Jun 9, 2024; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt (21) holds up the NCAA Super Regional Championship trophy after winning against the Oregon State Beavers at Kentucky Proud Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
- Kentucky and NC State square off in Omaha on Saturday evening in the opening round of the College World Series.
- Kentucky is 1 of 4 SEC teams in the final 8, while NC State is 1 of 4 ACC teams to qualify for Omaha.
- Check out the section below for our top picks from Saturday’s big game.
The College World Series is officially underway, and it’s a battle between the ACC and SEC for the crown. Kentucky vs NC State is one of the crossover matchups of the opening round in Omaha, and it is set to take place at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 15. Tune in to ESPN to find out!
Kentucky vs NC State Picks
- Kentucky -1.5
- Over 8.5 runs
Simply put, these 2 teams are capable of scoring a lot of runs. Five of NC State’s last 6 games, including all 3 super-regional games against Georgia, surpassed 9 runs. The one that didn’t finished with 8 runs. Kentucky’s been in a few more tight sports in low-scoring games, but the Wildcats can also manufacture runs at a high level. They steal bases, hit sacrifice flies and do all the little things necessary to win games.
Thus, I like the Wildcats to hang with the high-scoring Wolfpack through the first few innings. Then, when the game hits crunch time, look for Kentucky to do the little things right to pull away in the closing frames. Over at bet365, you can find Kentucky -1.5 at +120 odds, with the over on 8.5 runs at -120.
Kentucky vs NC State Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| NC State | +1.5 (-150) | +120 | O 8.5 (-120) |
| Kentucky | -1.5 (+120) | -150 | U 8.5 (-110) |
Odds via bet365 as of Saturday, June 15. Sign up for bet365 using promo code SBDXLM to receive either a $1,000 first-bet safety net or $150 in bonus bets when you place an initial $5+ wager.
As you can see, this is expected to be a fairly close matchup. NC State is a +120 underdog on the moneyline, with Kentucky sporting -150 odds. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs, with -120 juice on the over and -110 odds on the under. I already explained why I like the over, as NC State and Kentucky are capable of great offensive outings. The spread is where the value is. If you like Kentucky to win by 2+ runs, you can get that for +120 odds. If you think NC State will either win by any amount or lose by 1 run, that’s -150 at bet365.
ACC vs SEC in Omaha
So far, there’s been only 1 matchup between SEC and ACC teams in this College World Series, but it was a thriller. No. 1 overall seed Tennessee took down Florida State in a 12-11 final. The other game on Friday was an all-ACC contest between North Carolina and Virginia, with the Tar Heels eking out a narrow 3-2 win.
Today, it’s NC State and Kentucky’s time to battle for conference bragging rights. Can the Wolfpack even things up for the ACC? Or will the Wildcats make it 2-0 in favor of the SEC?
The final game on Saturday’s slate features Texas A&M and Florida battling in the all-SEC clash. It’s setting up to be a really fun College World Series. Make sure to get in on the action with some of the great sportsbook promos below:
Adam is an avid college sports fan, covering both football and basketball. During the summer months, he’s all-in on MLB action, favoring pitcher strikeout parlays.
The College World Series is set to kick off with an exciting matchup between the Kentucky Wildcats and the NC State Wolfpack on June 15th. Both teams have had impressive seasons leading up to this point, and fans can expect a thrilling game as they battle it out on the diamond.
The Wildcats come into the College World Series with a record of 45-16, finishing second in the SEC East division. Led by head coach Nick Mingione, Kentucky has shown strength both offensively and defensively throughout the season. Their lineup is stacked with talent, including standout players like T.J. Collett and John Rhodes, who have been key contributors to the team’s success.
On the other side, the Wolfpack have had a strong season as well, finishing with a record of 33-17 and earning a spot in the ACC tournament. Head coach Elliott Avent has led NC State to success with a balanced team that excels both at the plate and on the mound. Players like Tyler McDonough and Terrell Tatum have been instrumental in the Wolfpack’s success this season.
As the two teams prepare to face off in the College World Series, experts are split on who will come out on top. Some predict that Kentucky’s powerful lineup will be too much for NC State to handle, while others believe that the Wolfpack’s pitching staff will be able to shut down the Wildcats’ offense.
In terms of betting, there are a few key factors to consider when placing your bets on this matchup. Kentucky may have the edge in terms of offensive firepower, but NC State’s pitching staff could prove to be a difference-maker in this game. It’s important to take into account each team’s strengths and weaknesses before making your final decision.
Ultimately, this matchup between Kentucky and NC State is shaping up to be a must-watch game in the College World Series. Both teams have proven themselves as strong contenders, and fans can expect a competitive and exciting game on June 15th. Be sure to tune in and see which team comes out on top in this highly anticipated showdown.
