Who’s Playing
No. 18 NC State @ Miami (FL)
Current Records: NC State 5-1; Miami (FL) 2-4
What to Know
The NC State Wolfpack will hit the road for the second straight week as they head to Hard Rock Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. If the matchup is anything like the Miami (FL) Hurricanes’ 44-41 victory from their previous meeting in November of last year, the scorekeeper will be kept real busy.
NC State’s game against the Boston College Eagles last week was close at halftime, but the Wolfpack turned on the heat in the second half with 23 points. NC State put the hurt on BC with a sharp 33-7 win. The contest was all but wrapped up at the end of the third, by which point NC State had established a 31-7 advantage. NC State QB Devin Leary was slinging it as he passed for three TDs and 251 yards on 24 attempts. Leary’s 79-yard touchdown toss to WR Thayer Thomas in the third quarter made for one of the most memorable moments of the night.
Meanwhile, it was a hard-fought matchup, but Miami (FL) had to settle for a 45-42 loss against the North Carolina Tar Heels last week. RB Jaylan Knighton put forth a good effort for the losing side as he punched in two rushing touchdowns in addition to snatching one receiving TD. Knighton had some trouble finding his footing against the Virginia Cavaliers three weeks ago, so this was a step in the right direction.
The Miami (FL) defensive unit accumulated four sacks for a loss of 31 yards. Leading the way was LB Keontra Smith and his two sacks. Those were the first sacks for Smith this year.
This next matchup is expected to be close, with the Wolfpack going off at just a 3-point favorite. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (3-1), so they might be worth a quick bet.
NC State’s victory brought them up to 5-1 while the Hurricanes’ defeat pulled them down to 2-4. Two defensive stats to keep an eye on: NC State is stumbling into the matchup with the 166th most passing touchdowns allowed in the nation, having given up nine on the season. Miami (FL) has experienced some passing struggles of their own as they are 214th worst in the nation in passing touchdowns allowed, with 12 on the season. It’s possible one of these Achilles’ heels will wind up tripping the losing team up.
How To Watch
- When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Florida
- TV: ESPN2
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds
The Wolfpack are a 3-point favorite against the Hurricanes, according to the latest college football odds.
Over/Under: -113
See college football picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get picks now.
Series History
Miami (FL) have won both of the games they’ve played against NC State in the last seven years.
- Nov 06, 2020 – Miami (FL) 44 vs. NC State 41
- Nov 19, 2016 – Miami (FL) 27 vs. NC State 13
