NC State football report card: Louisiana Tech

By Ethan McDowell

NC State returned to the win column Saturday afternoon but not without quite a bit of intrigue. The Wolfpack defeated Louisiana Tech 30-20, overcoming an 11-point halftime deficit and an injury to starting quarterback Grayson McCall.

In the first half, familiar issues continued to haunt the hosts at Carter-Finley Stadium. NC State could not connect on downfield passes and struggled to generate much of a rushing attack, while the defense gave up a long touchdown off of a turnover that allowed the Bulldogs to build their lead.

Louisiana Tech scored 17 of its points over a 2:28 stretch in the second quarter, throwing the game into chaos. Eventually, a standout performance from freshman quarterback CJ Bailey and a few solid stands by the defense turned the contest around.

Here’s TheWolfpacker.com’s report card for NC State’s second win of the year.

NC State offense grade — C

Bailey’s passing debut, a 156-yard performance that included 13 completions on 20 attempts, brightened up another lackluster first-half performance by the Wolfpack offense. NC State finished the game with 361 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per play against the Bulldogs.

The Pack struggled to establish much momentum over the first two quarters with its only two scoring drives ending in field goals. McCall completed 9 of 13 passes for 54 yards. He connected on 1 pass of 15 yards or more despite NC State’s noticeable attempt to stretch the field vertically.

Before leaving the game with an undisclosed injury, he continued to deal with pressure in his face, but Louisiana Tech did not record a sack in this contest. NC State’s average third-down distance to gain was 8.1 yards Saturday afternoon.

The Pack’s lone turnover was a Bailey interception on his second drive. It looked like he just missed a linebacker who read his throw the whole way. After that play, the freshman settled in. Bailey completed 7 straight passes at one point and led NC State on three consecutive scoring drives to start the second half. NC State relied on his arm and his ability to improvise. The freshman looked skilled beyond his years.

He extended plays well, moved outside the pocket, kept his eyes downfield, showed off his arm talent and ran when needed. Bailey’s first career touchdown was a 1-yard quarterback sneak, and he finished the night with 27 yards on the ground. McCall also scrambled well before his injury with 22 yards on 4 attempts. Overall, the Wolfpack’s quarterbacks dealt with pressure well and made impressive plays out of structure.

Sophomore wide receiver KC Concepcion’s production in this game is also noteworthy. This was his lowest yardage total (22) since last year’s Louisiville game despite 8 receptions. Louisiana Tech sold out to stop the Pack playmaker, so the team spread the ball around to its outside receivers. A total of 6 pass catchers finished with at least 3 targets.

NC State ran for 151 yards after failing to cross the 50-yard mark last week. Sophomore Kendrick Raphael showed promise with 9 carries for 63 yards. He hurdled a defender at one point. The Pack running backs recorded 3 rushes over 10 yards, and all of them came in the fourth quarter.

Similar to the Western Carolina game, NC State eventually wore down the Louisiana Tech rushing defense, but the Pack’s ground game did not inspire much confidence otherwise, especially if you remove the 49 yards picked up by the quarterbacks.

Defense grade — B-

Senior safety DK Kaufman intercepted a tipped pass, courtesy of graduate defensive lineman Davin Vann, on Louisiana Tech’s first drive of the second half and ran it back for a touchdown, cutting NC State’s deficit to one score and igniting the eventual comeback.

The Wolfpack allowed three consecutive scoring drives in the second quarter, giving up a 6 play, 75-yard drive, followed by a 71-yard touchdown and then a long field goal in the final minute. NC State allowed 3 points and cut off Louisiana Tech’s momentum from the opening possession of the second half.

NC State’s defense forced a trio of three-play drives in the third quarter with the Bulldogs racking up a combined 5 yards. The Pack allowed 12 yards in the first quarter, gave up 190 in the second and then buckled down to allow 122 in the second half. Louisiana Tech could not run the ball, finishing the contest with 43 yards on 2.3 yards per carry.

Cornerbacks Corey Coley, Jackson Vick and Devon Marshall stepped up when needed in this game, proving NC State’s secondary depth is strong — an encouraging sign with the program preparing to begin its conference schedule.

The Wolfpack recorded 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss, surprisingly low numbers despite a strong second half. NC State’s defense ranks No. 15 in the ACC with 3 total sacks this fall across 3 games. Even though the defensive line has been disruptive at points, the program is struggling to stop many plays in the backfield.

Special teams — B+

Placekicker Kanoah Vinesett continued his elite start to the season with field goals from 35, 29 and 52 yards out Saturday afternoon. He is perfect so far this year — 5-5. NC State did not return a kick or a punt in this game. Punter Caden Noonkester dropped a snap early in this contest but recovered to get the ball away. The redshirt junior booted 2 punts 50 yards or more Saturday and allowed 1 return for 6 yards.