NC State Wolfpack vs Pittsburgh Panthers Game Preview
The NC State Wolfpack visit the Pittsburgh Panthers on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in an ACC showdown at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET, with television coverage on ESPN2.
Pittsburgh (5-2, 3-1 ACC) enters riding a three-game winning streak behind the breakout play of freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel. NC State (3-4, 1-3 ACC) comes off a bye week and hopes to regroup after consecutive conference losses.
Stay up to date with live lines and market shifts at the college football odds and scores page.
Line Movement and Betting Odds
NC State Moneyline: +225
Pittsburgh Moneyline: -278
NC State Spread: +7.0 (-110)
Pittsburgh Spread: -7.0 (-110)
Total Over/Under: 55.0 (-110)
Oddsmakers favor the home team as the Panthers continue to gain traction with Heintschel at quarterback. The total reflects expectations for a balanced offensive matchup between two teams trending in different directions.
Explore full projections and model insights in the college football picks section.
NC State Wolfpack
NC State enters this week looking to reset its season following a bye. The Wolfpack offense has been one of the few bright spots, led by quarterback CJ Bailey, who ranks among the ACC’s most accurate passers with a 72.1% completion rate. Bailey has thrown for 1,846 yards and 14 touchdowns this season, showing good decision-making and consistency under pressure.
Running back Hollywood Smothers adds versatility with 739 rushing yards and five touchdowns, providing balance to an offense that averages over 375 yards per game.
The challenge for NC State will be tightening up its defense, which has struggled mightily, ranking 13th in the ACC in scoring defense (26.6 points allowed per game). The unit has allowed big plays in recent weeks and will be tested by one of the league’s most explosive passing attacks.
Injury Report
- Michael Allen (RB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Jordan Poole (LB) – Questionable (Knee)
- Kelvin King (OL) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Anthony Smith (WR) – Questionable (Ankle)
- Landon Johnson (DL) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Cyrus Fagan (S) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Full injury report for NC State Wolfpack
Pittsburgh Panthers
Pittsburgh’s season turned around with the emergence of Mason Heintschel at quarterback. Since taking over the starting role on October 4, the freshman has led the Panthers to three straight wins over Boston College, Florida State, and Syracuse, completing 64 of 94 passes for 784 yards and six touchdowns.
The Panthers now rank third in the ACC in scoring offense at 38.4 points per game. Running back Derrick Davis Jr. and wide receiver Konata Mumpfield continue to anchor a balanced attack, while Heintschel’s poise and accuracy have added a new dimension to Pat Narduzzi’s offense.
Defensively, Pitt remains stout against the run and opportunistic in the secondary. Their front seven has recorded consistent pressure, forcing opponents into difficult third-down situations. A more complete performance from both sides of the ball could solidify their standing in the ACC’s upper tier.
Injury Report
- Jake Frantl (OL) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Phil Jurkovec (QB) – Out (Shoulder)
- Ryan Baer (OL) – Questionable (Ankle)
- Jules Gonzalez (LB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- Dayon Hayes (DE) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
- MJ Devonshire (CB) – Questionable (Undisclosed)
Full injury report for Pittsburgh Panthers
Key Storylines
• Pitt has won three straight games since switching to Mason Heintschel at quarterback.
• NC State’s defense ranks near the bottom of the ACC, allowing 26.6 points per game.
• CJ Bailey has thrown 14 touchdown passes with a 72% completion rate.
• Pitt’s offense ranks third in the conference in scoring (38.4 PPG).
• NC State has won the last three meetings between these teams.
Prediction
Pittsburgh’s momentum and offensive balance make it difficult to pick against the home team. The Panthers’ defense has been inconsistent, but Heintschel’s emergence has given them renewed life on offense. NC State’s defensive struggles should allow Pitt to maintain its rhythm and extend its winning streak to four.
Projected Score: Pittsburgh 34, NC State 23
Best Bet: Pittsburgh -7.0 (-110)
Secondary Lean: Over 55.0 (-110)
Track every ACC betting update and final score at ScoresAndStats College Football.
ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
Follow verified betting experts and season-long performance data on the Handicapper Leaderboard.
Sharpen your approach using insights from the Bettors Handbook.
Smart bettors use information before exposure.