Saturday’s game between Tennessee and NC State is one of two games on the Week 2 schedule between ranked opponents, and it’s the first big test for each since playing FCS opponents in Week 1. The Volunteers are more than a touchdown favorite in their neutral-site game that rings in Charlotte.
While Tennessee completely outplayed Chattanooga last week, NC State found itself in a surprisingly tight game against Western Carolina before pulling away in the fourth quarter. It’s been a bit of a worrying start for the Wolfpack, who are hoping to compete for what suddenly appears to be a wide-open ACC.
Quarterback Grayson McCall, making his Wolfpack debut after transferring from Coastal Carolina, finished last week’s game with a solid 318-yard, three-touchdown performance, but it took him a few quarters to really find his groove to get going. Though Tennessee is a much tougher opponent than Western Carolina, the Volunteers have struggled against top quarterbacks in recent years. Saturday will be a good test for both teams.
On the Tennessee side, first-year starter Niko Iamaleva helped the Volunteers’ offense pick up where it left off last season, throwing for 314 yards and three touchdowns on his way to a 69-point performance. The Volunteers’ offense had 20 yards passing a year ago and averaged more than 31 points per game.
NC State’s defense was one of the best in the country a year ago and didn’t allow many big plays, but it really struggled against an FCS team to open this season. Tennessee’s speed and explosiveness will be a big problem, especially if Iamaleva repeats his Week 1 performance.
All BetMGM odds. Searching college football tickets? Find them here.
No. 14 Tennessee vs. No. 24 North Carolina State
How to watch Tennessee at NC State
- Location: Estadio Bank of America – Charlotte
- Time: 7:30 pm Eastern Time Saturday
- TV: alphabet
- Arroyo: Watch live on Fubo (Save $30)
Experts opt against the spread
Read more about Week 2 of college football
Specific College Football Odds Predictions for Week 2: Trouble in the Big House
How much will a non-conference loss matter in the 12-team CFP?
College football picks against the spread: Bruce Feldman’s Week 2 predictions
