How and what to watch for No. 21 Liberty vs. NC State

The No. 21 Liberty Flames have faced off against ACC teams twice in 2020, emerging victorious in both instances. In order to secure a third ACC win, they’ll need to pull off an upset Saturday night over the NC State Wolfpack.

In less than two years, Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze has built one of the nation’s top offenses. Auburn transfer Malik Willis has grown into a true dual-threat quarterback, recording 1,645 yards and 15 touchdowns through the air while adding another 700 yards and nine scores on the ground. A trio of running backs — Joshua Mack, Shedro Louis, and Peytton Pickett — augment the rushing attack while DJ Stubbs and Kevin Shaa serve as Willis’ primary passing targets. The unit enters the week ranked 15th nationally in overall success rate and a whopping ninth in rushing success rate.

But while Liberty’s offense can take over a game, NC State has the talent to keep up. The Wolfpack offense centers on the talents of running back Zonovan “Bam” Knight who leads the team with 545 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Knight thrashed Florida State just a week earlier, finishing with 17 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown.

Game Time/TV Channel/Streaming

You can watch No. 21 Liberty versus NC State on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN3 (online only), or you can stream it via the ESPN app with a cable or streaming service login.

Point Spread, Totals, Odds, Trends

Point spread: Liberty vs. NC State (-5.5)
Point Total: 65
Money line: Liberty (+148) vs. NC State (-195)

• Since 2015, Liberty has a 12-8-0 record against the spread on the road and an 8-5-0 record as a road underdog.
• During the same period, the Flames have a 12-8-0 over record on the road and a 6-7-0 over record as a road underdog.
• Meanwhile, NC State has a 19-18-0 record against the spread at home since 2015, going 14-12-0 as a home favorite.
• During the same period, the Wolfpack also has a 16-20-0 over record at home and a 9-16-1 record as a home favorite.

Betting splits

Liberty: (69% of handle, 78% percent of bets)
NC State: (31% of handle, 22% percent of bets)

The Best Bet

Little has kept Liberty from lighting up the scoreboard this season, and NC State can do some damage in that regard as well.

Pick: Over 65

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