Western Carolina Catamounts vs. NC State Wolfpack 8/29/24 NCAAF Week 1 Betting Prediction

Western Carolina Catamounts vs. NC State Wolfpack 8/29/24 – The NC State Wolfpack will entertain the Western Carolina Catamounts at Carter-Finley Stadium this Thursday, August 29, 2024, in what promises to be an exciting opening of the college football season. NC State ended the last year on a high 9-4, whereas Western Carolina’s record stood at that of 7-4, suggesting that there may be even more to come. Both teams are thus looking forward to the upcoming season opener as the best way to start the year. This is not simply a rivalry game but an important game for the betting public for NCAA football betting picks.

Team	SP/RL	TOTAL	ML
Catamounts	+33.5 (-122)	60.5 under (-111)	TBD
Wolfpack	-33.5 (-110)	60.5 over (-111)	TBD

𝐎𝐍𝐄. 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄. 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐏. #OurTime » #LOTE pic.twitter.com/dN3FMwHCwY

— Western Carolina Football (@CatamountsFB) August 29, 2024

The significant spread reflects the disparity between the two teams, with NC State heavily favored by 33.5 points. This opens various betting angles, particularly considering the total has frequently gone UNDER in NC State’s recent games, contrasting with Western Carolina’s tendency for high-scoring affairs.

Cole Gonzales QB vs. Brennan Armstrong QB

Cole Gonzales had an impressive season last year when he had 204 completions on 310 attempts and threw for 2,803 yards. His completion rate of 65.8 percent and a passer rating of 166.4 have made him one of the players for Western Carolina who can take advantage of the NC State defenses. There is no doubt Gonzales knows how to win under tough circumstances, boasting 28 touchdowns versus 8 interceptions in the previous campaign.

Brennan Armstrong NC State stats are for the most part, sideways—they portray a bit worse than the North Carolina player’s stats, 160 for 262 with 1,785 yards passing. Armstrong is yet another encouraging presence as he has completed 11 touchdown passes and rings in a 61.1 completion percentage and a 126.8 passer rating. Armstrong’s impact, all factors considered, can clearly be the catalyst for NC State’s offense.

The outcome of the game depends entirely on the quarterbacks, and the energy of the game will even start or increase rapidly when… Due to Gonzales’ high percentage completion and excellent passing statistics, it appears that he might defeat Armstrong in head-to-head comparison however, Armstrong has experience in important matches, which might neutralize this advantage.

Dynamic Ground and Air Offensive

Western Carolina’s offensive strategy hinges significantly on their running back Branson Adams and wide receiver AJ Colombo. Adams, with 539 rushing yards on 89 carries last season, has proven his ability to break through tough defenses, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Colombo’s receiving skills complement this, having secured 438 yards on 31 receptions. Their synergy will be vital in penetrating NC State’s defense, which has shown vulnerability against versatile attacks.

Trends

Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Trends

Western Carolina are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Western Carolina’s last 18 games.
Western Carolina are 0-10 SU in their last 10 games.
Western Carolina are 0-20 SU in their last 20 games on the road.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Western Carolina’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Coast conference.

NC State Wolfpack Betting Trends

NC State are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of North Carolina State’s last 11 games.
NC State are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games.
NC State are 17-3 SU in their last 20 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NC State’s last 6 games played in August.