Western Carolina Catamounts vs. NC State Wolfpack 8/29/24 – The NC State Wolfpack will entertain the Western Carolina Catamounts at Carter-Finley Stadium this Thursday, August 29, 2024, in what promises to be an exciting opening of the college football season. NC State ended last year on a high 9-4, whereas Western Carolina’s record stood at 7-4, suggesting that there may be even more to come. Both teams are thus looking forward to the upcoming season opener as the best way to start the year. This is not simply a rivalry game, but an important game for the betting public for NCAA football betting picks.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. NC State Wolfpack 8/29/24
| When: | Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Carter-Finley Stadium |
| TV: | ACCN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catamounts | +33.5 (-122) | 60.5 under (-111) | TBD |  |
| Wolfpack | -33.5 (-110) | 60.5 over (-111) | TBD | |
| ||||
𝐎𝐍𝐄. 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄. 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐏. #OurTime » #LOTE pic.twitter.com/dN3FMwHCwY
— Western Carolina Football (@CatamountsFB) August 29, 2024
The significant spread reflects the disparity between the two teams, with NC State heavily favored by 33.5 points. This opens various betting angles, particularly considering the total has frequently gone UNDER in NC State’s recent games, contrasting with Western Carolina’s tendency for high-scoring affairs.
Cole Gonzales QB vs. Brennan Armstrong QB
Cole Gonzales had an impressive season last year when he had 204 completions on 310 attempts and threw for 2,803 yards. His completion rate of 65.8 percent and a passer rating of 166.4 have made him one of the players for Western Carolina who can take advantage of the NC State defense. There is no doubt Gonzales knows how to win under tough circumstances, boasting 28 touchdowns versus 8 interceptions in the previous campaign.
Brennan Armstrong’s NC State stats are, for the most part, sideways—they portray a bit worse than the North Carolina player’s stats, 160 for 262 with 1,785 yards passing. Armstrong is yet another encouraging presence as he has completed 11 touchdown passes and rings in a 61.1 completion percentage and a 126.8 passer rating. Armstrong’s impact, all factors considered, can be the catalyst for NC State’s offense.
The outcome of the game depends entirely on the quarterbacks, and the energy of the game will even start or increase rapidly when… Due to Gonzales’ high percentage completion and excellent passing statistics, it appears that he might defeat Armstrong in a head-to-head comparison however, Armstrong has experience in important matches, which might neutralize this advantage.
Dynamic Ground and Air Offensive
Western Carolina’s offensive strategy hinges significantly on their running back Branson Adams and wide receiver AJ Colombo. Adams, with 539 rushing yards on 89 carries last season, has proven his ability to break through tough defenses, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Colombo’s receiving skills complement this, having secured 438 yards on 31 receptions. Their synergy will be vital in penetrating NC State’s defense, which has shown vulnerability against versatile attacks.
Wolfpack’s Offensive Weapons
NC State’s ground game appears less formidable, with Kendrick Raphael amassing just 309 yards over 67 attempts last season. However, his average of 4.6 yards per carry indicates potential for big plays. Keyon Lesane, though not having scored last season, managed 247 receiving yards from 28 catches. The effectiveness of NC State’s offense may hinge on its ability to better integrate these players against Western Carolina’s aggressive defense.
Trends
Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Trends
Western Carolina is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Western Carolina’s last 18 games.
Western Carolina is 0-10 SU in their last 10 games.
Western Carolina is 0-20 SU in their last 20 games on the road.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Western Carolina’s last 5 games against an opponent in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
NC State Wolfpack Betting Trends
NC State is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of North Carolina State’s last 11 games.
NC State is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games.
NC State is 17-3 SU in their last 20 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NC State’s last 6 games played in August.
Western Carolina vs. NC State Betting Prediction
From a comprehensive review and a focus on the betting patterns of both teams, it seems likely that NC State will emerge as the clear winner. On the other hand, given the spread is over 30, this brings an element of risk, bearing in mind that Western Carolina could score points for fun even against tight defenses.
For players who wish to play at the premier online betting sites, the wise bet will be on NC State to win and Western Carolina to cover the spread owing to the high point gap. The total also going UNDER 60.5 is very realistic, given the recent trends of both teams in this matchup.
Score Prediction: NC State 38, Western Carolina 10.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: August 28, 2024
Last updated: March 25, 2025