No. 14 Tennessee at No. 24 North Carolina State
Date: Saturday, September 7
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
The pick — North Carolina State +8 (-115, DraftKings)
While there’s still some debate about whether I’m truly their No. 1 fan, there’s no doubt I’m still supporting the Wolfpack in Week 2.
NC State certainly didn’t have the best season opener with a come-from-behind 38-21 win against Western Carolina, but there’s a lot the Wolfpack can and will improve on.
Transfer quarterback Grayson McCall had a so-so debut in going 26-of-40 for 318 yards and three touchdowns. I’ll chalk up his inaccurate first-half throws to either nerves or adjusting his timing with a new team. With a live game and another practice week under his belt, the former Coastal Carolina legend should be ready for a better performance in Charlotte. Also, his veteran offensive line should provide better protection against Tennessee’s dangerous front seven.
Then there’s the issue of the Volunteers’ budding superstar, QB Nico Iamaleava. He stood out in Week 1 against Chattanooga, but I’m interested to see how he fares against tougher competition. The NC State defense had its problems in the first quarter against Western Carolina but settled in nicely afterward, allowing only seven points in the remaining three quarters. The Wolfpack should be able to challenge Iamaleava in ways that Chattanooga couldn’t.
NC State’s Week 1 stats — 7.1 yards per play and 7.76 yards per pass attempt — are also promising indicators that it will be able to move the ball and keep up with the Volunteers if its defense struggles to stop Iamaleava.
And finally, the Wolfpack have head coach Dave Doeren, who has consistently shown that his team improves as the campaign progresses. A slight scare from a smaller opponent to open the season should hopefully spark some urgency and drive improvement.
I have my doubts about NC State winning this game (sorry if that costs me my No. 1 fan title), but with a likely Wolfpack fan majority in Charlotte and the motivation from underperforming in Week 1, I like taking the the home team with eight points.
Season record: 3-1-1, +1.85 units