NC State vs Duke Picks and Predictions for Saturday, September 20, 2025
Use Code PPWC
NC State and Duke meet on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham. NC State stayed unbeaten by winning at Wake Forest 34–24, while Duke dropped to 1–2 after a 34–27 loss at Tulane. The game airs on ESPN2. Follow all the college football action with our college football picks
NC State Preview
Quarterback CJ Bailey is off to a strong start, completing 63 of 89 passes (71%) for 719 yards, 5 touchdowns, and just 1 interception. The pass game is led by Wesley Grimes (173 yards, 1 TD), Noah Rogers (109 yards, 1 TD), and tight end Justin Joly (13 catches, 2 TD). On the ground, Hollywood Smothers sets the tone with 380 yards on 63 carries (6.0 per) and 3 scores.
Defensively, linebacker Sean Brown leads with 31 tackles. Isaiah Shirley owns the team’s lone interception, and edge rushers Travali Price and Sabastian Harsh help squeeze opposing pockets even without big sack totals. The focus is keeping Duke’s long passing attempts under control
Duke Preview
Quarterback Darian Mensah is: 80 for 119 for 1.36 yards, 8 TD, 2 INTs, with a long of 62. Duke’s pass game is very strong. Cooper Barkate (272 yards) is the big-play target, Andrel Anthony has 3 touchdowns, and Sahmir Hagans has three as well. The run game has not been as strong as the passing attack, with Nate Sheppard leading with 127 yards.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
The defense features an excellent pass rusher in Vincent Anthony Jr., with 5 sacks. Linebackers Jaiden Francois and Nick Morris Jr. keep the middle clogged, but big plays by opponents have hurt early this season.
NC State vs Duke Prediction
NC State will win on the road in a close game. The Wolfpack’s steadier run game and lower mistake rate on both sides of the line of scrimmage will be the difference. The NC State front seven can limit Duke’s yards and prevent the Blue Devils from making too many big plays. Final Score Prediction: NC State Wolfpack wins and covers ATS 27-21.
Betting on College Football?
- Bet with other College Football fans at the best sportsbooks
- Sign up today and get started with the latest college football sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Best Pick
- NC State Wolfpack
