East Carolina vs. NC State College Football Picks (Thursday)
We got a taste of college football last Saturday, but now it's time for the main entree as we enter Week 1 of the 2025-26 season. The collegiate action resumes on Thursday with a sizable 17-game slate. I've narrowed in on a trio of the games from a betting perspective, locking in each spread wager on the right side of its key number. Here are my top college football bets for Thursday, August 28th’s game East Carolina vs. NC State.
- More NCAAF Betting Advice
- Expert Game Picks for College Football
- Top Bettor Picks for College Football
- NCAAF Betting Strategy
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
Thursday’s Best Week 1 College Football Picks: East Carolina vs. NC State
(Odds courtesy of Bet365)
East Carolina Pirates (+14) vs. NC State Wolfpack (-14) | 61.5 (-110/-110)
We have a bowl game rematch right out of the gate on Thursday, as East Carolina (0-0) and NC State (0-0) square off in a Military Bowl rematch. East Carolina won that game outright (26-21) as 7.5-point underdogs. This in-state rivalry game is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC.
Most bowl game performances can be tossed out due to depth players starting, questionable motivational levels, etc., but not last year’s Military Bowl game. NC State rolled out its quarterback (CJ Bailey), leading rusher (Hollywood Smothers) and top receivers (Justin Joly, Noah Rogers), and still lost the game outright as touchdown-plus favorites. They'll all be on the field on Thursday as well. I have a pessimistic outlook on NC State. Head Coach Dave Doeren has been with the program for 12 seasons, compiling a mediocre 87-65 (47-51 in the ACC) mark during his tenure.
Meanwhile, Pirates head coach Blake Harrell took over East Carolina mid-season in 2024 and rattled off a 5-1 record to close out the year. The offense averaged 38.2 points per game (PPG) during the six-game stretch, and they'll return their quarterback (Katin Houser) and top receiver (Anthony Smith). Their offense is built to score, as they put up 31.2 PPG against FBS-level competition last season (33rd). I expect the Pirates to keep this game within two scores, but they also possess the offensive firepower to come through the back door late if needed.
Bet: Pirates +14 (-110)