NC State vs Stanford Picks and Prediction for Friday October 23 2026
In the second game of a Friday night college football doubleheader on ESPN, the NC State Wolfpack will visit the Stanford Cardinal. Kickoff is scheduled for October 23, 2026 at 10:30 PM EST from scenic Stanford Stadium. The visiting Wolfpack have been installed as a touchdown favorite and the total is sitting at 55.5. Be sure to check out our free college football picks for more NCAAF predictions throughout the season.
NC State off to a disappointing start
The NC State Wolfpack were a trendy preseason pick to reach the ACC Conference Championship Game, but are currently 1-2 in conference play. The Wolfpack (3-3) were embarrassed in a season opening loss at Virginia and fumbled away a victory at Vanderbilt on the final play of the game. Last time out, NC State surrendered 21 points during the third quarter of a 38-14 home loss versus Wake Forest.
NC State took a 14-7 lead five minutes into the second quarter on a Hunter Providence two-yard touchdown reception. QB C.J. Bailey threw for 241 yards, but managed zero rushing yards on 13 attempts. As a team, the Wolfpack were limited to a season low 15 rushing yards on 24 carries.
The Wolfpack rank in the middle of the conference in total offense (426.8 ypg) and are scoring 33 points per game. Junior QB C.J. Bailey has thrown for more than 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns. NC State are in the bottom six of the ACC in total defense (363.8 ypg) and are giving up 27.7 points on average.
Stanford struggling to remain relavant
The Stanford Cardinal have dropped at least eight games in six consecutive seasons and have not adapted well to the transfer portal era. The Cardinal (3-4) have lost three of their first four ACC Conference tilts and have surrendered 115 points in their previous two defeats. On Saturday, Stanford stepped down in competition to earn a 34-7 home victory versus Elon.
Stanford built a 14-0 halftime advantage on the strength of two Micah Ford touchdown runs. Ford added a pair of scores in the second half and finished with 179 rushing yards on 19 carries. Senior QB Davis Warren completed 27 of 39 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown for the Cardinal.
Stanford ranks last in the conference in total defense (452 ypg) and is surrendering a shade below 37 points per game. Junior RB Micah Ford leads the team with 529 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. The Cardinal offense (18.3 ppg) is the only team in the conference that does not average at least 20 points per contest.
NC State vs Stanford Picks and Prediction
Pick: Stanford +7
These two teams have met just once all-time, with NC State thumping Stanford by a 59-28 final score in 2024. Power conference teams that have to travel more than two time zones often struggle. The Wolfpack have lost their first two road games this season and the Cardinal defeated Georgia Tech at home for their lone conference victory. Take the points.
Pick: Under 55.5
In their two road games this season, NC State has given up 34 and 35 points. Stanford has failed to score more than seven points in their three road games, but is averaging 27.8 points at home. The Cardinal will run Micah Ford often, which will keep the clock moving. Take the under.