Western Carolina Catamounts (7-4 Last Season)vs. NC State Wolfpack (9-4 Last Season)
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. NC State Wolfpack August 29 2024 – The next dual showdown on Thursday schedules the commencement of the American college football season with the Western Carolina Catamounts playing against the NC State Wolfpack. Both teams stand on the verge of a critical point as the Catamounts want to better last season’s 7-4 record, and the Wolfpack wish to build on last season’s impressive 9-4 record. Among the detailed college football previews that we bring you today is this particular game billed for 7:00 PM ET at Carter-Finley Stadium, which holds promises of a very interesting opening game for both sets of fans.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. NC State Wolfpack August 29 2024 Game Info
| When: | Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Carter-Finley Stadium |
| TV: | ACCN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. NC State Wolfpack Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Western Carolina | TBD | +33.5 (-122) | 60.5 under (-111) |
| NC State | TBD | -33.5 (-110) | 60.5 over (-111) |
The odds heavily favor NC State, reflecting their dominant home performance trends and Western Carolina’s struggles, particularly in road games. The substantial spread indicates expectations for a one-sided contest, though the totals suggest a game where defenses could shine.
Cole Gonzales QB vs. Brennan Armstrong QB
Cole Gonzales, who is the quarterback for the Catamounts, ended the season impressively, throwing for 2,803 yards, completing 65.8% of his pass attempts, and throwing 28 touchdown passes, whereas only 8 passes ended in interceptions. Through the 166.4 passer rating, it is easy to understand why he is such an important player at Western Carolina with his quickness and ability to evade the rush.
On the other hand, NC State’s Brennan Armstrong managed to only throw for 1785 yards out of which he had a completion of 61.1% over the air. Looking at the statistics of his performance, he played under a lot of pressure crediting him for 15 sacks. Their knowledge of the game by Armstrong would be particularly valuable against the Catamounts defense.
Both quarterbacks are very good in different areas. Where Gonzales tends to make numerous big plays, Armstrong remains calm and does not get carried away which invokes a quarterback battle that might change the pace and outcome of the clash.
Catamount Ground Game and Aerial Attack
Branson Adams and AJ Colombo have been instrumental for Western Carolina. Adams, with 539 rushing yards and a 6.1 average per carry, brings explosiveness to the ground game, while Colombo’s 438 receiving yards underscore his role as a reliable target. Their performance will be crucial in breaking through NC State’s defense.
Wolfpack’s Rushing and Receiving Corps
NC State’s ground attack is led by Kendrick Raphael, who notched 309 yards last season, complemented by Keyon Lesane’s 247 receiving yards. Their ability to diversify the Wolfpack’s offensive plays will be key against the Catamounts’ defensive schemes.
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.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. NC State Wolfpack Betting Previews
In the light of this, taking into account the trends as well as the team strengths, NC State points spread is the safer option thanks to its home performance and even its ability to make the cover. The total of the game is set somewhat lower, and thus both will make sure to keep it as low as possible, considering that both teams have been playing under so far in some situations.
Due to Western Carolina not being able to get wins on the road, for those wanting value, NC State spreads could become an appealing option. The correlation of the parameters of the game suggests that there may be a potential under in the prop bets or over under markets that accommodates both teams performance levels in those situations in the past.
Legitimate Betting Sites range on this game are quite huge with enough markets to back those points to profit. Based on the data and trends, especially the relatively strong home form of NC State and the anticipated lower competitive nature them the stronger pick for this duel.
Score Prediction: NC State 37, Western Carolina 3.
