Tennessee vs. NC State: Picks, Predictions and Odds

Week 2 of the 2024 College Football season serves up a primetime clash between two ranked teams, the Tennessee Volunteers and the NC State Wolfpack.

This matchup is a significant early measuring stick for both teams.

Tennessee, ranked 14th, comes off a dominant performance over an FCS opponent, while NC State, ranked 24th, narrowly put away another. Below, we break down the best bets for this game.

Tennessee vs. NC State betting picks and predictions

Tennessee -8.0 (-110)

The Tennessee Volunteers were nothing short of spectacular in their Week 1 matchup against Chattanooga, posting a 69-3 victory that showcased the full potential of their dynamic offense.

Led by freshman sensation QB Nico Iamaleava, who set a Neyland Stadium record with 314 passing yards in the first half, Tennessee demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Imaleava, a former five-star recruit, appears ready to lead Josh Heupel’s high-powered RPO and spread-heavy offense, which could spell trouble for NC State.

On the other hand, NC State struggled in their Week 1 matchup against Western Carolina. The Wolfpack were 32.5-point favorites but found themselves trailing 21-17 entering the fourth quarter.

While they eventually pulled away to win 38-21, the performance raised concerns, particularly about their offensive and defensive lines. 

Despite the final score, NC State allowed Western Carolina to rush for an alarming 6.3 yards per carry. That is particularly concerning as they now face Tennessee starting running back Dylan Sampson.

If Sampson has proved anything in his first two seasons and first game of 2024, it’s that he is explosive. He carried the ball just 12 times in Week 1, accumulating 124 yards and finding the endzone three times.

In 176 career carries, Sampson has racked up 1,125 yards and 16 TDs on 6.4 yards per carry. 

On the flip side, how will NC State’s offensive line fare when trying to open up running lanes for Jordan Waters?

Tennessee’s front seven features potential first overall NFL Draft pick James Pearce Jr. He, along with Tyre West, who recorded two tackles for loss and a sack in Week 1, could dominate NC State’s offensive line. That would make it difficult for the Wolfpack to establish the run, which they certainly struggled to do so against Western Carolina.

Before racking up 60 yards over his final two carries with under two minutes left, including a 50-yard touchdown scamper, Jordan Waters was held to just 63 yards on 18 carries last week. 

Tennessee's depth and talent on both sides of the ball gives them a significant edge. Even though NC State's sixth-year quarterback Grayson McCall brings experience to the table, his transition to a new program could spell disaster.

Tennessee's ability to control the line of scrimmage and their explosive offense should allow them to cover the -8.0 spread, winning by at least two scores.

Over 61.0 Total Points (-110)

While Tennessee’s defense is expected to shine, this game has all the makings of a high-scoring affair.

The Vols' offense, which was on pace for 1,000 yards of total offense before starters were pulled at halftime against Chattanooga, is designed to put up points quickly and efficiently.

Iamaleava's impressive debut and the versatility of Tennessee’s offensive weapons make them a threat to score on nearly every drive.

NC State, despite their Week 1 struggles, also has the potential to contribute to a high-scoring game.

Grayson McCall, who threw for over 10,000 yards during his time at Coastal Carolina, has the experience and ability to air it out, especially if Tennessee's front seven pressure him into quick decisions.

The emergence of wide receiver KC Concepcion, who hauled in three touchdowns and 121 receiving yards in Week 1, provides McCall with a reliable target that can stretch the field.

However, NC State's offensive line issues could make it difficult for the Wolfpack to sustain drives consistently. That said, Tennessee’s fast-paced offense could lead to a game with plenty of possessions, giving NC State more opportunities to score even if the 'Pack is in catch-up mode.

Over 61.0 total points seems attainable considering the explosive nature of Tennessee’s offense and the potential for NC State to find success through the air in a shootout scenario.

Both teams have shown that they can put up points, and with Tennessee likely to set a fast pace, this game could easily surpass the 61-point mark.

Read more betting picks and predictions for College Football on site.

Tennessee vs. NC State odds

Tennessee	-320 ML
NC State	+260 ML
Spread	TEN -8.0
Total Points	O/U 61.0

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.