NC Central vs Alabama State Odds
| NC Central Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -110 | 47.5 -110 / -110 | -165 |
| Alabama State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -110 | 47.5 -110 / -110 | +140 |
- NC Central vs Alabama State Point Spread: NC Central -3.5 (-110) · Alabama State +3.5 (-110)
- NC Central vs Alabama State Total: Over/Under 47.5
- NC Central vs Alabama State Moneyline: NC Central -165 · Alabama State +140
The NC Central Eagles and Alabama State Hornets will go to battle Sunday afternoon in the Orange Blossom Classic at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET on ESPN.
While there's no line on this game as of writing, the projected line NC Central will likely enter around -7.5 with an over/under of 51.5.
Let's dive into the NC Central vs. Alabama State odds and make a prediction for the FCS college football game on Sunday, Sept. 1.
NC Central vs Alabama State Preview
NC Central Eagles Betting Preview: Questions at QB
NC Central went 9-3 last season, and Trei Oliver is back for his fifth year as head coach.
The big question for NCC will be at the quarterback position. Davius Richard was the 2023 MEAC Offensive POY, and his numbers through the air and on the ground will be hard to replace. Walker Harris was the backup last season and looks ready to step up and fill the void.
The running back room also has to overcome losses after Latrell Collier departed. The Eagles will need J’Mari Taylor to step up.
On the bright side, three of the top four pass-catchers are back, as are three on the offensive live.
The defensive line, which was exposed at times in the run game last year, returns two starters. The linebacker group is young and will need players to step up and fill the voids left by Jayden Flaker and Manny Smith.
In the secondary, all four starters from last year are back. This unit is anchored by MEAC Defensive Player of the Year free safety Khalil Baker and cornerback Jason Chambers.
Alabama State Hornets Betting Preview: Defense Leading the Way
Alabama State comes into this season after a 7-4 campaign in which the team showed improvement under coach Eddie Robinson Jr., who is back for Year 3.
The Hornets relied on their solid defense, which allowed 14.7 points and 289 yards per game.
That unit will be strong again this year.
The quarterback play will be interesting, as Texas Southern transfer Andrew Body should help increase production for a team that averaged under 300 yards and 21 points per game last year. He's being pushed in camp by Jonah O’Brien.
Offensive lineman Arelious Dunn was named first-team all-SWAC in the preseason and will anchor the offensive line for the Hornets.
Wide receiver Robert McMinn is an electric pass-catcher and return man. The Hornets are expecting young guys who were freshmen last year to step up and further bolster the skill positions.
The defense will once again be a strength for the Hornets. They'll get a boost from Rico Dozier, who transfers in at linebacker and will make an immediate impact. Treqwan Thomas led the Hornets with 7.5 sacks last year and returns at defensive end.
In the secondary, James Burgess will anchor a solid unit that was very serviceable against the pass last season.
My NC Central vs Alabama State Pick & Prediction: Back Hornets?
My NC Central vs. Alabama State prediction is that the Hornets can really make this a game — especially in the trenches.
NC Central lost quite a bit of production from last year, and replacing Richard won't be easy. I'll be very interested to see how the Eagles offense handles the Hornets defense.
Alabama State should also be able to run the football against a young NC Central front seven.
I would look for a +7.5 in what should be a close, lower-scoring game in Miami.
My Pick: Alabama State +3.5
How to Watch NC Central vs Alabama State Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL |
| Date: | Sunday, Sept. 1 |
| Kickoff Time: | 3 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN |
NC Central vs Alabama State Weather
