The North Carolina State Wolfpack came a missed field goal away from knocking off unbeaten Clemson last time out, eventually succumbing in overtime, 24-17. It must re-focus right away, with another conference matchup against a national championship contender in Week 8 when North Carolina State hits the road to take on the Louisville Cardinals.
While the Wolfpack hung tough last time out, they are significant underdogs in this matchup. The oddsmakers aren’t buying in to another possible upset as Louisville is projected to role to strengthen its College Football Playoff candidacy.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 8 game is set for Saturday, October 22, 2016, at 12 p.m. ET at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
North Carolina State +20
Louisville -20
Over/Under 65
Odds Analysis
Many people watched North Carolina State push Clemson to the limit, and with that in mind it is a popular choice to cover this spread. The Wolfpack are getting a lot of points and more than 66 percent of the betting action has headed their way to cover.
The “under” is getting more significant action, as the bettors think the scoring total of 65 is too high.
North Carolina State, 4-2 straight up, has been really good against the spread this season, covering in five of six contests, including both chances as an underdog. Louisville is 5-1 on the season straight up and 4-2 against the spread, including 3-1 as the favorite.
Player to Watch
Lamar Jackson - The most talented player on the field will be the Louisville quarterback. He is a dynamic double threat capable of blowing the game open almost by his lonesome.
Jackson has completed 114-of-196 passes this season for 1,806 yards with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has been just as good with his legs, rushing for 832 yards and 15 more scores.
Jackson has rushed for more than 100 yards in all but one game this season and has thrown for more than 400 twice, which has him in the thick of the Heisman Trophy conversation.
North Carolina State gets the advantage of having just faced off against another elite quarterback last week, and it held him down impressively. Clemson signal-caller DeShaun Watson threw for 378 passing yards last week but it took him 52 attempts to get there and he also tossed two interceptions.
Clemson’s high-powered offense scored only 17 points in regulation, and North Carolina State hopes to take that blueprint and implement it against another highly-powered foe.
Key Stat
52.3. That’s the number of points per game Louisville is averaging this season, which is the best mark in the country. The Cardinals have been slowed a bit of late, scoring 36 in a loss to Clemson and then only 24 in a 10-point win last week against Duke.
However, the capability is still there for an offensive explosion with Jackson leading the way. Louisville has posted an average of 627.5 yards per game, surpassing 300 yards per game in both passing and rushing,
Jackson’s leading receiver is James Quick, who has 480 yards and four touchdowns, and there are many other skill players who can make a difference.
Free ATS Pick
North Carolina State has been solid this season, and a win over Clemson last week would have been a feather in its cap. It will be hard to go toe-to-toe with another dominant opponent after such an emotional game, but the Wolfpack will give it their all.
Even though Louisville should be able to pull away, North Carolina State doesn’t have to be perfect to cover the spread. Take the Wolfpack to cover while the outcome should finish “under” the projected scoring total as both defenses will look to step up.
College Football Odds: Louisville 40, North Carolina State 23
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