The NC State Wolfpack will be looking to get their season back on track after a crushing 51-10 loss to Tennessee. However, doing so may not be as easy as the market implies against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
This is going to be a matchup where we'll learn a lot about each club, but based on what we've seen thus far, there's one clear side to trust. Let's find out which side that is as I make my Louisiana Tech vs. NC State prediction.
Louisiana Tech vs NC State Odds and Pick
| Louisiana Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+20.5 -110 | 48.5 -112 / -108 | +800 |
| NC State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-20.5 -110 | 48.5 -112 / -108 | -1350 |
- Louisiana Tech vs NC State Point Spread: Louisiana Tech +20.5 (-110) · NC State -20.5 (-110)
- Louisiana Tech vs NC State Total: Over/Under 48.5
- Louisiana Tech vs. NC State Moneyline: Louisiana Tech +800 · NC State -1350
- Pick: Louisiana Tech +21.5
Louisiana Tech vs NC State Preview
While the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs began their season with a win, they also received quite the scare as starting quarterback Jack Turner left the game early with an injury.
However, Turner is set to start this matchup, which is great news after he showed flashes of what this offense will feature.
The Bulldogs showed they could push the ball up the field with their passing attack as Turner and his backup — Blake Baker — averaged over 8.5 yards per completion. Turner should be able to test this NC State secondary as the Wolfpack haven't proven they can defend the pass.
NC State comes into this matchup ranked 112th in opponent completion percentage and yards per pass allowed. Its defensive line hasn't helped the cause either and has yet to record a sack on the season.
On the ground, the Bulldogs need to make a better effort as their two primary ball carriers — Marquis Crosby and Donerio Davenport — combined to average just 3.8 yards per carry.
However, if their offensive line can hold, the Wolfpack haven't done a great job of stopping the run either. NC State ranks 104th in yards per rush allowed.
It's clear the Bulldogs will have opportunities to move the ball; it just comes down to execution.
Meanwhile, NC State has been very underwhelming, and while the defense has certainly taken a step back from last year, the offense hasn't picked up the slack.
An offense featuring Grayson McCall, Jordan Waters and Kevin Concepcion should be exciting, but the unit has yet to produce as a whole.
The Wolfpack's offensive showing against Tennessee was dreadful, as they averaged just 2.7 yards per play. Waters, who carried them to a victory in their opener, had negative seven yards on four carries.
This should be a get-right game for the NC State offense, but it's not that simple. Louisiana Tech's defensive coordinator likes to put pressure on opposing offenses and will do so out of a 3-3-5 this season.
Their new formation will allow the linebacker unit, which is the strength of their defense, to fill gaps and work sideline-to-sideline. While this hasn't been put to the test, the NC State offensive line hasn't looked strong and may continue to have issues against an athletic Bulldogs defense.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs NC State Wolfpack Betting Pick
The market has held steady on this spread throughout the week, and that's because there are many questions that need to be answered in this matchup — though most of them involve NC State.
On paper, this is a matchup in which the Wolfpack should bounce back, but Louisiana Tech could exploit their apparent downfalls. Fade NC State until proven otherwise.
Let's back the Bulldogs to cover the three-touchdown spread.
Pick: Louisiana Tech +21.5 (Play to 21)
How to Watch Louisiana Tech vs. NC State Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Wayne Day Family Field at Carter-Finley Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, Sept. 14 |
| Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ACC Network |
Louisiana Tech vs NC State Betting Trends
- 80% of the bets are on Louisiana Tech to cover the spread against NC State while 31% of the money is on the same side.
