NC State vs Kentucky 1/2/21 - College Football Picks & Predictions

Last Updated: 12/23/2020 at 8:01 PM ET

The TaxSlayer Gator Bowl will feature a matchup between the NC State Wolfpack and the Kentucky Wildcats from TIAA Bank Field. The Wolfpack (8-3) finished the season on a four-game winning streak and rank 36th in the nation in passing offense (262.4 ypg). Last time out, NC State built a 13-point halftime lead and leaned on their defense during the second half of a 23-13 home victory versus Georgia Tech.

NC State RBs Ricky Person Jr. and Zonovan Knight each found paydirt in the first half. Bailey Hockman completed 26 of his 39 passes for 309 yards.

The Kentucky Wildcats have made significant strides as a program under the leadership of Mark Stoops. The Wildcats (4-6) dealt with injuries and struggled to move the ball through the air, ranking 121st in the nation with just 124.4 passing yards per game. In their regular season finale, Kentucky forced four turnovers en route to an easy 41-18 home victory versus South Carolina.

Kentucky RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed 14 times for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Terry Wilson threw for 201 yards and added a score on the ground.

Kentucky hired former Los Angeles Rams assistant Liam Coen to be offensive coordinator and he will be tasked with overhauling the passing game. The Wolfpack already have an established passing attack and will get the job done. Final Score Prediction, NC State Wolfpack win and cover ATS 31-24.

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