Syracuse vs NC State Spread Moves to Wolfpack -4.5; NC State Is 5-9 ATS in Last 14 as Home Favorite

• Syracuse (3-2) faces NC State (3-2) and the Wolfpack on Thursday night (Oct. 10) in Raleigh
• NC State is making a change at QB; sophomore Bailey Hockman takes over from Matthew McKay
• Orange QB Tommy Devito & WR Trishton Jackson have developed a clear chemistry and could make the difference

ACC Atlantic rivals Syracuse (3-2, 0-1 ACC) and NC State (3-2, 0-1 ACC) face off Thursday night at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC (8:00 PM ET, Oct. 10).

Syracuse vs NC State Odds

*Odds taken 10/8

The Syracuse vs NC State odds history shows that money is moving the line in the direction of the Wolfpack. The good news? I think Syracuse is actually the play here and I’ll gladly take the extra point.

Here’s the case for betting on the Orange.

QB Bailey Hockman Starting For NC State

Bailey Hockman replaces Matthew McKay, who started the first five games of the season for NC State. Hockman is 28 for 50 this season with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.

The scouting report says he’s more willing to throw the ball down field, which could create opportunities for the Syracuse defense.

📹: QB Bailey Hockman pic.twitter.com/azaivS8zsH

— NC State Football (@PackFootball) December 19, 2018

NC State is a perfect 3-0 at home outscoring opponents 109-29 but head coach Dave Doeren sees the same thing I do, that’s only because of the lack of competition. Those wins came against East Carolina, West Carolina and Ball State. The switch at quarterback shows the Wolf Pack are still trying to find themselves, which makes giving up 4.5 points a troubling proposition.

Devito & Jackson Chemistry Gives Syracuse Advantage

You may not find these teams in the National Championship odds but that doesn’t mean you can’t find quality talent on the field. Tommy Devito has been given the okay to play after injury concerns early in the week. That’s music to Syracuse fans ears, who will be excited to see Devito hook up with WR Trishton Jackson early and often.

Jackson has 393 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns this season and could build on those numbers against an NC State defense that is much better against the run than they are the pass.

Tommy DeVito shows off the wheels! 💨#OITNF #MustSeeACC | @CuseFootball pic.twitter.com/6mdHHZVY17

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 21, 2019

The Wolf Pack are only giving up 71.8 yards on the ground per game and while that’s bad news for RB Moe Neal, it should mean Devito and Jackson will be given more opportunity to take the game over. Devito has 1,234 yards passing and 11 touchdowns and should relish the opportunity to quiet the crowd in Raleigh, North Carolina.

History Suggests Fading NC State is the Correct Play

Last year Syracuse won this match up 51-41 on their home field. If that’s too far back for you to take into consideration let’s look at NC State this year instead. ATS this season they are an abysmal 1-4. Their 3-2 record is largely because of that cupcake schedule I mentioned earlier. They’ve played two decent opponents in Florida State and West Virginia and lost both games by a combined 35 points.

There’s no reason to trust NC State to win, never mind to cover 4.5 points.

The decision isn’t who to bet here, it’s whether you want to take the points or get aggressive and bet the money line. I’m going to wait closer to kick off to see if public money moves the line any further before taking Syracuse to win straight up.

PICK: Syracuse ML (+175)