Week 3 of the college football season increases the stakes, with more inter-conference matchups than previous weeks. There are still some intriguing intra-conference Power 4 matchups, such as a 12:45 game between the N.C. State Wolfpack and Vanderbilt Commodores.
The Wolfpack have been considered dark-horses of the ACC due to the strong finish at the end of their 8-5 season; they won their last three games. However, they now have a lot of doubters after their 34-8 loss to the Virginia Cavaliers to start the season in Week 0. They recovered nicely with a 73-0 win against the Richmond Spiders, but they need to show a better form than they did in Week 0.
The Commodores, meanwhile, are in a transition period after Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia ran out
of eligibility. They went 10-3 last season, but many are doubting them with the loss of Pavia. They've started 2-0, but their wins have come against Austin Peay (Football Championship Subdivision) and Delaware (non Power 4), so this will be a first test for them.
If you are looking for some betting advice for the matchup, we've got you covered. Here are the latest odds for the game, courtesy of BetMGM.
NC State vs. Vanderbilt game odds
All college football odds via BetMGM
- Money Line: Vanderbilt -160, NC State +135
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 (-110), Under 50.5 (-110)
- Spread: Vanderbilt -3 (-115), NC State +3 (-105)
NC State vs. Vanderbilt prediction, pick:
Both teams seem to be in dark-horse territory in their respective conferences. Vanderbilt has been doubted since the preseason, while the doubters have come for NC State recently.
NC State can definitely take advantage of the Vanderbilt offensive line. Although their pass rush hasn't been great, with just three sacks in two games so far, but the Commodores o-line hasn't dealt with a team as talented as NC State.
That could hurry up the processing of freshman quarterback Jared Curtis. A five-star recruit from last season's recruiting class, Curtis has played sparingly alongside Blaze Berkowitz. He's a little unpolished, but he has a big arm and is mobile. The coaching staff should give him plenty of opportunity to rip it if the protection holds up.
CJ Bailey and the Wolfpack will make it tough for Vanderbilt, but in the heart of Nashville, it should be a nice homecoming for Jared Curtis. I think Vanderbilt will make the plays necessary to win this one close.
Score Prediction: Vanderbilt 27, NC State 24
Best Bet: Vanderbilt ML
NC State vs. Vanderbilt channel, start time, streaming:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Live Stream: FuboTV
Watch NC State vs. Vanderbilt on FuboTV (Free Trial)
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: NC State vs. Vanderbilt: Week 3 Betting Odds, Prediction
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