Clemson vs NC State Odds, Best Bets, and Prediction

Clemson vs NC State Preview
Kickoff: Saturday, September 25th, 3:30 PM ET. Carter-Finley Stadium (NC State)
Moneyline: Clemson (-380), NC State (+300)
Spread: Clemson (-10), NC State (+10)

The ninth-ranked Clemson Tigers travel to Raleigh, N.C. to take on the NC State Wolfpack in Carter-Finley Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday. Clemson is a 9.5-point favorite, and a straight-up Money Line wager on NC State yields +300 odds. The over-under is set at 47.5.

NC State Wolfpack Preview

Had NC State entered this game undefeated, this would likely be a ranked matchup and College Game Day could have been coming to Raleigh. 

Instead, the Wolfpack disappointingly lost to Mississippi State 24-10 on the road in week two. 

NC State was favored in that game, but it’s important to note that the Pack has covered the spread in wins over South Florida (45-0) and Furman (45-7). 

The Wolfpack has been strong defensively, but questions remain on the offensive side of the ball. 

The Pack’s starters have allowed just two offensive touchdowns to opponents in its first three contests. Although losing star linebacker Payton Wilson and safety Cyrus Fagan to season-ending injuries in week two doesn’t help the season-long cause. 

On offense, NC State has looked impressive against inferior competition. But it was practically shut out for most of the game in the loss to Mississippi State. 

Clemson’s defense will be the toughest test the Pack offense faces all season. The Wolfpack got away from the run in the loss to the Bulldogs, so look for NC State to try to get running backs Zonovan “Bam” Knight and Ricky Person Jr. more involved Saturday.

Clemson Tigers Preview

Clemson enters this contest 2-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The Tigers fell 10-6 to No. 2 Georgia on a neutral field in the season opener. Clemson has won two straight since, including a blowout win over FCS-level South Carolina State and a 14-8 narrow escape of Georgia Tech at home. 

The Tigers have been a tale of two stories so far. 

Clemson’s defense looks spectacular, and it’s the only FBS program yet to allow an offensive touchdown to an opponent this season. Georgia’s lone touchdown in its season-opening win over the Tigers was a pick-six thrown by Clemson quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei. 

This leads to the other story of Clemson this year. 

The Tigers have struggled tremendously on offense. Although Clemson has yet to allow its opponents to score an offensive touchdown so far, the Tigers have only found the endzone twice in two games against FBS opponents. 

For Clemson to cover double-digit spreads, it will need to find a way to get the offense going.

Full Clemson vs NC State Prediction

My favorite bet in this game is the under 47.5. These two defenses are likely the two best in the ACC. Clemson undoubtedly has a top-five unit nationally, and NC State’s defense is likely top 25 caliber, even without Wilson or Fagan. Meanwhile, both of these teams have offenses that are both unproven and have struggled in early weeks. Expect at least one or two explosive plays that lead to scores, but I predict there will be more three-and-outs than scoring drives for both teams. Plus, NC State will try to shorten the game by establishing the run game, which is likely the Pack’s best strategy to pull off the upset. If I have to pick a side on the spread, I’ll take the points (NC State +9.5) simply because I love the under so much. As a Wolfpack alum that knows better, I’m personally sticking with the under and hoping the Pack finds a way to cash the Money Line for those that believe in it.