This is a 10* NON-CONF GOW on North Carolina State.

Northern Illinois is now 2-1 after a 23-20 OT home loss to Buffalo as a 13-point favorite. Previous to that it somehow managed to win 16-14 at Notre Dame as a 28-point dog.

So how good or bad are the Huskies for real? I say they're primed for a letdown again after last week's poor showing. And with a home game vs. lowly 1-3 UMass next weekend, this not only sets up as a letdown spot but also a "look-ahead" position.

NC State is 2-2, but 0-4 ATS. I think that the Wolfpack are now undervalued this weekend finally after four straight ATS losses.

After last week's 59-35 loss at Clemson, and with Wake Forest up next, this becomes an important non-conference matchup for the Wolf Pack.

Northern Illinois QB Ethan Hampton has been solid, but I still think that CJ Bailey is the correct call here at home and in this position.

Look for NC State's size in the trenches to wear down the Huskies as I look for the home side to indeed cruise to a comfortable win and cover at home.

The play is NC STATE.

Good luck, NP