N.D. and N.C. State had three common opponents this year: Maryland, Navy and F.S.U. N.D. went 3-0 and N.C. State went 2-1 (losing 24-21 to Maryland). N.D. played all three away from home; N.C. State had F.S.U. at home. N.D. averaged 28.7 points and gave up 15.7; for N.C. State it was 34.1 and 16.7. Here are some other points of comparison:

Rushing

N.D. 118 att. for 314 yds (2.66 per carry)
St.: 122 att. for 471 yds (3.86 per carry)

Passing

N.D. 43 compl., 69 att. for 683 yds (9.90 per att./ 62.3% compl.)
St.: 53 compl., 87 att. for 796 yds (9.15 per att./ 60.9% compl.)

Rush yards allowed

N.D. 109 att. for 325 yds (2.98 per att.)
St.: 115 att. for 479 yds (4.17 per att.)

Passing allowed

N.D. 37 compl., 90 att. for 494 yds (5.49 per att./ 41.1% compl.)
St.: 25 compl., 54 att. for 306 yds (5.67 per att./ 46.3% compl.)

Interceptions

N.D.: 0 thrown, 7 made
St.: 2 thrown, 1 made

Fumbles

N.D.: 3 lost, 2 recovered
St.: 1 lost, 3 recovered

N.C. State had the advantage in rushing offense by about 1.2 per carry but N.D. had the advantage in rushing defense by about 1.2 per carry.

Both played good pass defense, but N.D.'s was slightly superior in every respect.

Both had good pass offenses. N.D.'s was more efficient (9.9 to 9.15 per attempt, slightly better completion percentage and no interceptions versus two for N.C. State), though State throws more often and thus gained more total yards through the air.

N.D. was slightly superior in turnovers on the back of the 7 interceptions. All three of N.D.'s lost fumbles were against Navy.