The Tennessee Volunteers and NC State Wolfpack renew a border rivalry Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte in NCAA football Week 2 action, with ABC on the broadcast.
The No. 15 Volunteers opened at around -4.5 on the point spread, but action over the past two weeks has moved Tennessee past the key number of seven points, and the Volunteers are a double-digit favorite at some books. The total line is at 61 points for the game, which is drawing interest for many NC sportsbooks in the form of promos.
Tennessee has gained steam on the spread in part because quarterback Nico Iamaleava is gaining in Heisman Trophy odds. The 6-foot-6 passer from Long Beach, California, has moved into the top 10 on Heisman boards after a stellar season debut, and DraftKings is among the sportsbooks taking a significant percentage of tickets and handle on the Volunteers quarterback.
No. 24 NC State sputtered in its opener with a number of transfers settling into new spots. The Wolfpack have been a consistent program over the past few seasons under head coach Dave Doeren, and their offense has been remade since 2022 under offensive coordinator Robert Anae. NC State is getting the fourth-shortest odds to win the ACC after finishing third in the conference last season.
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Tennessee and Nico Iamaleava gaining as favorites Saturday against NC State
How Tennessee could win and cover the spread
With a big arm and good mobility, Iamaleava appears to be the real deal. He broke onto the scene with his performance in the Citrus Bowl to end last season and opened with a great passing line (22 for 28, 314 yards, three TDs) in a blowout win over Chattanooga last weekend.
NC State’s defense was stronger against the run than it was against the pass last season, so Iamaleava and Tennessee’s receivers could have a big day in this matchup. The Wolfpack went 1-4 against the spread in nonconference action last season and 0-2 ATS when facing ranked opponents, so it’s possible they won’t be able to match the talent level of this SEC power.
How NC State could cover the spread
Even if Tennessee lights up the scoreboard, NC State might be able to keep pace. The Wolfpack are starting sixth-year quarterback Grayson McCall, who passed for over 10,0000 yards at Coastal Carolina. They brought in transfers Noah Rogers and Justin Joly, while KC Concepcion returns after posting program records for a freshman of 10 touchdowns and 71 receptions.
Tennessee replaced three starters in its secondary this offseason, and that unit could be vulnerable. With four offensive linemen back and a seasoned veteran under center, NC State shouldn’t get rattled, and the Wolfpack will have the crowd behind them in Charlotte.
