Free Pick: NC State (7-2) at Wake Forest (8-1) 11/13/21

This game might be for a berth in the ACC title game. Even though, Wake Forest lost to conference foe North Carolina last Saturday, the game was technically a non-conference affair. So, the Deacons are still undefeated in conference play. NC State has lost once to Miami and a win over Wake would give them the tie-breaker if both finished with only one conference lost. This has exciting written all over it. Let’s see if Vegas agrees.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

NC State: 32.5 Total Team Points The Wolfpack offense has been very consistent and have scored 28 or more points against every team except Mississippi State. They are going up against a Wake Forest defense that gave up 56 against Army and 58 last week against North Carolina. I’ll take NC State over 32.5 total team points.

Wake Forest 33.5 Total Team Points The Demon Deacons have scored more than 34 points in all nine games they have played. But they are encountering the best defensive team they have faced. NC State has held opponents 16 points per game and they will cause Wake some trouble. However, the Deacons’ offense is capable of putting up points on just about everybody. I’ll go with Wake Forest OVER 33.5 total team points.

OVER/UNDER: 66.5 Combined Team Points As you have probably noticed, I usually shy away from high over/unders. But, this seems a little low to me. The Wolfpack defense has been good all year and are allowing only 16 points a game. But, nobody has had any luck stopping the Demon’ Deacons. They have scored at least 35 on everyone they have played. NC State is capable of scoring also and the Wake defense is slightly better than awful. I like the OVER 66.5 team points.

POINT SPREAD: Wake Forest is a 2-point favorite Another very low point spread and easy to bet. Just pick the team that you think is going to win and you will be ok. This is a game that features 2 teams that are not usually in these championship-like games. NC State has had more success over the years than Wake Forest, but there aren’t many championship trophies in their case. Can Wake Forest rebound from that 3-point loss last week at North Carolina, that ended their undefeated season?

AARON’S PICK: OVER 66.5 combined team points

PAPA DUDES PICK: Wake Forest -2