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Georgia Tech Favored by 2 Points vs NC State with Bowl Eligibility at Stake

Jordan Horrobin

by Jordan Horrobin in College Football

Updated Apr 9, 2020 · 11:58 AM PDT

Georgia Tech football
Georgia Tech are short home favorites to NC State this Thursday. Photo By @GeorgiaTechFB (Twitter)
  • Georgia Tech and NC State have a combined 6-14 record
  • The Wolfpack still have bowl eligibility on the line
  • These teams haven’t faced off since 2014

In these final weeks of the college football season, the pendulum of importance tends to swing further in both directions. Some games have conference championship and playoff implications, while others are simply obligations on a schedule that must be met.

Thursday’s game between Georgia Tech (2-8) and NC State (4-6) falls into that “other” category. But as a bettor, even a game like this can be something to look forward to. The current NC State vs. Georgia Tech odds have the Yellow Jackets as slight home favorites.

NC State vs. Georgia Tech Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Over/Under
NC State +105 +2.0 (-115) Over 47.5 (-110)
Georgia Tech -125 -2.0 (-105) Under 47.5 (-110)

Odds taken Nov. 19

Someone Has to Win

NC State has lost four games in a row, allowing 34 or more points in each game. Georgia Tech has lost three in a row (and seven of eight), including a 45-0 drubbing at home against Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Fortunately for these teams, they’ll play on Thursday until someone wins. Just understand that neither school is entering this matchup with any momentum.

“Recent” Head-to-Head Games Mean Nothing

Looking back at recent matchups between NC State and Georgia Tech reveals a trend of high scoring (four consecutive “Overs”), with Georgia Tech winning three of the past four. The problem, however, is that these teams haven’t played each other since 2014 — so you needn’t place any emphasis on their history.

A better comparable is common opponents this season. Even then, there’s only one: No. 3 Clemson. Both teams lost to the unbeaten Tigers by similar scores (NC State lost 55-10; Georgia Tech lost 52-14).

NC State Strength vs. Georgia Tech Weakness

Okay, here’s something to key in on: NC State’s rushing offense against Georgia Tech’s rushing defense.

The Wolfpack have been average at best at the quarterback position this year, having deployed three players who’ve attempted 85 or more passes each. But they have a fairly solid running game, led by Zonovan Knight and Jordan Houston, helping the team to 145 rush yards per game.

The Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, can’t seem to stop anybody on the ground. They allow 213 rush yards per game, including a whopping 411 rush yards in the season opener against Clemson.

Without a trustworthy passing game, NC State could find ways to score through its rushing attack.

Decision Time

When a game looks like a bit of a toss-up, as this one does, I like going with the team that has something to play for. That’s not to say Georgia Tech isn’t playing for pride, but NC State has something else on the line: bowl eligibility.

The Wolfpack need to win out to reach six wins and have a chance to play in a bowl game for a sixth-straight year (which would be their longest streak since 1988-94).

It’s worth noting that NC State hasn’t won on the road yet this year. Then again, Georgia Tech did just lose 45-0 at home. As previously stated, somebody has to win.

Pick: NC State, +2.0 (-115); and on a short week, take the under 47.5 (-110)

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