NC State Wolfpack vs. LA Tech Bulldogs
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Carter-Finley Stadium
TV: ESPN+
Line: State -18.5

LA Tech Preview

The Bulldogs enter Carter-Finley Saturday afternoon, knowing they should be undefeated. Instead they arrive 2-2 with injury concerns.

LA Tech beat SE Louisiana and North Texas, but lost by a combined 3 points to Miss State (35-34) and SMU (39-37). In both losses, Bulldogs lead in the fourth before Miss State scored 21 unanswered in the last 12 minutes and SMU a TD as time expired. This is all to say, LA Tech cannot be looked over.

There were concerns that quarterback Austin Kendall wouldn’t be available for the game, but it looks like he’ll suit up. In three games, he’s thrown for 837 yards (plus another 100 on the ground) with 7 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Running back Marcus Williams Jr. and the Harris’ receivers (Tre and Smoke – no relation, but what a damn name duo), are quality players that can burn State defense if given the chance. As a team, they’ll take their fair share of deep shots.

The defense for the Bulldogs, is where they have trouble. Out of 130 DI teams, LA Tech is 125th in yards given up (1944) at AN AVERAGE OF SIX YARDS PER PLAY. That’s worse than UCONN, Vanderbilt and UNLV, to name a few. They’ll find ways to get sacks, but they lack the ability to get off the field.

Keys to Winning for the Wolfpack

• Feast Offense, Feast – We constantly talk about State playing meat and potatoes offense, that 10000% needs to be the case this week. There is no reason why Leary should be forcing a single pass. Bam and Person should have quality workloads. This offensive line needs to set the tone and be blocking next level every, single, rush. This can be a game, similar to USF, where everybody is included and there is a consistent offensive rhythm. No dumb penalties or turnovers, PLEASE.
• No Letdowns – This is something that’s been brought up before, and it’s valid to some extent. There has been hundreds of times where coming out of a solid upset, a team falls flat. Good news, albeit small sample size :(, Doeren’s State teams are 4-0 after beating ranked teams. We’ve been more than happy with how State has looked, prep-wise, heading into home games. Full belief that this week will be no different, with offense clicking and defense coming out ready to destroy.
• Defensive Depth Shows Up Again – Seems like every week we lose another player, but the train needs to keep rolling. Hoping Durden shows last week wasn’t a fluke and is in the LA Tech backfield a steady amount. The linebacker core has an opportunity for serious additions to the highlight reels, cleaning up the run game, while being active in coverage. Secondary needs to stay fast and keep up with a Bulldogs’ receiving group that likes to stretch the field and attempt deep shots. The stat sheet should be full tonight, hopefully with multiple turnovers, sacks and minimal yards by LA Tech.

Predictions

Would expect numbers to be similar to USF for the offense; solid day for Leary and the rushing game is literally running wild. Defense will be tested at points, they’ll give up double digits but will be able to take advantage in multiple areas. Have to think State, especially with how they’ve played at home, will cover the 18.5 spread.

State wins 38-16