East Carolina vs NC State Prediction 8/28/2025 Today’s College Football Picks

The East Carolina Pirates and NC State Wolfpack meet Thursday in college football action at Carter-Finley Stadium. Here’s a East Carolina vs NC State Prediction. This article will include a East Carolina vs NC State Pick.

East Carolina Pirates Betting Preview

East Carolina won eight games last season and enter the first full season under coach Blake Harrell. East Carolina now looks to make bowl game in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 2014 season.

Quarterback Katin Houser is coming off his best season where he threw for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he must trim down the 11 interceptions. Anthony Smith proved to be one of the best receivers in the AAC, while Jaquaize Pettaway is an intriguing Oklahoma transfer. The ECU offensive line has question marks with only two returning starters, but there are playmakers on this Pirates offense, and it makes them a sneaky team in the conference.

Defensively, East Carolina returns only two starters, but the Pirates do bring back a key defensive lineman in JD Lampley. Ja’Marley Riddle is coming off a strong season at safety, and Western Carolina transfer Jordy Lowery brings play making ability. However, East Carolina has a lot of new faces on this side of the ball and a lot of transfers. It could take some time for things to get rolling. East Carolina has been a below average program over the last decade, and it will be interesting to see if they can build on last year’s success.

NC State Wolfpack Betting Preview

NC State has won six or more games in each of the last six years and enters year 13 under coach Dave Doeren. NC State has made a bowl appearance in nine of the last 11 seasons.

CJ Bailey showed flashes at quarterback as a freshman, but the jury is still out on him after 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Justin Joly is one of the better tight ends in all of college football and receiver Noah Rogers averaged 13.7 yards per catch. Running back Daylan Smothers is coming off a near 600 yard season with six touchdowns, and he’s a threat as a receiver as well. The NC State has offensive line questions, but Jacarrius Peak is a bright spot heading into the season. 

Defensively, NC State has a new coordinator in D.J. Eliot and returns only six of 16 players who saw major stars last season. The Wolfpack have a strong linebacker group led by Sean Brown and Caden Fordham. Brian Nelson II had a good season at North Texas and will be a nice boost to this NC State secondary. Still, there are a lot of new faces and a new coordinator on this side of the ball, so NC State may experience some growing pains early. NC State could be a slightly above average team in the ACC or take a massive step back if the defense struggles and the offensive line doesn’t come together.

Why the NC State Wolfpack will win

• NC State has won each of its last seven season openers.
• East Carolina has lost three of its last four games against opponents from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
• East Carolina has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games as an underdog in North Carolina.

Why the East Carolina Pirates will win

• NC State has lost three of its last four games as a favorite.
• The underdog has won three of NC State’s last four games.
• NC State has failed to cover the spread in 11 of its last 12 games against non-conference opponents.
• The underdog has covered the spread in each of East Carolina’s last four games.

NC State Wolfpack Player Prop Facts

• Justin Joly led NC State for receiving yards (661) last season.

East Carolina Pirates Player Prop Facts

• Anthony Smith led East Carolina for targets (81) last season.

East Carolina vs NC State Prediction

NC State is the more talented team obviously and should be favored at home, but this is a lot of points. One, NC State has questions on the offensive line and on the defensive side. Also, this is a rivalry game, so East Carolina will be up for it. East Carolina upset NC State last year as a seven-point underdog. The underdog has covered seven of the last 10 games between East Carolina and NC State. Six of those covers were outright wins. I’m grabbing the points with East Carolina on the road.