Henry Roldán
The first week of college football action continues this Saturday with the NC State Wolfpack vs. East Carolina Pirates game: Carolina rivals that will meet for the 32nd time.
The Wolfpack posted a 9-3 record last season and after earning their ticket to the Holiday Bowl against UCLA, the bowl was cancelled due to a COVID-19 outbreak. For their part, the Pirates had a good year with a 7-5 record in the tough American Athletic and were unable to play in the Military Bowl also because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Predictions and Betting Preview for the NC State Wolfpack vs East Carolina Pirates College Football Game on September 3, 2022.
- Where: Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium – Greenville, North Carolina.
- When: Saturday, September 3, 2022, 12:00 PM E.T.
Betting on NC State Wolfpack
- Season record: 0-0.
- Spread: -11.5.
- Moneyline: -425.
- Over/Under: 55.
Under head coach Dave Doeren, for the tenth season, the Wolfpack aim to fight for the Atlantic Division lead within the Atlantic Coast Conference by starting at No. 13 in the national rankings.
To achieve this, they have one of the best defenses in the nation, especially when it comes to their linebackers: a real threat to opposing quarterbacks, including that of crosstown rival East Carolina, who will have an offensive line with many new names for 2022.
On offense, NC State’s best weapon is the aerial attack led by Devin Leary, who was considered in the preseason as the conference’s Player of the Year for 2022 after throwing for more than 3,400 yards and 35 touchdowns last season. Achieving this feat once more will be no easy task, but he’ll have a big help with the return of Thayer Thomas and Devin Carter as receivers.
Betting on the East Carolina Pirates
- Season record: 0-0.
- Spread: +11.5.
- Moneyline: +325.
- Over/Under: 55.
East Carolina will not have an easy start to the season against the Wolfpack, but in recent seasons they have shown that, playing at home, they are capable of defeating or fighting hard against teams ranked among the best in the nation.
For this purpose, they will have to resort to the ability of their offense to move the ball effectively through the air and on the ground. Holton Alhers returns at quarterback after a strong 2021 season, while Keton Mitchell totaled more than 1,100 yards on the ground for head coach Mike Houston’s fourth season.
On the defensive side, the Pirates will have an experienced group of players who are capable of holding their own against good offenses. However, it remains to be seen if they can withstand the Wolfpack’s fierce attack, who last year averaged 33.1 points per game played.
JefeBet Prediction
The Wolfpack are contenders for great things this season, and they’ll have to prove it right away against a Pirates team that, despite losing the last two direct matches, has won the two previous matches against NC State in Greenville.
East Carolina usually plays good games at home against the nation’s powerhouses and this Saturday the situation may not be much different. The Pirates have a good offense and an experienced defense capable of stopping the visiting offense.
NC State’s defense, particularly their linebacker group, could have a good afternoon against a Pirates’ offensive line that has new pieces: it will likely take a few games for it to establish itself.
Pick: Under.
