Both teams are capable of putting up offensive fireworks, with the teams combining to average more than 70 points per game during the season. But don’t sleep on the defences here, with both the Wolfpack and Aggies boasting elite run-defence units entering their Dec. 31 party in Jacksonville.

Gator Bowl College Football Betting Analysis

The Aggies are one-touchdown favourites in this one after posting five wins in the always-tough SEC while reeling off three consecutive victories to close out the season. And Texas A&M has been a terrific cover option, having gone 5-1 ATS in its previous six games when favoured by seven or more points. And while N.C. State has been a great cover option in bowl games (7-2-1 ATS in its last 10), it has just one cover in its past seven vs. SEC opponents.

This one carries a total of 58.5, one of the highest of the remaining bowl schedule – but that shouldn’t deter over bettors who have made a tidy profit off N.C. State. The Wolfpack are 7-0 O/U in their last seven December games and have gone above the total in each of their previous six bowl contests. Texas A&M has also been a sensational over option, going 6-1 O/U in its last seven non-conference games and 5-1 O/U in its past six vs. the ACC.

NC State Wolfpack

If the Wolfpack pull off the upset, it will likely be on the strength of their third-down play. N.C. State comes in with one of the best third-down offences in the country, having made good on 50.9 percent of its opportunities (sixth). And that dominance isn’t limited to the offensive side of the ball, either: The Wolfpack were just as sensational on third-down defence, holding opponents to a 32.3-percent conversion rate that ranks 19th in Division I.

Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M was a middle-of-the-pack team in third-down success rate, and could find things even tougher on Monday. The Aggies surrendered a whopping 35 sacks during the season – ranking outside the top 100 nationally in pass protection – and will have their hands full with an N.C. State defence that stands as one of 22 teams to record at least 35 sacks. The Wolfpack also averaged seven tackles for loss per game.

Wolfpack vs. Aggies Prediction