Old Dominion
vs.
NC State
College Football
Pick – Analysis
9/6/14
NC State will host Old Dominion on Saturday in Raleigh. The current line is NC State -16 at 5 dimes sportsbook but it’s worth noting when we look at the betonline openers that this line has been as high as -19 and as low as -15. (as of Tuesday afternoon).
Many likely looked at NC States Schedule and penciled (or penned) two automatic W’s for the Wolfpack as they opened their season against Georgia Southern followed by this weeks Game against Old Dominion. Well, they may very well get those two W’s but it won’t be as easy as some may have anticipated. Last week they trailed Georgia Southern 17-3 at the half and 20-10 in the 4th quarter before winning the Game with just 1:37 left to play.
We really have no opinion on this Game but provide this write up as more of a heads up for bettors. The first inclination here may be to take NC State and figure they win in blowout fashion. That may very well happen but Old Dominion shouldn’t be taken lightly.
When a program like Old Dominion makes the move to big time college football, wins over big name programs, or at the very least, good showings, are extremely important. They want to send the message that they belong and they also want to send a message to potential future recruits by letting them know they can come to a school like Old Dominion and compete at this level. That being said, NC State is the biggest named opponent on the Old Dominion dance card this year.
Last year was Old Dominions 1st year at this level and the results were a mixed bag. They lost a high scoring affair at East Carolina, 52-38. They were crushed by Maryland 47-10. They lost by just 11 at Pitt, won by 21 at Idaho and then were obliterated by North Carolina, 80-20.
The feeling here is that your going to see a big effort from the Wolfpack in this one after last weeks scare. Whether or not they can put Old Dominion away by a comfortable margin remains to be seen. It’s a dangerous spot for the Wolfpack and a dangerous spot for bettors, in Our opinion. So, heads up!