NC State football predictions: Louisiana Tech

By Ethan McDowell

“Respond” is NC State’s word of the week after the Tennessee loss. How will the Pack bounce back after giving up more than 50 points for the first time since 2019. Will the rushing attack improve after struggling for seven of this year’s first eight quarters?

The Wolfpack hosts Louisiana Tech this week — a clash with a Conference USA foe that started its season 1-0 with a win over Nicholls before spending Week 2 on a bye. Coming into this game, the Bulldogs have not played an FBS opponent.

Action Network favors NC State by 21.5 points inside Carter-Finley Stadium. The non-conference contest will kick off around 12 p.m. ET, and the ACC Network has the broadcast.

Here are TheWolfpacker.com’s predictions for the Wolfpack’s clash with the Bulldogs.

Ethan McDowell’s prediction for NC State vs. Louisiana Tech

Dave Doeren’s football teams usually bounce back from losses quite well. Following three regular season setbacks during the 2023 season, NC State finished each of the following contests victorious. The Pack could not keep the Tennessee game competitive, which should motivate this squad to bring its A-game against a far less talented opponent this week.

Louisiana Tech really struggled over the past few years, winning 3 games per season. The Bulldogs pulled off a victory in its season opener, but Nicholls kept the game close and only lost by 8. It’s worth noting that the C-USA squad lost its starting quarterback, Jack Turner, for part of this game. He’s expected to return for this contest.

NC State’s opponent turned the ball over 5 times against Nicholls— 3 interceptions and 2 fumbles. If the Bulldogs cannot take care of the ball Saturday, this game could get ugly quick even if the hosts do not show much improvement on offense.

Wolfpack coaches and players expressed the obvious disappointment produced by the Tennessee loss during press conferences this week, and they clearly believe the mistakes made in that game are fixable moving forward. This is a game where NC State can put that to the test.

Louisiana Tech held Nicholls to 1.7 yards per carry and 200 total yards of offense. Considering the Bulldogs spent the past two weeks preparing for the Pack, they should be ready to try just about everything to take advantage of the program’s offensive struggles so far this year. NC State has the No. 16 scoring offense in the ACC so far this year.

That should not matter Saturday. NC State should be able to disrupt the passing game against a quarterback who does not run much. Turner comes into this matchup with 38 career carries for 90 yards.

Offensively, I fully expect the Pack to try and establish a consistent rushing attack. That has been the main focus of practice this week, Jordan Waters said Wednesday. NC State’s offense looks a whole lot better when it stays ahead of the chains and, if they can run the ball consistently, the outcome of this contest should never be in doubt.

Prediction: NC State 34, Louisiana Tech 3

Previous predictions:

NC State 45, Western Carolina 10 (Actual: NC State 38, Western Carolina 21)
Tennessee 41, NC State 28 (Actual: Tennessee 51, NC State 10)

Noah Fleischman’s prediction

NC State needs a rebound game — and this weekend is the perfect opportunity for the Wolfpack to do that. Yes, Louisiana Tech is coming off a Week 2 bye, but the Bulldogs were picked to finish seventh in Conference USA this fall. 

The Wolfpack needs to be able to establish a running game this weekend, a key part of its offense that has struggled over the last two games. Jordan Waters and Hollywood Smothers could have a breakout game against the Bulldogs, which would bode well for the Pack’s ACC opener next weekend at Clemson. 

And while the offense could get a jumpstart against Louisiana Tech, NC State’s defense could as well. The Pack defense allowed 249 rushing yards last weekend, which is obviously a key to growing this weekend. Also, look out for NC State to continue to rack up interceptions against Louisiana Tech. The Wolfpack had two interceptions, including Aydan White’s pick-6, against Tennessee. NC State has 53 interceptions over the last four seasons, which leads the NCAA. 

If NC State’s defense can continue forcing turnovers, while establishing a stout run defense, this weekend’s game could be a blowout victory for the Wolfpack.

Prediction: NC State 43, Louisiana Tech 10. 

Past predictions:

NC State 47, Western Carolina 3 (Actual: NC State 38, Western Carolina 21)
NC State 38, Tennessee 37 (Actual: Tennessee 51, NC State 10)