- Matchup: Louisville Cardinals vs NC State Wolfpack
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Venue: Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, NC
- Broadcasting: ACC Network
- Odds: Wolfpack (+5.0)
- Total Points: Over/Under 58.5
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The NC State Wolfpack (2-2) are set to face off against the Louisville Cardinals (2-2) at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The Wolfpack enter this matchup as 5-point underdogs, with the total set at 58.5 points.
The Louisville Cardinals are looking to bounce back from a recent defeat, holding a season record of 2-2. In their last outing, they were narrowly beaten by the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, concluding the game with a score of 30-27. Defensively, the Cardinals struggled against the run, giving up 177 yards on 42 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per attempt. In the passing game, they permitted 12 completions on 19 tries for 225 yards, translating to a completion rate of 63.2%. The Cardinals accumulated 399 yards over 74 plays and managed to run the ball 38 times for 75 yards, averaging 2.0 yards per carry.
This season, the Cardinals have amassed a total of 1,945 yards. In terms of offense, Louisville boasts 8 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns, with only 1 turnover. They have secured 95 first downs and faced 36 penalties for 372 yards. Averaging 190.5 rushing yards per game places them 38th in college football. They lead in scoring with an impressive average of 41.3 points per game.
Defensively, the Cardinals have allowed 961 passing yards, ranking them 108th nationally, with an average of 240.3 yards and a completion percentage against of 61.7%. Overall, they are yielding 405.5 yards per game — placing them 116th in the nation. This includes 6 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns against them. They have allowed opponents to average 4.2 yards per carry and 165.3 rushing yards per game this season. Their defensive performance thus far ranks them 109th, surrendering an average of 28.8 points each outing.
The NC State Wolfpack enter this pivotal game with a 2-2 record. Their last game ended positively, securing a victory of 41-31 against the Appalachian State Mountaineers. The Wolfpack recorded 459 yards on 79 plays, averaging 5.8 yards per play. In the rushing department, they averaged 4.5 yards per carry, amassing 206 yards on 46 attempts. In contrast, NC State’s defense allowed only 62 rushing yards on 22 attempts (2.8 yards per carry). Through the air, their secondary permitted a completion percentage of 66.7%, yielding 317 yards on 26 of 39 attempts.
Currently, the NC State Wolfpack are averaging 451.8 yards per game, positioning them 34th in Division 1. Offensively, they have committed 20 penalties leading to 192 yards, ranking them 111th in college football for infractions. They perform well on the ground, averaging 219.0 rushing yards per game, totaling 876 yards for the season. However, they have thrown 3 interceptions and have had 4 fumbles recovered by opponents, contributing to their 92 first downs. In scoring capacity, they stand 31st in college football, averaging 38.3 points per game. Through the air, NC State has accumulated 931 yards, averaging 232.8 yards per contest—68th in Division 1.
Defensively, NC State gives up an average of 25.0 points per game, ranking them 89th in D-1. The Wolfpack have allowed 486 rushing yards (121.5 yards per game) and 5 rushing touchdowns throughout the season. In addition, they have surrendered 7 passing touchdowns and 206.3 yards through the air, ranking them 69th nationally. Their defense has participated in 236 plays, placing them 37th in the country. They have recorded 2 fumble recoveries and 3 interceptions this year, with a total of 100 points allowed across the season.
Who will prevail in the Cardinals vs. Wolfpack college football showdown against the spread?
Expert Recommendation: Back the Wolfpack +5.0
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