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North Carolina State Wolfpack vs UCLA Bruins Holiday Bowl Betting Preview

As you wait for the College Football Playoffs to start this weekend, get your college football fix Tuesday as the No. 18 North Carolina State Wolfpack (9-3) take on the UCLA Bruins (8-4) in the Holiday Bowl. Petco Park will serve as the venue for this one, and kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 pm ET.

After losing to No. 20 Wake Forest 45-42 back on November 13, the Wolfpack strung together two straight victories, including a 34-30 win over UNC in their last game.

In the win, Devin Leary was sensational, throwing for 247 yards and four touchdowns. Emeka Emezie had two of those touchdown receptions to go along with 112 yards.

UCLA has been equally as dominant, winning their last three games by a scoring margin of 148-67. Their last victory was a 42-14 win over California.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw for 164 yards and three touchdowns in the win. He also had 102 yards rushing on just 13 carries.

The Wolfpack are slight favorites in this one. They are -140 to win while the Bruins’ moneyline sits at +112. The spread features UCLA +2 (-105), and the over/under for total points is 59.5.

By The Numbers

UCLA had the stronger offense this season. They ranked 14th in scoring, averaging 36.5 points per game. The Wolfpack ranked 30th, averaging 32 points per game.

Defensively, it is the Wolfpack with the advantage. They rank 19th in scoring defense, allowing 20.8 points per game to opponents this season. The Bruins rank 63rd allowing 26.8 points.

Ranked Wolfpack Look To Show Their Dominance On Defense

While they had a couple of hiccups throughout the season, North Carolina State’s defense has been pretty exceptional this year. Not only do they rank 19th in scoring defense, but they rank 23rd against the run (127.2 yards allowed per game) and 45th against the pass (217 yards allowed per game).

The Wolfpack’s defense is led by Drake Thomas, who led the team in tackles (99), sacks (six), and interceptions (three). Linebacker Vi Jones also had six sacks on the season.

On the offensive side, quarterback Devin Leary will try to lead NC State to victory. This season, he threw for 3,433 yards, 35 touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Emeka Emezie (802 yards, six touchdowns), Thayer Thomas (596 yards, eight touchdowns), and Devin Carter (556 yards, six touchdowns) were Leary’s leading receivers.

Bruins Look To Stay Hot

Averaging at least 42 points per game over their three-game winning streak, not too many teams finished the season hotter than UCLA. They will look to carry that momentum into Tuesday’s Holiday Bowl.

Leading the way for the Bruins under center is Dorian Thompson-Robinson. This season, he threw for 2,409 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He also rushed for 609 yards and nine touchdowns on 130 carries.

Zach Charbonnet did the most damage on the ground this season for the Bruins. He rushed 202 times for 1,137 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Through the air, Thompson-Robinson’s favorite targets were Kyle Philips (59 receptions, 739 yards, ten touchdowns) and Greg Dulcich (42 receptions, 725 yards, five touchdowns).

Take North Carolina State To Win And Cover

For as hot as UCLA finished the season, it has been a month since they last played. While their offense is capable of putting up points, that type of delay may find them shaking off some rust Tuesday night.

One part of the game that is less likely to be rusty is defense, and that is where the Wolfpack have the advantage.

While this one will likely be close, expect NC State to ultimately take this one down. With the spread only being two points, I feel comfortable betting the Wolfpack to win and cover.

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