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North Carolina State vs. UCLA Updated Prediction and Odds for Holiday Bowl

By Reed Wallach

North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Devin Leary (13) passes to a teammate. The North Carolina
North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Devin Leary (13) passes to a teammate. The North Carolina / Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA
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North Carolina State takes the cross country flight to San Diego, California to face UCLA in the Holiday Bowl.

These are two teams that had successful 2021 campaigns. NC State went 9-3 and just missed the ACC Championship, while UCLA went 8-4 as Chip Kelly attempts to bring the program back to relevancy.

How should we handicap one of the better bowl games on the card? Here are the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

North Carolina State vs. UCLA Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • North Carolina State: -2 (-110)
  • UCLA: +2 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • North Carolina State: -130
  • UCLA: +100

Total: 60 (Over -110/Under -110)

UCLA vs. North Carolina State Betting Trends

  • UCLA went 2-1 ATS as underdogs
  • Both teams went over in 7 of 12 games
  • UCLA covered their last three games (all as favorites)

North Carolina State vs. UCLA Prediction and Pick

I love this spot for North Carolina State, who should do a good job of limiting UCLA's primary point of attack on the ground. The Bruins are top 25 in the nation in rush rate while the Wolfpack were top 10 against the run this season.

North Carolina State has a more than capable offense around veteran quarterback Devin Leary and running back 'Bam' Knight, averaging more than six yards per play. The team is one of the most veteran-laden rosters in the country and just missed the ACC Championship game. I expect this team will get up for this matchup to send their seniors out on a high note.

In each game UCLA lost they failed to cover, and keep an eye on inactives leading up to Tuesday's kickoff. The team ruled out Qwuantrezz Knight, among others, out for this game due to COVID protocols. Knight leads the team with 66 tackles and 8.5 for loss, his loss can't be overstated in the Bruisn secondary. Overall the UCLA defense will be the worst unit on the field, even with Knight. The D was 86th in defensive rush success rate.

This can also be a concerning sign to come with more players ruled out before kickoff.

NC State is one of my biggest bets of bowl season, I make them -5 and will take the short moneyline.

PICK: North Carolina State ML -130

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