NC State vs East Carolina Week 1 Game Info
2022 NCAA College Football Game
No. 13 NC State Wolf Pack (0-0, 0-0) vs. East Carolina Pir ates (0-0, 0-0)
Date:'Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022
Time:'12:00 p.m. ET
Venue:'Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium – Greenville, NC
Coverage: ESPN
A non-conference clash between state schools in North Carolina should generate plenty of interest. Especially with N.C. State opening the season ranked No. 13 in the AP Poll and having lofty expectations after winning an Atlantic Coast Conference championship last year and reaching double-digit wins for only the second time in program history.
East Carolina is coming off its best season since 2014 as the Pirates finished 7-5 and qualified for the Military Bowl, which was cancelled (COVID).
NC State vs East Carolina Odds & Spread
Moneyline:'NCST: (-465) | ECU: (+350)
Spread:'NCST: -11.5 (-110) | ECU: +11.5 (-110)
Total:'51.5 -'Over: (-115) | Under: (-105)
NC State enters this contest as the clear favorite on the moneyline (-465) and the spread (-11.5). This 12:00 p.m. ET clash also features a total of 51.5, which was bet down sharply this week and is below average compared to this week's college football projected totals.
NC State vs East Carolina Prediction & Pick
The Wolfpack's 17 returning starters this season leads the ACC Atlantic Division. Head coach Dave Doeren has had just one losing season in nine years in Raleigh leading the Wolfpack.
Many regional observers are touting QB Devin Leary as a Heisman darkhorse after passing for more than 3,500 yards with 35 TDs and just 5 INTs last season. But ECU senior QB Holton Ahlers is a dual-threat and closing in on multiple program records including rushing yards by a quarterback, most passing yards and total offense.
Final Score Prediction:'NC State: 27 | East Carolina: 20
NC State vs East Carolina Betting Trends
– NC State is 5-1 ATS the last six meetings vs AAC opponents
– NC State has lost its last three road openers
– East Carolina is 5-1 ATS as a series host
– East Carolina won the last two meetings at home vs NC State
NC State vs East Carolina Best Bet
Lofty expectations following a special season has NC State a bit inflated in Week 1 odds. The Wolfpack should be very good, but a tricky opener and the Pirates defense is better than the credit being given. ECU will play with a purpose and won't give in.