NC State vs. Vanderbilt Prediction: Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
My best NC State vs. Vanderbilt prediction centers on both teams' offensive struggles. Vanderbilt will be starting freshman Jared Curtis at quarterback, while CJ Bailey and NC State face an FBS team for the first time since scoring just eight points against Virginia in Week 1.
Vanderbilt is favored by 3 points ahead of Saturday's 12:45 p.m. ET game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. The game will air on the SEC Network and stream on ESPN Unlimited.
🏈 NC State vs. Vanderbilt picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 3 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Bet size |
|---|---|
| ATS: NC State +3.5 (-112 via FanDuel) | 1 unit to win 0.89 units |
| O/U: Under 50.5 (-108 via BetMGM) | 1.5 units to win 1.39 units |
Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.28 units
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💰 NC State vs. Vanderbilt prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Under 50.5 (-108 via BetMGM)
Last week, NC State demolished Richmond 73-0. However, it's hard to be too excited about that game when NC State scored only eight points against Virginia to start the year. Just how bad was that offensive performance? NC State managed just 168 yards and 10 first downs, while turning the ball over twice.
While NC State's defense struggled against Virginia, allowing 34 points, I don't have much faith in Vanderbilt's offense. After a 210-yard, one-touchdown game against Delaware last week, Jared Curtis will start again on Saturday. However, despite two relatively easy opponents, Vanderbilt ranks just 90th in rushing yards per game.
NC State was unable to slow down Virginia because of the Cavaliers' rushing attack amassing 258 yards. If Vanderbilt can't run, the offense will struggle to move the ball.
📡 SBR Edge
Vanderbilt has held opponents to 26 points or fewer in five of its last six home games, and NC State has scored in single digits in three of its last four road games with Bailey under center.
Vanderbilt's defense up to the task against Bailey
Last week, Vanderbilt's secondary slowed down Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci, holding him to a 40.7% completion percentage, 182 yards, and two interceptions. They also sacked him five times. To put this in perspective, Minicucci finished with a 62.9% completion percentage and seven 300-yard games last season.
Bailey's 84-yard performance in Week 1 was the worst of his career. While I expect a better game this week, I anticipate Vanderbilt's secondary shutting him down, especially if they can cause pressure. Bailey was sacked 23 times last season and has already been sacked three times this year.
Score prediction: NC State 21 Vanderbilt 20
📊 NC State vs. Vanderbilt odds
See the latest college football odds for every Week 3 matchup.
NC State vs. Vanderbilt opening odds
- Moneyline: NC State +142 | Vanderbilt -170
- Spread: NC State +4 (-110) | Vanderbilt -4 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 54.5 (-110) | Under 54.5 (-110)
📺 How to watch NC State vs. Vanderbilt: Week 3
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
- Kickoff: 12:45 p.m. ET
- Location: FirstBank Stadium (Nashville, Tenn.)
- TV: SEC Network
- Streaming: ESPN Unlimited
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Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
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