Louisville Cardinals vs NC State Wolfpack Prediction, 10/3/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Louisville Cardinals vs NC State Wolfpack

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Location: Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC

TV: ACC Network

Odds/Point Spread: Wolfpack (+5.0)

Total/Over-Under: 58.5

The NC State Wolfpack (2-2) are hosting the Louisville Cardinals (2-2) at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026. NC State opens this game as 5-point underdogs. The over/under comes in at 58.5.

The Louisville Cardinals come into this game with a record of 2-2 for this season. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Cardinals played the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and took a loss by a score of 30-27. When it came to stopping the run, the Cardinals conceded 177 yards on 42 attempts, which averages out to 4.2 yards per run allowed. Louisville conceded 12 completions on 19 tries for 225 yards, and a completion rate of 63.2%. At the end of the game, they had 74 plays for 399 yds. The Louisville Cardinals ran the rock 38 times and compiled 75 yds, which earned them an average of 2.0 yards per carry.

The Cardinals have tallied 1,945 yards in total this year. In terms of scoring, Louisville has compiled 8 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns. They have turned the ball over 1 time. Louisville has accumulated 95 first downs as a team, and they have been hurt by 36 infractions for 372 yds. Offensively they have an average of 190.5 yards rushing which is 38th in college football. When talking about scoring, the Louisville Cardinals hold an average of 41.3 points per contest.

Concerning yards through the air, the Cardinals have conceded 961 yds which has them sitting in 108th in college football. They have allowed 240.3 yards per game via the pass and conceding a completion percentage of 61.7%. For the season, they are allowing 405.5 yards/game which puts them 116th in the country. They have given up 6 touchdowns via the pass as well as 7 touchdowns running the ball. The opposition is running for an average of 4.2 yards per rush on the ground and 165.3 rushing yards per contest so far this season. For the season, they have allowed 661 yards on the ground through 4 games. The Cardinals sit in 109th in college football in terms of team defense, allowing 28.8 points per game.

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The Wolfpack come into this game with a record of 2-2 for this year. For their last game, the Wolfpack walked away with a victory by a final of 41-31 when they played the Appalachian State Mountaineers. The Wolfpack ended up finishing with 459 yds on 79 plays (5.8 yards per play). NC State ended up running for 4.5 yards per carry, finishing the contest with 206 yds on 46 attempts. NC State gave up 22 rushing attempts for 62 yards (2.8 yds per carry). The Wolfpack secondary allowed a completion percentage of 66.7%, surrendering 317 yds on 26 for 39 through the air.

The NC State Wolfpack average 451.8 yards/game, which is good for 34th in Division 1. The NC State offense has accrued 192 penalty yds on 20 infractions, which has them ranked 111th in college football in terms of hurting your team. They average 219.0 yards per game on the ground and have toted the ball for 876 yards for the season. They have thrown 3 interceptions while allowing opponents to recover 4 fumbles and they have been able to record 92 first downs. In terms of their scoring prowess, the Wolfpack are 31st in college football with an average of 38.3 points per game. For the season thus far, the Wolfpack have a total of 931 yards through the air together with holding an average of 232.8 throwing yards per contest, ranking them 68th in Division 1.

The Wolfpack are surrendering 25.0 PPG, which puts them 89th in D-1. NC State has surrendered a total of 486 yards via the ground game (121.5 yards per outing) and 5 touchdowns rushing so far this season. They have allowed 7 touchdowns through the air and 206.3 yards per game, ranking them 69th in D-1. The Wolfpack defense has participated in 236 plays, ranking them 37th in the country. They have earned 2 fumbles and 3 interceptions this year. This year, they have allowed 100 points in total.

Who will win tonight's Cardinals/Wolfpack college football game against the spread?

Guy's Pick: Take the Wolfpack +5.0

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