Saturday college football and we will see the Old Dominion Monarchs take on the NC State Wolfpack at Carter-Finely Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. The game has a start time of 6:00 pm (Eastern) and will be televised on ESPN 3. Current Vegas odds have the Wolfpack listed as 16 point favorites, while the total is set at 65.
Analysis: The Old Dominion Monarchs were 8-4 in their inaugural season at the FBS level. A closer look shows that they were just 1-4 vs FBS teams last year and 7-0 vs FCS teams. This year they have 17 starters back, have a year under their belt at the FBS level and will be looking for their first bowl invite in 2014. The Monarchs got off to a 1-0 start with a 41-28 win over FCS for Hampton. The ODU offense looked in mid-season form as they racked up 469 yards and 31 first downs in the game, plus went 10-14 on third down. Taylor Heinicke was very solid under center, hitting 29 of 40 pass for 281 yards with 3 TDs and 2 INTs, while Gerald Johnson led the team in rushing with 137 yards and 1 TD. The pass defense was bad for the Monarchs as they allowed 407 yards through the air, but they were strong vs the run, allowing just 9 yards on 26 carries.
The NC State Wolfpack went through a miserable year in Dave Doeren’s first year at the helm, as they finished at 3-9 overall and winless in the ACC for the first time since 1959. This is a young team this year, but also it looks like an improved team, but still may be a year away from contending for a bowl game. The Wolfpack also started their season at 1-0, but it wasn’t easy as they needed a 4th quarter comeback to beat Georgia Southern. The Offense was solid for the Wolfpack, as they put up 464 yards and 26 first downs in the game. Jacoby Brissett had a solid game, hitting 28 of 40 passes for 293 yards and 3 TDs. Shadrach Thornton led the team in rushing (73 yards), while Bo Hines led them in receiving yards (85). Defensively they had some issues, as they allowed 438 yards overall, including 246 yards on the ground.
Pick: Have a small lean on the OVER in this game. Monarch games averaged 76 ppg last year, because this team plays at such a fast pace, while also playing no defense as well. Their opening game was more of the same as 69 points were scored in the game and that defense was roughed up a bit vs an FCS offense. Now they take on an NC State team that has plenty of offense to torch this defense. ODU can score on anyone and I see them doing that here, but they will also give up plenty in this game.
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