The No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers (1-0) will take on No. 24 NC State in the Duke’s Mayo Classic on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Both programs started the campaign with victories, as Tennessee routed Chattanooga 69-3, and NC State eventually pulled away from Western Carolina to win 38-21.
As we get closer to kickoff, let’s examine the latest Tennessee vs NC State odds and make a prediction for this intriguing NCAAF Week 2 matchup.
Tennessee vs NC State Odds
College football odds are current as of Tuesday, Sept. 3, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Tennessee (-290) vs NC State (+235)
- Spread: Tennessee -8 (-108) vs NC State +8 (-112)
- Over/Under: Over 60.5 (-112) / Under 60.5 (-108)
Tennessee vs NC State Prediction
Tennessee 38, NC State 28
If the first half of their season-opening win over Chattanooga was any indication, the Volunteers have found their quarterback.
Freshman Nico Iamaleava put up gaudy numbers, completing 22-of-28 passes for 314 yards (a school record for any half) and three touchdowns against the Mocs. But perhaps just as importantly, he passed the eye test, dropping dimes down the field and leading receivers so they never broke their stride.
That ability will be more important this week against NC State, who represents a significant upgrade in competition. However, I’m convinced Tennessee gets the job done in one of the two games between ranked opponents on this week’s college football schedule. (Check out my Texas vs Michigan prediction for the other.)
The Wolfpack defense was surprisingly tested in Week 1 by Western Carolina, who racked up 361 total yards and averaged over six yards per play. That is a huge concern heading into this matchup against a potent Tennessee offense.
And while I like NC State QB Grayson McCall (318 yards, three Pass TDs vs WCU) and this Wolfpack offense, they ultimately won’t be able to keep up with Tennessee’s scoring pace.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Tennessee vs NC State Best Bets
Over 60.5 Points (-112)
This game should have plenty of points.
Tennessee put up 45 in the first half last week with Iamaleava under center, and while that’s unlikely to continue, the Vols should hit their fair share of explosive plays against NC State.
I expect McCall and the Wolfpack to contribute to this total, so I’m taking the Over as one of my best college football bets today.
Tennessee -8 (-108)
This line opened at Tennessee -4, so I would have preferred to lay the points at anything less than a touchdown. However, I’m a bit worried about NC State’s performance in its season opener and the ACC’s play in general early this season.
I’m impressed with what I’ve seen early on from Iamaleava, and while I know this game will be much more challenging, I still expect the Volunteers to win by double digits.
