It’s a new era of football for the NC State Wolfpack as they head north to take on the UConn Huskies to start the 2023 season. A new quarterback enters the fray — for both programs — as the NC State vs. UConn prediction indicates which side you should feel more comfortable in backing.
NC State vs. UConn Betting and DFS Preview
- Spread
NC State (-13.5) - Moneyline
NC State -650, UConn +500 - Over/Under
46 total points - Game time
7:30 p.m. ET - Location
Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, CT - Predicted Weather at Kick
70 degrees, sunny, 6-7 mph winds - How to Watch
FuboTV, CBS Sports Network
Looking to bet on the game? Use our widget below to easily place your bet if it is legal in your state.
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Top DFS Picks and Fantasy Plays
All values below come from FanDuel’s multi-team entries for the weekend. Looking to sign up for FanDuel? New customers bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets guaranteed. Click here for more details.
NC State Depth Chart | UConn Depth Chart
- QB Brennan Armstrong, NC State ($10,500)
- QB Ta’Quan Roberson, UConn ($6,300)
- QB Zion Turner, UConn ($6,300)
- QB Joseph Fagnano, UConn ($4,500)
- RB Jordan Houston, NC State ($8,500)
- RB Michael Allen, NC State ($6,800)
- RB Victor Rosa, UConn ($5,900)
- RB Jalen Mitchell, UConn ($5,400)
- RB Devontae Houston, UConn ($4,900)
- RB Brian Brewton, UConn ($4,600)
- WR Keyon Lesane, NC State ($7,700)
- WR Porter Rooks, NC State ($6,700)
- WR Kevens Clercius, UConn ($6,300)
- WR Bradley Rozner, NC State ($5,800)
- WR Dacari Collins, NC State ($5,500)
- WR Dajon Harrison, UConn ($5,500)
- WR Jacob Flynn, UConn ($5,300)
- WR Geordon Porter, UConn ($5,100)
- TE Trent Pennix, NC State ($5,400)
- TE Justin Joly, UConn ($5,100)
There is a lot to note here with the DFS options for this contest. First things first, the Huskies named Joseph Fagnano as their starting quarterback, not Zion Turner nor Ta’Quan Roberson.
It appears FanDuel hasn’t updated their salaries in time for this one and if you feel comfortable in a low-value, potentially high-ceiling option, it’s Fagnano out of the blue. Fagnano, the Maine transfer, has a wealth of experience leading an offense, finishing his four-year career with the Black Bears with 46 career touchdowns and 5,655 passing yards.
He threw for two touchdowns against Boston College a season ago and has been known to score with his legs. The NC State defense will have enough tape on him to potentially stymie him to start the game but this offense for the Huskies has plenty of weapons to deploy to make Fagnano a play here.
Elsewhere, the UConn depth chart provided also indicated Victor Rosa as the RB2 for this game, an interesting move to say the least. Until we clear up what their backfield looks like, there are better RB options on Thursday.
For the Wolfpack, Brennan Armstrong is always an option for DFS plays, especially against a porous UConn secondary. The Huskies are the lesser pup, so to speak, in this one in terms of limiting a quarterback of Armstrong’s caliber. How much will the offense be installed at this point is the only question.
Bradley Rozner is a deep choice at wide receiver as the big man from Rice transferred in late this summer but still made the two-deep to start the year. It’s a crapshoot for Wolfpack members until we really see who Armstrong prefers.
Prediction for NC State vs. UConn
NC State has the chops to compete in the ACC nearly every season, and if all goes to plan, 2023 shouldn’t be any different. Dave Dorean is one of the best elevators of talent and perhaps an even better coach in terms of working with what he’s got.
This season, he’s tasked with turning around the career of Armstrong and a rag-tag bunch of offensive weapons. The main thing going for this offseason, however, is their offensive line.
A group of graduate seniors and experienced juniors make up their starting offensive line and you’d be wise to watch this group in action. The starting trio on the right, starting with center Dylan McMahon and stemming to right guard Derrick Eason and right tackle Timothy McKay will be able to dominate the trenches.
Expect them to run right, heavily, in this one and use their stable of running backs to wear down the UConn defense.
The total isn’t too high, but it’s within reach because once the run game gets moving, play-action passes will be the staple of this offense. Fagnano can make enough plays, and you’d be wise to grab the points here.
Prediction
NC State 41, UConn 17