Picks and Predictions for the NC State Wolfpack

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NC State Wolfpack History

The NC State Wolfpack football program, established in 1892, has a rich history within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Over the years, the team has produced notable NFL talents and achieved significant milestones, including multiple bowl game appearances and conference titles.

Throughout its history, NC State has been known for its competitive spirit and resilience on the field. The program has seen various coaching changes, each bringing a new era of strategy and performance. The Wolfpack’s rivalry games, particularly against the University of North Carolina, have been highlights of the season, drawing significant attention from fans and bettors alike.

In recent years, under the leadership of Head Coach Dave Doeren, the Wolfpack has focused on building a strong, balanced team. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, NC State continues to be a formidable presence in college football, offering exciting opportunities for sports bettors.

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NC State Wolfpack Timeline

• 1892: NC State fields its first football team.
• 1927: Joins the Southern Conference.
• 1953: Becomes a founding member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
• 1973: Wins the ACC Championship under Coach Lou Holtz.
• 1994: Phillip Rivers begins his record-setting career at NC State.
• 2003: Finishes the season with an 8-5 record and a Gator Bowl appearance.
• 2013: Dave Doeren is hired as head coach.
• 2017: Achieves a 9-4 record and a Sun Bowl victory.
• 2021: Finishes the season with a 9-3 record, showcasing a strong defense.
• 2022: Continues to build momentum with key wins in the ACC.
• 2024: Concludes the season with a 6-7 record, facing challenges but showing potential.
• 2025: Prepares for a new season with a revamped roster and strategic additions.

NC State Wolfpack Stats (2024 Season)

In the 2024 season, the NC State Wolfpack concluded with a 6-7 overall record and a 3-5 mark in ACC play. Offensively, the team averaged 28.5 points per game, ranking 62nd nationally. Quarterback CJ Bailey led the passing attack with 2,413 yards, while running back Hollywood Smothers contributed 571 rushing yards. Tight end Justin Joly was the top receiver with 661 yards.

Defensively, the Wolfpack allowed an average of 30.2 points per game, placing them 103rd nationally. Linebacker Sean Brown led the team with 96 tackles, and cornerback Tamarcus Cooley added three interceptions.

Key areas for improvement include reducing points allowed and enhancing the rushing attack to provide a more balanced offensive approach.

NC State Wolfpack Roster for 2025

The 2025 roster features a mix of returning talent and new additions. Quarterback CJ Bailey returns to lead the offense, aiming to build on his 2024 performance. Running backs Hollywood Smothers and Kendrick Raphael provide a strong backfield presence. Tight end Justin Joly and wide receivers Terrell Anderson and Keenan Jackson are expected to be key targets in the passing game.

Defensively, the team welcomes back key contributors such as linebacker Sean Brown, safety Devan Boykin, and defensive end Travali Price. These players are anticipated to anchor the defense and improve upon last season’s performance.

New additions through the transfer portal, including linebacker Cian Slone from Utah State and defensive end Sabastian Harsh from Wyoming, are expected to bolster the defensive unit.

NC State Wolfpack Injury Report

The 2024 season saw several key players sidelined due to injuries, impacting the team’s overall performance. Safety Devan Boykin missed significant time but is expected to return fully healthy for the 2025 season, providing a boost to the secondary.

Before you start betting on the Wolfpack, make sure you’re up-to-date with the current injuries. Here’s our comprehensive injury report:

NC State Wolfpack Betting Outlook and Trends

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, several betting trends and insights emerge for the NC State Wolfpack:

Offensive Consistency

With CJ Bailey returning at quarterback and a strong supporting cast, the Wolfpack’s offense is poised for consistency.

Bettors should monitor early-season performances to gauge the effectiveness of the offensive unit, particularly in point totals and yardage props. The offensive line has also improved with offseason additions, which should give Bailey more time in the pocket and enhance the run game. If the Wolfpack show early signs of balance and rhythm, betting overs on team totals could be a sharp play.

Defensive Improvements

The addition of experienced transfers and the return of key defensive players suggest potential improvements on defense. This could lead to closer games and potentially lower-scoring affairs, making under bets more appealing in certain matchups.

