The South Carolina State Bulldogs take on the NC Central Eagles on Friday, Nov. 14. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
NC Central is favored by 6.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -265. South Carolina State, meanwhile, enters as a +6.5 underdog and is +200 on the moneyline to pull off the upset. The over/under sits at 55.5 total points.
Here’s my South Carolina State vs NC Central prediction and college football picks for Friday, November 14.
South Carolina State vs NC Central Prediction
- South Carolina State vs NC Central Pick: NC Central -6.5
My South Carolina State vs. NC Central best bet is on the Eagles to cover the spread. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
South Carolina State vs NC Central Odds
| South Carolina State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -106 | 55.5 -113o / -113u | +200 |
| NC Central Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -120 | 55.5 -113o / -113u | -265 |
- South Carolina State vs NC Central Spread: NC Central -6.5, South Carolina State +6.5
- South Carolina State vs NC Central Over/Under: 55.5 Points
- South Carolina State vs NC Central Moneyline: South Carolina State +200, NC Central -265
South Carolina State vs NC Central Preview
South Carolina State Bulldogs Betting Preview: Ready to Compete
South Carolina State comes in at 7-3 and squarely in the mix for the MEAC title after a strong home performance last week against Howard.
The Bulldogs have played really well offensively, which is a surprise given how much talent they lost from last year’s record-setting bunch.
SC State has had some quarterback turmoil but has settled on William Atkins IV, who has completed 63% of his passes with 12 touchdown passes.
The ground game has been serviceable with Tyler Smith and Mason Pickett-Hicks leading the way with 699 combined yards.
Defensively, SC State has performed well, but considering the competition, this is not a surprise. The Bulldogs have benefitted from playing some of the worst offensive football teams in FCS, which helps inflate the numbers.
This team has been exceptional both on third down and in the red zone, answering the call in every MEAC game this year.
Lining up against an explosive NC Central team will be a massive test and a good barometer for what this team will do the rest of the season.
NC Central Eagles Betting Preview: Lights Out
NC Central is also in the mix for the MEAC title, as the Eagles have rebounded nicely from an earlier loss against Delaware State by winning their last two games.
Quarterback Walker Harris has been lights out in MEAC play, contributing on the ground while also throwing 21 touchdowns. Chris Mosley is on pace for 1,000 yards rushing, and the Eagles have six players who have caught at least 19 passes this season.
This will be a major test for the SC State defense this week.
Defensively, the Eagles are one of the stronger teams in the MEAC, specifically against the run, where the Eagles are allowing less than four yards per carry on the season.
The pass rush has also been effective, as NC Central has registered 88 tackles for loss and 39 sacks this season. I expect this defensive front to control the line of scrimmage in this game and make life tough for South Carolina State on offense.
South Carolina State vs NC Central Pick, Betting Analysis
This is such a major revenge spot for NC Central to avenge a loss from last season, which cost the Eagles the MEAC Championship.
NC Central had a chance to win that game late after falling behind, 17-0, and gave away several good chances. I imagine they have had this one circled for a while, and I expect a max effort out of the Eagles here at home. I'm laying the -3.5.
The NC Central defensive line is going to be a difference-maker in this game.
The SC State offensive line has struggled to pass protect this season, allowing 27 sacks and 55 tackles for loss. The Bulldogs' O-line grades out as the worst pass-protection unit in the MEAC.
There should be very little time for Atkins to go through his progression, and there's not much of a rushing threat with the QB.
South Carolina State has been efficient against the pass this season, but the Bulldogs haven't seen anything like what they're about to. Harris will throw the ball effectively against this secondary, as he has all season, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt.
The SC State defense has also had an issue with missing tackles and failing to pursue ball-carriers, and some of that sloppy play could cost it here.
The motivation for NC Central should be at an all-time high after how last year’s game played out. I fully expect the Eagles to be locked in from the start in this one, and being at home will give this team the edge.
With the stronger quarterback play, stronger pass rush and better team discipline, the Eagles will win this game and cover on Friday night.
Pick: NC Central -6.5
South Carolina State vs NC Central Betting Trends
