NC State Hosts South Carolina Gamecocks As 4 1/2 Point Favorites

Sports Betting News - September 2nd, 2009 - Written by John

The NCAA College football season officially kicks of Thursday with a great ACC-SEC contest.  The South Carolina Gamecocks travel to Raleigh, NC to take on  the North Carolina State Wolfpack at 7:00 pm at Carter-Finley stadium.   This rivalry game is a great way to kick off the 2009 season.  The Wolfpack are looking to avenge their last season opening loss to the Gamecocks.

Going into last year's season opener, NC State coach Tom O'Brien had some issues regarding his starting line-up.  This year however, things look pretty set.  Probably the biggest announcement came Friday when Tony Baker was announced as the starting running back.  He beat out Jamelle Eugene for the starting position.  Eugene rushed for 1,272 yards last year so this will give them great depth at this position.  Baker missed the last two seasons with an a knee injury.  He was the Wollfpack leading rusher in 2006 with 688 yards.  The quarterback position is set with returning starter Russell Wilson who is the reigning first-team All-ACC quarterback from last year.  The defense is where O'Brien has a few concerns.  Linebacker Nate Irving will likely be out for the rest of the season so depth is becoming a concern.  North Carolina State, the past 2 years, have gotten off to slow starts.  They look to change that in 2009 and not have to rely on a four game win streak, like in 2009, to become bowl eligble. 

The offense for the Gamecocks should be much improved, especially on the offensive line.  They will, however have a great test on Thursday against a stern Wolfpack defense.  At quarterback, sophomore Stephen Garcia will take over for departed Chris Smelley.  Garcia, last year completed 65 of 122 passes with 6 touchdowns a year ago.  Brian Maddox will take the starting running back lead.  During the back up role last year, he rushed for 121 yards on 32 carries.  Look for big numbers from him as he will be running behind an offensive line that head coach Steve Spurrier expects big things from.

Odds makers at BetED have North Carolina State as the favorite in this matchup.  The Wolfpack are picked to win by 4 1/2 with a payout of -110.  The Gamecocks are 4 1/2 point underdogs with a payout of -110.  Odds makers have the over/under set at 46.

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