Though not quite the game we’d hoped for, there is plenty to play for on paper. Our Virginia Tech vs. NC State college football betting prediction proves that. It’s an ACC battle to stay relevant for one program and to come off the bottom for another. Which direction should you go with your money on Thursday night?
Virginia Tech vs. NC State Betting Preview
- Spread
NC State (-13.5) - Moneyline
NC State (-540); Virginia Tech (+420) - Over/Under
39.5 points - Game time
7:30 p.m. ET - Location
Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC - Predicted weather at kickoff
61 degrees, clear, 4-5 mph winds - How to watch
fuboTV, ESPN
Ahead of this game, it’s a great reminder that FanDuel gives you $60,000 to construct your best lineup in college football DFS. Grab your top picks from this game while keeping in mind that two other games are going on, and there are players to choose from there that could buoy your roster in multi-game formats.
Also, remember that FanDuel will match your $1 entry with $10 to play if you make your picks here.
Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
- QB Grant Wells, Virginia Tech ($8,300)
- QB Jack Chambers, NC State ($7,500)
- RB Malachi Thomas, Virginia Tech ($9,700)
- RB Jordan Houston, NC State ($6,000)
- RB Keshawn King, Virginia Tech ($5,500)
- RB Demarcus Jones II, NC State ($4,900)
- RB Jalen Holston, Virginia Tech ($4,600)
- WR Kaleb Smith, Virginia Tech ($7,100)
- WR Thayer Thomas, NC State ($6,400)
- WR Devin Carter, NC State ($5,900)
- WR Keyon Lesane, NC State ($5,700)
- WR Da’Wain Lofton, Virginia Tech ($5,600)
- WR Porter Rooks, NC State ($5,300)
- WR Darryl Jones, NC State ($5,200)
- TE Dae’Quan Wright, Virginia Tech ($5,400)
- TE Nick Gallo, Virginia Tech ($5,100)
- TE Christopher Toudle, NC State ($4,900)
NC State’s offense dramatically changed when Devin Leary was sidelined with a shoulder injury for the rest of 2022. Jack Chambers entered the picture, and the offense now goes run-heavy. Sure, it was an even split of 30 carries and 30 passes in his first start, but they played from behind and had to pass in a comeback attempt against Syracuse in Week 7.
Chambers and Jordan Houston are safe plays, as they’ll get the lion’s share of the work from the backfield. Houston’s the safer play because of his contributions out of the backfield in the passing game, while Chambers’ price tag is a bit high given he hasn’t thrown a touchdown yet. Virginia Tech has only allowed seven touchdowns through the air this season.
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As far as playmakers from Tech are concerned, it’s Kaleb Smith or Malachi Thomas for your DFS lineups. But even then, we’re pushing it. These defenses are too good, and the offenses simply haven’t quite caught up to warrant much play in these situations.
Considering the better options are elsewhere across the map — Southern Miss’ Frank Gore Jr. and Utah’s Tavion Thomas — you’re best to stay away from Thomas. Find value elsewhere and watch this game for the defensive prowess.
Prediction for Virginia Tech vs. NC State
In what is expected to be a defensive slugfest, the NC State Wolfpack and Virginia Tech Hokies are fighting to stay off the bottom of their respective ACC divisions. NC State unfortunately lost starting QB Devin Leary to a season-ending shoulder injury just a few weeks ago and has looked a shell of themselves on offense since.
Virginia Tech, on the other hand, had high hopes of an immediate turnaround under defensive-minded head coach Brent Pry. But after seven games and eight weeks, they’re fighting for a bowl game.
For the Hokies on offense, it’s been far too much of an inconsistent level of play from QB Grant Wells and his playmakers. Kaleb Smith has certainly stepped up at times, but he largely makes his biggest impact when playing from behind.
The pass protection hasn’t been pretty, and NC State’s defensive front should have a field day against the Hokies. That’s great news for Wolfpack fans — their pressure-getters haven’t done too much this season. NC State ranks just 120th out of 131 teams in sacks per game.
As favorable of a matchup as it is for NC State’s defense, the fact remains that their offense has been stuck in mud since Jack Chambers took over for Leary. Entering the lineup against Florida State, Chambers attempted just one pass and relied heavily on the defense to secure a come-from-behind victory.
Against Syracuse, however, Chambers averaged just over five yards per pass attempt and ran the ball 12 times, designed carries or not, in what could only be described as a sluggish performance.
Virginia Tech’s defensive prowess is stout, arguably as talented as Syracuse’s unit in 2022. With their terrific linebacking corps, the Hokies should be able to limit Chambers’ best attribute: his rushing ability.
If they do that, expect them to keep this game closer than the spread. And hammer the under.
Prediction: NC State 17, Virginia Tech 13