The North Carolina State Wolfpack (3-0) travel to play the South Alabama Jaguars (2-1) this week in a clash between two teams who’ve gotten off to good starts. The SBC’s top passer, Cody Clements (725 yards, 4 TDs), and the ACC’s second-leading rusher, Matthew Dayes (350 yards, 6 TDs) will be key to the outcome of this matchup. It will begin Saturday, Sep 26 at 8:00 p.m. ET and can be seen on the ESNN.
South Alabama beat San Diego State 34-27 last week. Gerald Everett had an outstanding performance in the win, totaling eight receptions for 164 yards and one TD. Xavier Johnson also had a big game with 142 yards and two TDs on 19 attempts. North Carolina State was able to pick up the win last week’s performance, winning easily over Old Dominion 38-14 in its matchup. Jaylen Samuels had a solid outing for the Wolfpack, totaling five receptions for 43 yards and one TD. Jacoby Brissett finished with 179 yards and a TD through the air.
North Carolina State is a 16-point favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 54 points.
The Jaguars enter the game with records of 2-1 Straight Up (SU) and 1-2 Against The Spread (ATS) this season.
On the other side, the Wolfpack are doing something right with a 3-0 record SU and ATS so far this season. They sport the 25th-ranked scoring offense in the country, averaging 40.7 points per game. If earlier games are any indication, the Wolfpack will run the ball aggressively. They average 235.3 rushing yards per game, good enough for 25th in Division I. The Wolfpack only give up 11.7 points per game and will be pushing their defense to climb even higher in the rankings. North Carolina State’s fifth-ranked run defense has given its competition fits. Opponents have only run for 51 yards per game against this menacing group. The Wolfpack have a habit of pouring it on before they go into halftime. They average 14 points during the second quarter, ranking 13th in Division I. Special teams is usually an area of weakness for the Jaguars, giving up 128.7 return yards per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – North Carolina State, ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
Notes
South Alabama is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games.
South Alabama is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of South Alabama’s last 5 games.
South Alabama is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home.
North Carolina State is 3-0 SU when leading at the half this season. South Alabama is 1-0 SU when taking a lead into halftime.
The South Alabama offensive passing attack is ranked only 50th in the nation, while the North Carolina State pass defense is ranked 11th. The Wolfpack passing game is ranked just 83rd, compared to the 56th-ranked pass defense of the Jaguars.
