Jun 15, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators first baseman Jac Caglianone (14) runs off the field at the end of the seventh inning against the Texas A&M Aggies at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
- Florida and NC State meet in an elimination game at the 2024 College World Series on Monday afternoon
- Both teams lost one-run nail-biters on Saturday
- Below, see the Florida vs NC State odds, predictions, and starting pitchers for Monday, June 17, in Omaha
Either the NC State Wolfpack (38-22) or Florida Gators (34-29) will be heading home on Monday afternoon after the teams meet at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha at 1:00 pm CT/2:00 pm ET. Both teams dropped one-run contests in their tournament-openers on Saturday and now need a win to stay alive in the double-elimination portion of the 2024 College World Series.
The Wolfpack, who were underdogs to advance from the Athens Super Regional, find themselves underdogs again to extend their season on Monday. The Florida vs NC State odds favor the Gators at -135.
Florida vs NC State Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Runline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gators (Jac Caglianone) | -135 | TBD | TBD |
| NC State (Logan Whitaker) | +105 | TBD | TBD |
Facing Florida’s two-way star – and future first-round pick – Jac Caglianone, NC State comes back as a +105 underdog, while the runline and game total are still off the board as of 1:00 am ET on Monday morning.
Odds as of June 17 at DraftKings. Learn the DraftKings minimum deposit to fund your account for the 2024 College World Series.
NC State finds itself in this must-win game due to a 5-4 setback to Kentucky on Friday afternoon. The Wolfpack battled back from a 3-1 deficit to take a 4-3 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth, but their usually strong bullpen coughed up the lead before the Wildcats won it in the tenth.
The Gators fell 3-2 to Texas A&M in their tournament opener, striking out 16 times in the process. Number-one starter Liam Peterson was tagged for three runs on four hits and four walks, and was chased after just 2.1 innings. Despite a shutdown performance from the bullpen, UF couldn’t quite complete the comeback after falling behind 3-0 early.
The subpar offensive performance bucked a trend for the Gators, who had been mashing lately. After lucking into a spot in the Stillwater Regional, the hyper-talented Gators finally started living up to expectations, winning six of seven to book a ticket to Omaha. During a five-game win streak against Nebraska, OK State (twice), and Clemson (twice), the Gators averaged 9.4 runs per game. The Gators live and die by the longball, with their 160 home runs nearly doubling what NC State put up in the ACC (84).
Florida vs NC State Starting Pitcher Matchup
Florida’s pitching leaves a lot to be desired, of course, and even the rocket-armed Caglianone – who can touch 100 MPH – enters Monday with a 4.71 ERA and 1.500 WHIP in 72.2 IP. Walks continue to plague the 6’5 lefty, who averages 10.2 K/9 yet has just a 1.72-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
It’s not certain who will start for the Wolfpack, but signs point to relief pitcher Logan Whitaker functioning as an opener. Whitaker currently dons a 5.08 ERA despite a solid 1.180 WHIP and 4.65-to-1 K/BB ratio. The longball has been an issue for him, surrendering 10 homers in just 52.0 IP.
Jac Caglianone vs Logan Whitaker
| 5-2 | Record | 3-1 |
| 72.2 | IP | 52.0 |
| 4.71 | ERA | 5.08 |
| 1.500 | WHIP | 1.180 |
| 10.2 | K/9 | 8.9 |
| 1.72-to-1 | K-to-BB Ratio | 4.65-to-1 |
Florida vs NC State Prediction
Florida was a top-five team in almost every preseason poll and, despite an off-night at the plate on Friday, has shown why in the last couple of weeks. No team in the country has more pop that the Gators, who can put up crooked numbers with startling celerity. If the Gators were facing a more formidable pitching staff – like on Friday, when they ran up against a Texas A&M team that posted a 3.87 team ERA in the power-happy SEC – I would be more inclined to fade a Florida staff that struggles to keep runs off the board.
But NC State has an ugly 5.96 team ERA and 1.53 WHIP this season, and UF is apt to crush whomever the Wolfpack trot out as their opener.
UF vs NC State pick: Florida moneyline (-135) – two units
Sascha was a hockey player in his youth, a lawyer in his capricious mid-20s, and has been with SBD since 2014. He specializes in football, basketball, politics, baseball, and hockey.
The Florida Gators will face off against the NC State Wolfpack on June 17 in what is sure to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have had successful seasons so far, with the Gators boasting a record of 45-20 and the Wolfpack sitting at 39-21.
In terms of predictions, the Gators are favored to win this game. They have a strong pitching staff led by starting pitcher Tommy Mace, who has a 7-1 record with a 4.32 ERA. Mace has been a reliable arm for the Gators all season and will look to continue his success against the Wolfpack.
On the other side, the Wolfpack will counter with starting pitcher Reid Johnston, who has a 7-2 record with a 3.95 ERA. Johnston has been solid for NC State this season and will look to shut down the potent Gators lineup.
In terms of odds, the Gators are currently listed as -150 favorites to win this game, while the Wolfpack are sitting at +130 underdogs. This means that a $150 bet on the Gators would win $100, while a $100 bet on the Wolfpack would win $130.
As for picks, I would lean towards the Gators in this matchup. They have been playing well as of late and have a more experienced pitching staff. However, the Wolfpack are a talented team and could certainly pull off the upset.
Overall, this game is shaping up to be a close one with two talented teams facing off. It will be interesting to see how it plays out on June 17.
