Tennessee vs. NC State: Week 2 showdown between college soccer playoff hopefuls

No. 14 Tennessee and No. 24 NC State began their seasons with challenging matchups against SEC rivals but head into Week 2 with contrasting sentiments. These two AP Top 25-ranked teams and aspirants for the College Football Playoff will clash on Saturday in Charlotte, marking a significant early-season battle between the SEC and ACC.

In case you missed it, NC State had a difficult time against FCS Western Carolina, gritting out a 38-21 victory that required a fourth-quarter comeback from a 21-17 deficit. In stark contrast, Tennessee dominated FCS Chattanooga, winning 69-3 with a stellar first-half performance from quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who threw for 314 yards in the rout.

One team met expectations while the other struggled. NC State, anticipated to be more explosive offensively, found it challenging to integrate veteran Coastal Carolina transfer Grayson McCall until a three-touchdown surge in the fourth quarter. The defense, notably in the trenches, also faced difficulties stopping Western Carolina's rushing attack. In contrast, Tennessee exhibited excellence on both offense and defense, an overlooked aspect for a Volunteers offense that typically garners the most attention.

The shift in the betting line further favored Tennessee as the week progressed. This tilt introduces substantial challenges for the quarterbacks, both new and experienced. McCall had a subpar performance last week, completing 26 of 40 passes for 318 yards, falling short by missing several open receivers, leading to offensive stalls in the initial three quarters. Given his past successes, particularly earning three consecutive Sun Belt Player of the Year honors and leading last week's fourth-quarter rally, expectations remain high. Despite this, Iamaleava may prove a tough challenge for the veteran, notwithstanding his lack of big-game experience.

Tennessee's receivers have drawn significant attention, but NC State's Kevin "KC" Concepcion deserves mention as well. Concepcion has caught at least seven passes in the last four games dating back to last season. His electrifying performance last week, tallying nine receptions for three touchdowns and 121 yards, underscores his crucial role in NC State's offense.

Even with a propensity for passing, both teams recognize the importance of their rushing attacks. Last week's performances indicate that the team with the most effective rushing offense could significantly impact the game's outcome. NC State's Jordan Waters rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns, while Tennessee's Dylan Sampson accumulated 124 yards and three touchdowns in their respective games. Notably, NC State's defense struggled against the run, allowing an unacceptable 6.3 yards per carry last week against Western Carolina.

Match Details and Projections

The match is set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET in Bank of America Stadium, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. It will be broadcasted on ABC and can also be streamed live on fubo.

Moving to the predictions, Tennessee's scoring prowess appears formidable, particularly against an NC State squad that shows signs of a talent dip. Last week's performance, where they scored on their first seven drives, combined with Iamaleava's ability to execute deep passes, positions Tennessee favorably. With substantial offensive firepower and a robust defense featuring multiple NFL prospects, Tennessee seems poised to take an early lead if NC State struggles offensively. Consequently, the betting line reflects this sentiment, with a projected pick of Tennessee -7.5.

Professionals like Dennis Dodd, Tom Fornelli, Chip Patterson, Shehan Jeyarajah, David Cobb, Jerry Palm, Brandon Marcello, and Richard Johnson show a consensus on Tennessee's favorable prospects.

For the latest on college football picks and predictions for Week 2, refer to SportsLine, which utilizes a proven computer model that has shown over $2,000 in profit since its inception.