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The NC State Wolfpack (2-1, 0-0 ACC) visit the Virginia Cavaliers (0-3, 0-0) Friday at Scott Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the NC State vs. Virginia odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Wolfpack started off a little sluggish in a 24-14 win at UConn on Aug. 31, failing to cover as 14.5-point favorites. They returned home Sept. 9, losing to Notre Dame in a soggy, wet mess of a 45-24 loss, failing to cover as 7-point ‘dogs. NC State rebounded with a 45-7 win over VMI of the FCS on Saturday, but again failed to cover, this time as a 43-point favorite.
QB Brennan Armstrong, who is the all-time leading passer for Virginia, transferred to NC State following former Hoos offensive coordinator Robert Anae to Raleigh in the offseason.
The Cavaliers are still searching for their first victory in 3 tries. UVA lost by 28 or more points in 2 games against Tennessee and Maryland. It plays the 2nd home game, looking to atone for a 36-35 loss to James Madison Sept. 9. The Hoos led 35-24 after 3 quarters, but the Dukes outscored them 12-0 in the final frame, including the go-ahead TD with 55 seconds left in regulation.
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NC State at Virginia odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:04 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): NC State -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | Virginia +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
- Against the spread (ATS): NC State -9.5 (-110) | Virginia +9.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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NC State at Virginia picks and predictions
Prediction
NC State 29, Virginia 16
Moneyline
NC State (-400) will cost you 4 times your potential return, and that’s quite expensive on an offense that has sputtered at times. While I expect Armstrong to perform well against his former team, I think Virginia (+310) also brings a little extra intensity early against its former signal caller.
PASS.
Against the spread
NC STATE -9.5 (-110) is worth a play in this ACC opener. Virginia has struggled mightily against Power 5 teams, averaging 13.5 points per game (PPG), while allowing 45.5 PPG.
Playing the Wolfpack comes with some risk, however, as they’re 0-3 ATS through the first 3 games. However, the Hoos have covered just the game against James Madison and are 0-2 ATS in 2 games against Power 5 teams.
Over/Under
UNDER 48.5 (-110) is worth playing, but be cautious.
While NC State has cashed the Under in 2 of 3 games to date, including its first road game, Virginia has hit the Over in all 3 outings. The Cavaliers have allowed 36 or more points in all 3 games, including 42 or more points in the 2 games against Power 5 foes.
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