Papa John's.com Bowl: North Carolina State vs. Rutgers Preview

If you had said in mid-October that the North Carolina State Wolfpack and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights would be playing in the Papa John's.com Bowl, it would have sounded crazy. NC State was 2-6 and Rutgers was 2-5, but both reeled off winning streaks to earn this December 29 game at Legion Field. Oddsmakers currently have the Scarlet Knights listed as 7-point favorites versus the Wolfpack, while the game's total is sitting at 56. Russell Wilson threw for two touchdown passes to lead North Carolina State to an 38-28 upset win over Miami in Week 14. The Wolfpack covered the 2-point spread, while the final score played OVER the posted total of 50. Mike Teel threw seven touchdown passes last time out, as Rutgers ran over Louisville 63-14. Rutgers easily covered the 11-point spread, and the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 54. Teel completed 21-of-26 for 447 yards for Rutgers. Tim Brown had 173 yards receiving with two touchdowns in the win. Team records: North Carolina State: 6-6 SU, 9-2 ATS Rutgers: 7-5 SU, 7-4 ATS North Carolina State most recently: When playing in December are 3-2 When playing on turf are 2-5 After outgaining opponent are 5-5 When playing outside the conference are 4-6 Rutgers most recently: When playing in December are 2-2 When playing on turf are 5-5 After outgaining opponent are 7-3 When playing outside the conference are 6-4 A few trends to consider: North Carolina State is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games North Carolina State is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 6 of North Carolina State's last 9 games Rutgers is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games Rutgers is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Rutgers's last 5 games