This is not a “win or lose” game for these teams yet, but for NC State, it is not too far away.
The Wolfpack have been one of the biggest failures in the country, losing three of their last four games. They have to go across the country to play Cal. After that, they have two home games against Stanford and Duke to try to get things back on track.
Cal had a great start, with a win over Auburn being the high point. But it lost to Florida State, fell apart against Miami, and lost a tough game at Pitt.
The next five games are all at home, but a fourth win here would make things a lot easier.
NC State vs Cal Preview
NC State vs Cal How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Game Time: 3;30 pm ET
Venue: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
How to Watch: ACC Network
Cal (3-3), NC State (3-4)
Why NC State Will Win
The week before last would be a great time for NC State to really step up their pass rush.
After only four sacks in the first four games, it has not been bad. Nine in the last three games. So far, Cal’s offensive line has done a good job of protecting the running game, but they give up four sacks every game and are terrible at protecting the pass.
On the other hand, NC State’s quarterback Grayson McCall is back after missing a few games because of an illness.
He has not been as good at NC State as he was at Coastal Carolina so far, but when he is on, he could be the most accurate and dangerous quarterback in the ACC, and…
Why Cal Will Win
The offensive line for NC State lets too many passes through.
It is not as bad as Cal’s when it comes to pass protection, but it lets too many stops for loss happen and does not do enough to protect the quarterback from getting hit.
Any kind of pressure helps Cal’s defense, which has already taken 14 balls away and only given them up four times. When NC State turns the ball over more than once, they are 0-4 and…
NC State vs Cal: Who Will Win
It will matter how many mistakes there are.
Cal has lost three times, and each time it was close. It was fine for NC State to lose to Tennessee and Clemson, but it was smashed in both games. It was not fine for the Wolfpack to lose close games at home to Wake Forest and Syracuse.
Cal will have a tough game, but they will come out on top in a close home game thanks to two turnovers and having more time in control.
NC State vs Cal Prediction, Betting Lines
Cal 27, NC State 17
Line: Cal -10.5, o/u: 46.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
NC State vs Cal Must See Rating: 3
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