East Carolina vs NC State Prediction College Football Picks 12/28/24

NC State Wolfpack Betting Preview

The NC State Wolfpack are 6-6 (3-5) this season after they defeated North Carolina by a score of 35-30 in their last game. NC State led 7-6 at halftime, but the second half was extremely high scoring and they needed a touchdown with 25 seconds left for the win. The Wolfpack were outgained by a total of 468-462, won the turnover battle 2-1, and went 2-9 on third down in the game. CJ Bailey threw for 242 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Hollywood Smothers rushed for 83 yards and two scores in the win. 

NC State also has wins over Stanford, Cal, Northern Illinois, Louisiana Tech, and Western Carolina, while losing to Tennessee, Clemson, Wake Forest, Syracuse, Duke, and Georgia Tech. The NC State offense has scored 29.2 points per game with 232.8 passing yards and 140.8 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 30.5 points per game this season. CJ Bailey has completed 64.1% of his passes for 2,183 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while Justin Joly caught 40 passes for 620 yards and three scores this year. 

Why East Carolina will beat NC State

• NC State has lost each of its last five games at neutral venues.
• East Carolina has won four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• NC State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games against non-conference opponents.
• The underdog has covered the spread in each of NC State's last three games.

Total Points Facts

• Four of East Carolina's last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
• Four of NC State's last five games have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• NC State ranks 9th among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters this season (+5.2).
• NC State ranks 124th among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (8.5).
• East Carolina ranks 7th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (17.8).
• East Carolina ranks 119th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (73.9).

East Carolina vs NC State Prediction 

NC State had a very inconsistent season, but they were able to beat North Carolina in their last game to get to this bowl game. The Wolfpack have allowed at least 28 points in four straight games, so they will have their hands full with this ECU offense. East Carolina has won four of their last five games and they have scored at least 38 points in each of those four wins. I think we are going to see plenty of points in this game, but I like ECU with the points. I don’t think NC State is going to be very motivated to be in this game and their defense has some major issues. Take the points with the Pirates here.