NC State Wolfpack vs. Wake Forest Picks & Betting Tips

NCAAF

In the current era of college football, where NIL and the transfer portal are more important than traditional recruiting, the NC State Wolfpack and Wake Forest Demon Deacons are struggling to keep up. Head coach Dave Doeren, the winningest coach in program history, capably leads NC State. But while the Wolfpack has not fallen to the basement, it is not able to pay players at the same level as ACC rivals such as Miami-FL, Clemson, and Florida State. By contrast, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons are like a small-market baseball team. Wake simply cannot compete against the MAGA budget program. This fact led to the resignation of long-time head coach Dave Clawson, who won more than anyone in the modern history of Wake Forest Football. Wake Forest will host NC State on Thursday night in a battle of undefeated teams.

There is considerable interest in this game by the college football betting community based on the early performance of both sides and the fact that this is the only college game scheduled on Thursday night.

NC State at Wake Forest Preview

Allegacy Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC, is the venue for Thursday night’s ACC matchup of the NC State Wolfpack and the host Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Kickoff time is at 7:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.

Check out the latest information and guidance for betting on football in this football betting guide.

CFB Betting Market Factors to Consider

The NC State Wolfpack is respected by those who know college football as a program that consistently makes bowl games.

NC State owns more raw talent and depth than Wake Forest.

Wake Forest is at a significant disadvantage with its inability to raise a competitive NIL program to offer comparable payments to players as the name-brand programs do.

NC State at Wake Forest Predictions

Handicapping Factors to Consider

Wake Forest is under a new head coach, Jake Dickert, who arrived after a successful tenure at Washington State. Dickert replaced Dave Clawson, who retired after a remarkably successful run. However, Clawson saw the writing on the wall and the inability of Wake Forest to keep up.

NC State has the more established program with head coach Dave Doeren.

NC State will offer more value on the road with the discount price.

NC State at Wake Forest Prime Best Bet: NC State Wolfpack

NC State at Wake Forest Betting Tips

NC State opened as a 7.5-point favorite while Wake Forest is a 7.5-point dog.

The total opened at 55.5.

The moneyline opened with NC State at -238 and Wake Forest at +195.

NC State Wolfpack

Last week, the Pack won 35-31 over the Virginia Cavaliers as 3-point home favorites. The game went over the total of 54. The NC State Wolfpack is 2-0 straight up, 1-1 against the spread, and 1-1 over the total.

NC State ranks 128^th for pass defense. Offensively, NC State ranks in the middle of the road at 60^th overall and 67^th for scoring. Of major concern for gamblers in this matchup is the 119th-ranked NC State defense.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are 2-0 straight up, 1-1 against the spread, and 0-2 under the total. Last week, Wake Forest beat Western Carolina 42-10 as 17.5-point home favorites. The game went under the total of 60.5.

Wake Forest has mediocre metrics of 46^th for overall offense, 83^rd for scoring, 38^th for overall defense, and 21^st for points allowed. Again, these numbers are against weak competition. Also, Wake Forest ranks 104^th for fewest turnovers committed and 92^nd for takeaways.