The East Carolina Pirates take on the NC State Wolfpack in Raleigh, NC. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network.
NC State is favored by 14 points on the spread with a moneyline of -550. The total is set at 61.5 points.
Here’s my East Carolina vs. NC State predictions and college football picks for Saturday, August 28, 2025.
East Carolina vs NC State Prediction
- East Carolina vs. NC State Pick: Over 60.5
My NC State vs. East Carolina best bet is on the over. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
East Carolina vs NC State Odds
| East Carolina Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+14 -108 | 61.5 -110o / -110u | +425 |
| NC State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-14 -112 | 61.5 -110o / -110u | -575 |
- East Carolina vs NC State point spread: NC State -14
- East Carolina vs NC State over/under: 61.5 points
- East Carolina vs NC State moneyline: East Carolina +425, NC State -575
East Carolina vs NC State Preview
East Carolina Pirates Betting Preview: Growing Pains Expected
It's an exciting matchup for the Pirates, who finished the 2024 season strong under interim head coach Blake Harrell. This is also a massive rivalry in which the Pirates successfully had the last laugh during last year's Military Bowl, when the game ended in a brawl between the two squads.
There are many questions surrounding this East Carolina team, but one staple who should thrive throughout the season is quarterback Katin Houser. Houser was a rejuvenated player once Mike Houston was fired, finishing with 18 touchdown passes with only seven games under his belt.
He threw 11 interceptions, so he'll have to make better decisions with his arm. I like Houser's potential in this offense, and he should be able to carve up the NC State secondary on Thursday evening.
I also love the potential of this wide receiver room. Anthony Smith returns after grabbing six touchdowns and 800 yards.
Wide receiver Yannick Smith also returns, and a couple of transfers join the room that could reach a high ceiling. It's a great matchup against a declining NC State defense, so I expect the offense to find plenty of success throughout the matchup.
Defensively, the Pirates' story is entirely different. They lost a few talented guys to the NFL, including stud cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. and 10 starters from the 2024 defense.
There will be growing pains here, and I expect the defense to struggle mightily out of the gate, especially in the secondary. They could improve as the season progresses, perhaps because of some surprises from their younger talent, but I have no faith that they can make stops against the Wolfpack.
The Pirates' offense will be fine here, but there's far more uncertainty on the defensive side of the ball, which gives me little confidence that they can hold their own in this heated rivalry matchup.
NC State Wolfpack Betting Preview: Crooked Number Coming?
Wolfpack nation has a sour taste in its mouths after last season's loss in the Military Bowl to the Pirates. These teams have never liked each other, and I expect a fiery effort from head coach Dave Doeren's team.
Quarterback CJ Bailey returns after taking over for the injured Grayson McCall. Bailey threw three touchdowns in the bowl game against the Pirates and draws a tasty matchup in a completely depleted defensive unit.
Running back Hollywood Smothers also returns, who should get plenty of chances to explode for long runs. Bailey is also a threat to run with his legs, as he chipped in five touchdowns on the ground last season.
There should be plenty of opportunity to hang a crooked number against the Pirates, and their offensive tempo should be high throughout the matchup. However, there are similar unknowns about the defensive side of the ball, just like the Pirates.
Former defensive coordinator Tony Gibson has departed, which presents a new challenge for what is normally a proud defensive unit. Last season, they were a huge disappointment.
The Wolfpack may improve from last season, but there's a lot of uncertainty here that doesn't give me confidence that they can cover the large number. It's a tough matchup for a defense with many questions, especially after a year where they allowed 30 points per game.
East Carolina vs NC State Pick, Betting Analysis
This should be an entertaining matchup in Raleigh, where the Wolfpack haven't lost to the Pirates since 2013. Both offenses should provide a high tempo, and I expect both units to have plenty of success.
I expect the Wolfpack to be aggressive out of the gate, especially after being embarrassed last season. That said, I'll ride with the public and target the over.
Houser should be able to sling it all over the Wolfpack defense, and the Pirates can keep up the pace. I'm high on this ECU offense entering the season, but its defensive issues early on could cause it to get off to a slow start.
Both teams won't be afraid to keep their feet on the pedal, especially in a rivalry matchup. With a lot of bad blood resonating from last season's bowl game, I wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of late scores to push the total over, even if the game is out of reach.
Pick: Over 60.5
