Miami’s Defense Too Much For NC State

An already difficult task will be made even tougher for the NC State Wolfpack, who host the nationally ranked Miami Hurricanes on Friday night. The Wolfpack (4-2 SU, 4-2 ATS) are coming off a much-needed bye but will once again be without the services of injured starting quarterback Devin Leary against a Hurricanes team (5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS) that has been impressive on defense.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Miami opened the festivities as an 8.5-point favorite but that line has climbed all the way up to -10 in most spots. The Sportsbook total of 58.5 has held steady.

Miami News & Notes

The Hurricanes have found their defensive groove heading into Carter-Finley Stadium, having allowed fewer than 20 points in three of their last four games (with a one-sided loss to Clemson their only blemish). And while they’ll meet their match against an NC State offense averaging more than 31 points per game, we like the UNDER on the Wolfpack’s team total in this one.

Miami’s offense, on the other hand, will need to be better after managing just two touchdowns in last week’s narrow win over the Virginia Cavaliers. Quarterback D’Eriq King (322 passing yards, one TD) was effective through the air and is a strong DFS option here, but be wary about rostering a rushing option, with Miami managing just 122 yards on 48 carries last week.

NC State News & Notes

A broken fibula suffered in a 31-20 win over Duke on October 17 is expected to keep Leary on the shelf for the next two to six weeks, and NC State’s next two QBs in line produced mixed results in the first game without him. Bailey Hockman and Ben Finley combined for 358 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns, but they also had three interceptions in the 48-21 loss to rival North Carolina.

Hockman will get the nod against the Hurricanes, but we can’t recommend him in daily fantasy – he doesn’t run the ball well and could struggle through the air against Miami’s stout defense. You can, however, put your faith in receiver Emeka Emezie, who has three 80-yard performances with three touchdowns over his past four games and should see plenty of targets vs Miami.

Betting Pick: Miami -10 (-110)

The Hurricanes are better offensively than they showed last week, while the NC State offense isn’t nearly as effective with Leary out of action.