Expectations are high for the Tennessee Volunteers with quarterback Nico Iamaleava surging up the odds table as a Heisman Trophy possibility. The 6-foot-6 quarterback had a record-setting season debut against FCS opponent Chattanooga and will look to follow that up against ACC contender NC State in a non-conference matchup between ranked opponents. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, with ABC on the broadcast. Tennessee opened as around a five-point favorite, and that number has nearly doubled to -9.5 at most books after Week 1 action.
Down below, we’ll look at the player props for some of the highest profile names in this Week 2 matchup. Along with Iamaleava, we’ll check out a line for NC State sophomore receiver Kevin Concepcion. Caesars Sportsbook also has a sportsbook promotion running for this game and more. Click the “play now” button below.
Tennessee vs. NC State player prop tool
With the player prop tool below, you can find odds for any player in upcoming action. This is a great way to shop for lines at multiple college football sportsbooks to find the best value.
Player props for Tennessee vs. NC State
How Nico Iamaleava could top 2.5 passing touchdowns
While Iamaleava only needed one half to throw three touchdowns against Chattanooga, the Wolfpack should present a different type of challenge. NC State allowed 219 passing yards per game last season but is integrating new pieces across the secondary with a few true freshmen set to try to contain experienced receivers Bru McCoy and Squirrel White. NC State starting safety Devon Boykin is expected to miss this matchup.
Tennessee also has a new receiving weapon in Oregon transfer Dont’e Thornton, a 6-foot-5 speedster who caught two touchdowns on three receptions last Saturday.
How Nico Iamaleava could miss 2.5 passing touchdowns
Sometimes, the biggest threat to a quarterback’s passing production is his legs. Iamaleava is capable of rushing for touchdowns when Tennessee gets into scoring position, and NC State looked vulnerable against scrambling quarterbacks during last week’s narrow win over Western Carolina. The Wolfpack have lost Dick Butkus winner Payton Wilson to the NFL and could struggle to stop the run, especially if they commit more resources toward slowing down Tennessee’s receivers.
How Kevin Concepcion could top 5.5 receptions
NC State has brought in two transfers in tight end Justin Joly and receiver Noah Rogers, but Kevin “KC” Concepcion could be the preferred target for Grayson McCall. After passing for 10,000 yards at Coastal Carolina, McCall is familiar with a quick-hitting passing attack, and he found his sophomore slot receiver nine times for 121 yards in Week 1 against Western Carolina. Tennessee’s cornerbacks are stronger on the boundary than on the interior, so Concepcion could shake loose over the middle against easier competition.
How Kevin Concepcion could miss 5.5 receptions
Protection could be an issue for NC State. While the Wolfpack returned four starters on the offensive line, that unit didn’t impress in their opener. Tennessee’s defensive line represents a far more formidable challenge, and McCall will likely need some time to get the ball out to his top targets.
It’s possible Tennessee’s coaching staff diverts more resources toward slowing Concepcion down after the slot receiver posted freshman records for the program with 71 receptions and 10 touchdowns last season.
