Miami football against North Carolina State consensus picks Wolfpack

The Miami football team faces one of its toughest games of the 2021 season when they host North Carolina State at 7:30 PM at Hard Rock Stadium Saturday night. The Wolfpack travels South with a 5-1 record. Miami brings a 2-4 record into the matchup. The Hurricanes defeated the Wolfpack 44-41 in Raleigh in 2020.

Miami has to avoid getting off to a slow start. The Hurricanes have been outscored 33-10 in the first quarter against Power Five opponents this season. Miami has not scored an offensive touchdown in the opening 15 minutes against a Power Five opponent. The one Miami first-quarter TD was on an interception return.

Miami defensive end Jahfari Harvey jumped a North Carolina and returned it 33 yards for a TD to tie the game at seven after the Tar Heels scored on its opening drive of the game. North Carolina State is 56th nationally averaging 6.2 points per game in the first quarter. The Wolfpack is 38th allowing 4.2 PPG in the first quarter.

The consensus picks among four national experts survey pick North Carolina State to defeat the Miami football team. The Miami North Carolina point spread is varying this week. WynnBet has the Wolfpack as a three-point favorite and a -155 moneyline. The Miami moneyline is +135 and the over/under is 54 points.

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"247 Sports picksNC STATE -3 AT MIAMI(Chris) Hummer: Miami +3; I have no idea what we’ll get out of Miami this week. The Hurricanes have lost two straight ACC games by a total of five points, and they’re probably the most disappointing team in the country. But at a certain point you respond with some pride at home, right?Manny Diaz needs this win desperately and I just have a feeling — no logic involved here — that Miami gets it done…Miami 38, NC State 35.(Brad) Crawford: NC State -3; This line stinks. What does Vegas know that we don’t? NC State is the better team and Miami is in the midst of a spiral this season. Have you looked at Devin Leary’s numbers lately?The Wolfpack’s veteran quarterback hasn’t thrown an interception since early September and is staking his claim for conference-player-of-the-year honors behind Pitt’s Kenny Pickett. NC State goes to Miami and gets a big win…NC State 27, Miami 20."

The above picks from Brad Crawford and Chris Hummer from 247 Sports. Leary has gone four straight games and 133 pass attempts without an interception. The Miami football team is 81st nationally with only four interceptions this season. The interception by Harvey was the only turnover Miami forced against North Carolina.

"College Football NewsWhat’s Going To HappenCan Miami finally catch a break and be on the right side of a close game? Eventually, yes, but not against this NC State team. The Wolfpack D is too strong, and the O is too good at consistently just keeping things moving, and three takeaways will be enough to open things up by the early fourth quarter.NC State vs Miami Prediction, LineNC State 34, Miami 27Line: NC State -3.5, o/u: 53.5ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5"

Good teams make their own luck. Miami lost three weeks ago when the potential game-winning field goal by freshman Andres Borregales hit the left upright. Last week Miami was driving for a potential game-tying field goal. A pass by Miami quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was tipped at the line of scrimmage and intercepted.

"Athlon SportsFinal AnalysisMiami was struggling before the team lost (quarterback D’Eriq) King. Now that King and (running back Cam’Ron) Harris are both out for the season, the Hurricanes could have difficulty moving the ball against what has been a stout NC State defense.The Hurricanes showed positive signs against a North Carolina defense that isn’t nearly as good as the one they will see this week. This game will come down to the defenses, and that’s where the Wolfpack appear to have a distinct advantage. Miami has struggled with giving up big plays and committing penalties this year.It is hard to believe Saturday will be any different for the Hurricanes, even at home.Prediction: NC State 37, Miami 21"

Van Dyke has shown promise in his first three Miami starts. The Hurricanes have to come out strong offensively early. Coming from behind will be far more difficult against the North Carolina State defense than it was against Virginia or North Carolina. Producing big plays on both sides of the ball could also be a key to victory.

The young Miami football players will have to make plays against NC State. Miami is missing four starters for the season. King, Harris, center Corey Gaynor and left guard Jalen Rivers were big losses. Jaylan Knighton had a breakout game replacing Harris last week. Miami needs more big plays from Knighton against NC State.