Matchup: East Carolina Pirates vs NC State Wolfpack
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Venue: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Betting Odds: Wolfpack favored by 14 points
Total Points Over/Under: 61.5
The NC State Wolfpack (6-7 last season) will aim to overcome the East Carolina Pirates (8-5 last year) at Carter-Finley Stadium on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The opening line favors NC State by 4 points, with the total set at 61.5.
Last season, the East Carolina Pirates wrapped up their campaign with an 8-5 record. In their previous encounter against NC State, the Pirates secured a victory with a score of 26-21. They executed 68 plays, amassing a total of 473 yards. The Pirates exhibited a powerful ground game, rushing 39 times for 326 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per carry. On the defensive front, they allowed 198 rushing yards on 35 attempts, which is an average of 5.7 yards per carry. Through the air, the Pirates yielded 19 completions on 26 attempts for 230 yards, boasting a completion percentage of 73.1%.
In total, the Pirates generated 5,673 yards last season. They recorded 26 passing touchdowns and 23 rushing touchdowns, while turning the ball over 30 times. East Carolina achieved 286 first downs and incurred 99 penalties for a total of 827 yards. Offensively, they averaged 172.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 50th in the NCAA Division I. The Pirates also averaged 32.0 points per game, showcasing their scoring ability.
Defensively, East Carolina ranked 83rd in Division I, allowing 27.3 points per game. Opponents averaged 4.1 yards per carry and accumulated 169.8 rushing yards per game, totaling 2,207 rushing yards conceded over the season. In terms of passing defense, the Pirates allowed 3,059 yards, ranking 104th nationally, with an average of 235.3 passing yards permitted per game and a 59.9% completion rate. They surrendered 405.2 total yards per game, ranking them 100th in Division I, with a total of 23 passing and 21 rushing touchdowns allowed.
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The NC State Wolfpack concluded their season with a 6-7 record. In their last game against the Pirates, they fell short, losing 26-21. The Wolfpack finished with 198 rushing yards on 35 attempts, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. Overall, they tallied 428 yards with 61 plays for an average of 7.0 yards per play. The Wolfpack’s passing defense allowed a completion rate of 62.1%, conceding 147 yards on 18 of 29 passing attempts. NC State permitted 326 rushing yards on 39 carries (8.4 yards per rush).
In terms of scoring, the Wolfpack ranked 62nd nationally with an average of 28.5 points per game. They accumulated an average of 377.8 yards per game, placing them 75th in the country. NC State incurred 621 yards in penalties on 66 infractions, ranking them 100th in Division I for penalties. They committed 13 interceptions and lost 10 fumbles while achieving 263 first downs. Last season, the Wolfpack passed for a total of 3,024 yards, averaging 232.6 passing yards per game, which ranked them 58th nationally. Their ground game averaged 145.2 yards per contest, rushing for a total of 1,888 yards.
Defensively, NC State allowed 2,041 rushing yards (157.0 yards per game) and 25 rushing touchdowns last year, as well as 20 passing touchdowns while conceding 233.8 yards per game, ranking 93rd in college football. They recovered 10 fumbles and made 10 interceptions over the previous year. The Wolfpack defense participated in 848 plays, ranking them 66th nationally and yielding 30.2 points per game, placing them 103rd in the nation, with a total of 393 points allowed.
Who will come out on top in tonight’s matchup between the Pirates and Wolfpack?
Josh’s Prediction: Go with the Pirates +14.0
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