East Carolina vs. NC State: Predictions, latest odds for Military Bowl
The college football bowl action continues with the Go Bowling Military Bowl, featuring the East Carolina Pirates facing off against the NC State Wolfpack. This marks the programs' first meeting since 2022.
The Pirates are heading to their third bowl game in four seasons, and they are determined to secure their first bowl victory under new coach Blake Harrell. East Carolina had parted ways with former head coach Mike Houston after a challenging start to the season. Transfer quarterback Katin Houser has led the Pirates' offense in his first year, finishing the regular season with a completion rate of 60.6%, totaling 1,859 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The Wolfpack concluded the regular season with a 6-6 record. Quarterback CJ Bailey completed 177 of 276 pass attempts for 2,183 yards, along with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. On the defensive side, Wolfpack defensive end Davin Vann led the FBS with six forced fumbles. He recorded 41 total tackles, including 16 solo tackles.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the Military Bowl:
Military Bowl predictions: East Carolina vs. NC State
Paste BN: Majority pick NC State
- Scooby Axson: NC State
- Jordan Mendoza: NC State
- Paul Myerberg: NC State
- Erick Smith: NC State
- Eddie Timanus: East Carolina
- Dan Wolken: NC State
ESPN: NC State 34, East Carolina 26
Adam Rittenberg writes: "Two teams located about 80 miles apart will travel north to Annapolis, where they will meet for the first time since 2022, when NC State escaped Greenville with a 21-20 win. ECU coach Blake Harrell, named to the permanent role Nov. 27, will aim for his first bowl win. NC State's Dave Doeren seeks his first postseason victory since the 2017 Sun Bowl, and must deal with the departure of longtime defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, named head coach at Marshall. Wolfpack freshman quarterback CJ Bailey has shown promise when he takes care of the ball, and he'll make enough plays."
College Football Network: East Carolina 31, NC State 28
Staff writes: "East Carolina is going to be hungry for a fifth win under new coach Blake Harrell, especially one against a rival. I’m not sure I can say the same about a 6-6 NC State team that is more focused on the transfer portal than the Military Bowl. Take the points and sprinkle the Pirates on the moneyline. I lean toward this being a shootout that ticks over the total late, but I’m less confident in that than I am in Harrell’s squad."
Tickets to the Military Bowl with StubHub
Military Bowl odds, lines: East Carolina vs. NC State
The NC State Wolfpack are favorites to defeat the East Carolina Pirates, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Odds as of afternoon on Friday, Dec. 27.
- Spread: NC State (-7)
- Moneylines: NC State (-275); East Carolina (+225)
- Over/under: 58.5
How to watch East Carolina vs. NC State in the Military Bowl
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 28
- Time: 5:45 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Annapolis, Maryland)
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