NC State Wolfpack (1-1) vs. Vanderbilt Commodores (2-0)
September 19, 2026 12:45 pm EDT
The Line: Vanderbilt Commodores -3.5 / NC State Wolfpack 3.5; Over/Under: 51.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The NC State Wolfpack and Vanderbilt Commodores meet Saturday in week 3 college football action at FirstBank Stadium. Here’s a Vanderbilt vs. NC State Prediction. This article will include a Vanderbilt vs. NC State Pick.
NC State Wolfpack Betting Preview
The NC State Wolfpack lost to Virginia, beat Richmond, and plays App State next. NC State has won 5 of its last 8 games. CJ Bailey is completing 62.5 percent of his passes for 365 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Keenan Jackson and Joshisa Trader have combined for 200 receiving yards on 11 catches, while Preston Douglas has 5 receptions.
The NC State Wolfpack ground game is averaging 252 yards per contest, and Jayden Scott leads the way with 148 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, NC State is allowing 17 points and 261.5 yards per game. Popo Aguirre leads the NC State Wolfpack with 21 tackles, Elijah Satchell has 1 sack, and Jackson Vick has 1 interception.
Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Preview
The Vanderbilt Commodores beat Austin Peay and Delaware, and they play Auburn next. The Vanderbilt Commodores have 12 of their last 15 games. Jared Curtis is completing 67.7 percent of his passes for 270 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Junior Sherrill and Jayvontay Conner have combined for 281 receiving yards on 19 catches, while Kayleb Barnett has 3 receptions.
The Vanderbilt Commodores’ ground game is averaging 143.5 yards per contest, and Sedrick Alexander leads the way with 99 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Vanderbilt is allowing 17.5 points and 258 yards per game. Nick Rinaldi leads the Vanderbilt Commodores with 13 tackles, Issa Ouattara has 2 sacks, and Martel Hight has 1 interception.
Why the Vanderbilt Commodores will win
- Vanderbilt has won each of its last 10 games against non-conference opponents at FirstBank Stadium.
- NC State has lost each of its last five games against opponents from the Southeastern Conference.
- NC State has failed to cover the spread in eight of its last nine road games in September.
- The favorite has covered the spread in each of NC State’s last four games.
- NC State has lost the first half in each of its last six road games.
Why the NC State Wolfpack will win
- NC State has won 12 of its last 15 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Vanderbilt has lost three of its last four games against teams from North Carolina.
- Vanderbilt has failed to cover the spread in 15 of its last 17 home games in September.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Vanderbilt’s last four games.
- NC State has won the first quarter in four of its last five games.
- NC State has won the first half in four of its last five games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Vanderbilt’s last seven games against teams from North Carolina have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of NC State’s last eight September games as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Vanderbilt Commodores Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Tyler Ebel ranks 8th amongst qualified players for gross average yards per punt (49.6) this season.
NC State Wolfpack Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Will Wilson ranks T5th amongst FBS players for rushing touchdowns (4) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Vanderbilt ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Vanderbilt ranks T8th among FBS teams for average point differential in third quarters this season (+13.5).
- NC State ranks T7th among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (115.5).
- NC State ranks 18th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (252.0).
Vanderbilt vs NC State Prediction
Vanderbilt is getting the benefit of the doubt because it’s at home, but this team has struggled with Austin Peay and Delaware. Sure, you can say NC State looked horrible against Virginia, but the level of competition isn’t in the same area code. NC State still has a star quarterback who can put his team on his back and will his way to victory.
Vanderbilt has gotten little offensively through two games against borderline community colleges. It’s still early in the season, but I’m not sure how you turn down points with NC State in a game. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Wolfpack won outright.
