Notre Dame thrust themselves into many people’s consciousness after rolling USC last week but their schedule does not get any easier moving forward. The Fighting Irish close out their regular season with matchups against three ranked teams in their final five games and one against a Navy team just outside the rankings. This stretch continues when Notre Dame hosts NC State on Saturday.
Last season’s game between the two teams was – frankly – hard to watch. Notre Dame and NC State combined for 13 points, 311 yards and five turnovers. Things look to be different this time around, as both teams rank in the top 30 in the nation in offense.
Notre Dame running back Josh Adams has been filthy lately, as the junior has amassed 468 yards and six touchdowns on the ground in the past three games while averaging 11.7 yards per carry. Quarterback Brandon Wimbush continues to struggle with efficiency as a passer but his feet and big arm have made up for that.
Though NC State is not the sexiest team in the rankings, the Wolfpack sit in the top 30 in the nation in offense and sixth in rushing defense. Quarterback Ryan Finley has been the definition of efficient with the junior completing 69.4 percent of his passes for 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. In addition, running back Nyheim Hines has been unstoppable over the past three games.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Oddsmakers at Sportsbook had the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as 7.5-point favorites in the matchup, while the betting total had not been set at press time (check Sportsbook for the latest on the OVER/UNDER).
Prediction-scoring formulas run on this game pointed to a potential 36-32 result in favor of the Fighting Irish early in the week. That outcome may change during the week, if injuries alter the models, so check the college football picks page before game time. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.
NC State Wolfpack vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
Notre Dame bring a 6-1 record (6-1 ATS) to the Week 9 betting matchup against the 6-1 NC State Wolfpack, who are 3-4 against the spread. OVER/UNDER betting has seen Notre Dame go 5-2 so far and the Wolfpack go 3-4. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Notre Dame vs NC State injuries news.
According to the Power Rankings here at OddsShark it's the No. 6-rated Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 25-rated NC State Wolfpack in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Offensively, the game matches up the Notre Dame Fighting Irish's No. 11-ranked offense (41.29 PPG) against a NC State Wolfpack defense that ranks No. 46 at 22.71 PPG. The Notre Dame passing attack has averaged 157 yards per game, less than the Wolfpack give up through the air (287 YPG on average).
Defensively, the Wolfpack feature the league's No. 17-rated road run defense, allowing 99.5 yards per game. Notre Dame, meanwhile, ranks No. 8 in rushing offense at home.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Last time we saw the Panthers, they had no answer for Nyheim Hines as the Wolfpack rolled to a 35-17 victory at Heinz Field.
Last time we saw the Trojans, they had no answer for Josh Adams as the Fighting Irish rolled to a 49-14 victory at Notre Dame Stadium.
Next Betting Matchups
NC State home to Clemson, Saturday, November 4
Notre Dame home to Wake Forest, Saturday, November 4