Richmond Spiders vs NC State Wolfpack Predictions

Can NC State cover a 30.5-point spread?

NC State scored just eight points in its 34-8 opening loss at Virginia, then had Labor Day weekend off, according to NCFootballNews, a North Carolina football news site. SPF now lists the Wolfpack as 30.5-point home favorites against Richmond on Friday. Covering requires a win by at least 31 points, a demanding margin after that offensive showing.

Richmond is 2-0 after beating Howard 28-21 on September 5, but its 20-0 halftime lead narrowed to seven points by the finish. That result doesn't establish that the Spiders can stay close against NC State.

NCFootballNews also reports that NC State starting linebacker AJ Richardson is out for the season with a biceps injury suffered at Virginia. His absence removes a defensive starter, though there's too little detail about his replacement to estimate the scoring impact.

Betting pick

NC State is the likely outright winner based on SPF's -8000 moneyline, versus Richmond at +2200. Those odds require risking $80 to win $1; the available team evidence doesn't justify that wager or establish an edge on either side of the spread. Pass.

The total is 48.5, with over -115 and under -105. Without a fuller picture of either offense, there's no supported total bet.