The NC State Wolfpack open their 2024 campaign against Western Carolina Catamounts on national television tonight.
While many have tabbed the Wolfpack to compete for the crown in an ACC Conference that appears wide-open, our Western Carolina vs. NC State predictions have the Catamounts staying inside the number. The Wolfpack will be hoping to get out of this injury-free without showing too much, as a marquee matchup against Tennessee awaits next week.
This is why my free college football picks suggest taking the point on Thursday, August 29.
Western Carolina vs NC State prediction
My best bet
Western Carolina +33.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Away from the field, there are a few subplots here.
One of the most significant issues is how much NC State elects to put on film against an FCS opponent, given that such a big game is coming next week. It's a real discussion, mainly when you're playing an opponent that you're likely to be able to dominate much of the game. With that in mind, I'm backing the Catamounts.
As I've mentioned, you may see a fairly vanilla approach from NC State this week. Historical precedent under head coach Dave Doeren says that's a good bet in the first games. Last season is a good example of that when the Wolfpack played Uconn in week one and threw the ball the fewest times all season. Sure, the Huskies are better than Western Carolina, and some of that play calling they have been forced into. However, It's one example of several that show a conservative approach in early-season games. That should even be true with an SEC opponent on tap next week.
This is also a solid group from Western Carolina. The biggest story in this game is its experience at QB in the form of Cole Gonzales, who had 28 touchdowns last season and has a reputation for being a gunslinger, with 30 or more pass attempts in over half of the Catamounts games last season. It's an offense that returns the core of a group that finished 3rd overall in the FCS in passing last season, along with 4th overall in scoring. They can matriculate the offense down the field, especially in the later stages when NC State has likely called the dogs off.
In these types of situations, motivation plays a big part. For Western Carolina, this is a Super Bowl facing off against an in-state that likely many of these players would have loved to play for but have yet to have the chance. In a late-game scenario when many starters have been pulled, the Catamounts will be much more likely to push for points than the opposition would be to run it up. That leaves us plenty of outs to backdoor a considerable number. That's just another reason to like this bet. I projected 30.5, so I'll grab the full field goal of value against my number.
Western Carolina vs NC State same-game parlay (SGP)
Western Carolina +33.5
Over 58.5
While I don't think NC State will show a ton, QB Grayson McCall will air it out some and get used to the NC State system with what amounts to a scrimmage for the Wolfpack. And air it out, McCall can do. The journeyman comes into the NC State team after a decorated career with Coastal Carolina, where he threw for nearly 2,000 yards last season despite being injured. He should have no issue doing his part to get this total home.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Western Carolina vs NC State odds
Western Carolina vs NC State live odds
Western Carolina vs NC State opening odds
- Spread: Western Carolina +33.5 (-110) | NC State -33.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Western Carolina +1,200 | NC State -25,000
- Over/Under: Over 61 (-110) | Under 61 (-110)
Western Carolina vs NC State spread and Over/Under analysis
- Western Carolina has failed to defeat a D1 opponent in its previous ten tries. However, it has covered a decent amount, including four straight times over an ACC opponent.
- One of those times was against NC State in 2019. The Wolfpack are 2-0 straight up against the Catamounts but have a split record ATS.
- NC State covered five of its last six games to end last season and was one of the better overall ATS teams in college football.
- We've seen some action in Western Carolina, even if it is slight. The line has moved in their favor by a whole point since the opening.
Western Carolina vs NC State betting trend to know
NC State has covered the 1H Spread in 8 of their last 11 games (+4.85 Units / 41% ROI). Find more college football betting trends for Western Carolina vs NC State.
Western Carolina vs NC State game info
| Location: | Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC |
| Date: | Thursday, 8-29, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ACC Network |
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