If the linebacking corps and secondary gel quickly, NC State could become a second-half under team as they wear opponents down and limit explosive plays. Look for value on unders against conservative offenses, especially early in the year before lines fully adjust.

Home Field Advantage

NC State has historically performed well at home in Carter–Finley Stadium. In 2024, most of their wins came at home, where they play with more confidence and tend to control the pace of the game. Bettors should note that the Wolfpack are much more likely to cover the spread or hit team totals when they’re at home, especially in rivalry or primetime matchups. Look to back NC State ATS in home games against middle-tier ACC teams, where the line may not reflect the full extent of their home-field edge.

Betting Trends from Last Season

The 2024 season revealed several key betting patterns that can help shape strategies for wagering on the Wolfpack in 2025:

• Unders Hit Frequently in Road Games: NC State often struggled to put up big points on the road, especially against strong ACC defenses. This led to a string of games falling under the projected total, particularly when their offense stalled and the defense managed to limit opponents just enough. Savvy bettors who followed the under in away games found value throughout the year.
• Inconsistency Against the Spread (ATS): The Wolfpack finished with a near-even record against the spread in 2024, showing volatility week to week. They covered in games where they were underdogs—particularly in ACC matchups where the line leaned heavily against them. However, they struggled to cover as favorites, making them a riskier play in games they were expected to win.
• First Half Bets Were Often Profitable: In several games, NC State came out strong in the first half before fading in the second. Bettors who took first-half spreads or team total overs frequently cashed in, especially early in the season. This trend aligned with their early-game energy and scripted drives being more successful than their late-game execution.

Key Players for Betting on the NC State Wolfpack

If you’re interested in ekeing the most value out of the Wolfpack in 2025, you should look at player props. Here are the top five players we think will be profitable in the upcoming season:

CJ Bailey – Quarterback

After throwing for over 2,400 yards in 2024, Bailey returns with a full offseason under his belt and an improved supporting cast. He’s a dual-threat QB who can create opportunities with his legs, making him a sneaky option for rushing yard props in addition to passing totals. Bailey also tends to heat up in second halves, which could lead to strong live-betting opportunities in games where NC State starts slow.

Hollywood Smothers – Running Back

Smothers led the backfield last season and is expected to retain a significant role. While he doesn’t always break the 100-yard mark, he’s a reliable short-yardage back with red zone opportunities. He’s also used in screen plays and checkdowns, adding value in games where NC State faces heavy pressure—making his total yardage props a potential hidden gem.

Justin Joly – Tight End

Joly emerged as a top target in 2024, leading the team in receiving yards. He’s especially effective on third downs and in the red zone, giving him high upside in reception and touchdown prop bets. With defenses likely to key in on the perimeter receivers this year, Joly may benefit from more open looks in the seam and underneath coverage.

Sean Brown – Linebacker

A tackle machine, Brown led the defense with nearly 100 stops last season. While defensive players are less often part of prop bets, Brown’s impact on limiting opposing run games and pressuring quarterbacks could influence team totals and rushing yards allowed. He also plays with great sideline-to-sideline range, which can create key momentum swings that affect game flow and second-half totals.

Terrell Anderson – Wide Receiver

A breakout candidate for 2025, Anderson has the size and speed to stretch the field. With Joly drawing attention in the middle of the field, Anderson could thrive on deep shots and in single coverage. He’s also a potential game-changer on third-and-long and in two-minute drills, giving bettors value in longest reception or anytime touchdown markets.

NC State Wolfpack Summary

The NC State Wolfpack enter the 2025 season looking to bounce back from a mixed 2024 campaign. With CJ Bailey returning at quarterback and a core of skilled offensive weapons, the Wolfpack are poised to deliver more consistent scoring. On defense, the return of veterans and the addition of key transfers could stabilize a unit that struggled at times last year.

From a betting perspective, NC State presents a unique opportunity. Bettors can take advantage of trends like first-half performance, road unders, and matchups where they are underdogs. Player prop markets also offer value thanks to emerging stars like Bailey, Smothers, and Joly.

To make the most of your wagers this season, consider signing up for premium handicapping services at ScoresandStats.com. With expert picks, detailed analysis, and insider betting insights, you’ll be positioned to turn your knowledge into profit.

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