culliver and Munnerlyn were adequate in the return game in 2007 and have the ability to make a big impact.

Advantage: USC

The bottom line

N.C. State coach Tom O’Brien, in his second season with the Wolfpack, brings in an inexperienced and depleted team into Williams-Brice Stadium. N.C. State is expected to go through some growing pains with a young quarterback and has been projected to finish near the bottom of the ACC. South Carolina is hungry to erase a 5-game losing streak that ended last year without a bowl trip. With talent and depth returning, the Gamecocks want to make a statement on national TV. Despite a few new offensive players and a history of early scoring woes, USC won’t need to put tons of TDs on the board because the defense can carry the team against this Wolfpack squad.

Prediction: USC 27, N.C. State 6