Dave Doeren made his reputation with the NC State Wolfpack by churning out quality defenses, usually led by a playmaker on the defensive line. The Wolfpack lack that quality defense this year, something the Wake Forest Demon Deacons should be more than glad to exploit.
My NC State vs. Wake Forest predictions expect points at kickoff at 7:30 ET on Thursday, Sept. 11.
NC State vs Wake Forest props for Week 3
CJ Bailey anytime touchdown (+100 at FanDuel)
Demond Claiborne 2+ touchdowns (+290 at FanDuel)- Demond Claiborne Over 83.5 rushing yards (-114 at FanDuel)
Prop bet #1: CJ Bailey anytime touchdown
Both of NC State’s wins this season have been by one possession. Sophomore dual-threat quarterback CJ Bailey has already gotten used to needing to deliver in back-and-forth games. Each of his three rushing touchdowns this season has come when the score was within one possession.
This spread of -7.5 might suggest this game will linger beyond one score, but given the Wolfpack defense’s repeated late-down failures last week, it is all the more likely this becomes a back-and-forth shootout wondering who will make the last mistake.
Bailey keeping the ball in his hands will not be a mistake. And with two rushing scores last week, it will be only natural for Bailey to keep looking to escape the pocket.
Prop bet #2: Demond Claiborne 2+ touchdowns
As much criticism as NC State’s defense deserves, it is better than FCS-level Western Carolina’s. Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne should not have as much open grass as he did last week, when he took 33-, 27- and 85-yard rushes into the end zone.
However, Claiborne should still see some open grass. The Wolfpack defense is too vulnerable against explosive rushes not to expect Claiborne to get into at least one foot race.
Even if Claiborne is not reeling off 30-yard scores, he may be the Demon Deacons’ best presence inside the 10-yard line, too.
Asking Claiborne to score one touchdown comes with juice of -175, and the price difference between that and this +290 simply emphasizes some value. It is obviously a risk, but it is a reasonable one when remembering that Virginia running back J’Mari Taylor took 17 carries for 150 yards and three touchdowns against this Wolfpack team last week.
Prop bet #3: Demond Claiborne Over 83.5 rushing yards
Virginia ran the ball 32 times against NC State last weekend, turning five of those carries into explosive rushes. If Demond Claiborne follows suit, he should be halfway to clearing this prop just based on two or three rush attempts.
Averaging 16.3 yards per rush this season, that should be considered rather likely for Claiborne.
Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren showed a concerning lack of faith in his defense last week, understandable when it gave up 14 conversions on 19 late-down situations. That kind of folly is not fixed in only one week.
Bet on CFB at FanDuel!
Make your college football bets at FanDuel, America's No. 1 sportsbook! Sign up now and by placing $5 on your first bet, you could win $300 in bonus bets if your wager is a winner!
*Eligible U.S. locations only
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
