Not since 2002 had the NC State Wolfpack got a better start to the season, as they are now 5-0 overall and 2-0 in ACC play. The No. 23 Wolfpack will put their undefeated record on the line this coming weekend against the No. 3 Clemson Tigers (+500 to win the 2019 Championship), who are unbeaten themselves.
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Betting Preview for the NC State Wolfpack vs Clemson Tigers Week 8 College Football Game on October 20 2018
Where: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson
When: Saturday, October 20, 2018, 12:00 PM ET
Line: NC State Wolfpack (+17) vs Clemson Tigers (17) – view all 2018 NCAAF lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the NC State Wolfpack (5-0 Overall / 2-0 Conference)
The Wolfpack stay unbeaten this season following a 28-23 win over the Boston College Eagles last Saturday. It’s a good win and a morale-boosting one for the Wolfpack, who need every drop of momentum going into a tussle with Clemson. Wolfpack quarterback Ryan Finley had 308 passing yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-34 completions. Running back Reggie Gallaspy II, meanwhile, churned out 104 rushing yards and a pair of rushing scores. The Wolfpack were great in moving the chains even under pressure, as they converted 10 of their 15 third-down attempts. That has been the way for NC State for most of the season. They are tops in the nation with a 58.49 percent success on third down conversions. Their offense also benefits from a solid offensive line that has responsible for allowing the nation’s lowest-second quarterback sack percentage.
The Wolfpack, however, need to stop shooting themselves in the foot. They committed four turnovers in the Boston College game and had three in a prior win against the Virginia Cavaliers on Sep. 29.
The Wolfpack are 6-3-1 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Betting on the Clemson Tigers (6-0 Overall / 3-0 Conference)
The Tigers are coming off a bye, which should have them well-rested for a showdown at home against the visiting Wolfpack this weekend. Prior to taking an extra week of rest, Clemson mopped the floor with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in an overpowering 63-3 win in Winston-Salem. Although Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence passed for 175 yards and two touchdowns on 20-of-25 completions with zero interceptions, he’s not the one nor the team’s passing attack that should be the headliner. Rather, it should be Clemson’s backfield that should be taking most of the accolades after running circles around Wake Forest. Travis Etienne, Lyn-J Dixon, and Adam Choice each had at least 128 rushing yards and combined for six touchdowns. Overall, Clemson had 471 rushing yards on 40 carries. The Wolfpack don’t have a wet paper bag defense like that of the Demon Deacons, but Clemson’s run game should keep its foot on the gas pedal to ease off the defensive focus that’ll be put on Lawrence. But don’t let this explosive performance from the Tigers’ backfield to make you forget that Clemson owns a defense capable of crippling any form of attack.
Clemson, which is seventh in the nation with just 16.0 points allowed per game, is 3-1 ATS in their last four contests away from home.
Writer’s Prediction
Clemson wins, 33-17.
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