LA Tech Bulldogs (1-0) vs. NC State Wolfpack (1-1)
September 14, 2024 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: NC State Wolfpack -21.5 / LA Tech Bulldogs +21.5; Over/Under: +49.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the NC State Wolfpack meet in week 3 college football action from Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s an NC State vs LA Tech Prediction.
Louisiana Tech Recap
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs come into this one looking to build on their 25-17 win over FCS Nicholls to start the year on a high note before their bye week last week. After this matchup, LA Tech will head home to take on the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
LA Tech Gets Balanced Effort In Win
Blake Baker threw for 207 yards, a touchdown, and 2 interceptions on 12 of 24 passing while Jack Turner threw for 70 yards, a touchdown, and an INT on 4 of 8 passing. Marquis Crosby led the Bulldogs with 44 rushing yards while Jimmy Holiday added a rushing TD as well in the win. Marlion Jackson led the Bulldogs with 3 grabs for 76 yards and a touchdown while Jay Wilkerson added 64 receiving yards with 3 grabs and Solo Lewis chipped in 36 receiving yards and a touchdown as well. On defense, Kolbe Fields led the Bulldogs with 12 total tackles including 6 solo tackles while also logging 1.5 sacks. Sifa Leota added 1.5 sacks as well while Jessie Evans and Mykol Clark each had a sack as well.
Why the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will win
- The underdog has won three of NC State’s last four games at Carter-Finley Stadium.
- NC State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six games in September.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of NC State’s last four games at Carter-Finley Stadium.
NC State Recap
The NC State Wolfpack come into this one looking to rebound from ending up on the wrong side of a 51-10 beatdown at the hands of Tennessee last time out. After this game, NC State will head out on the road for their ACC opener against Clemson.
Wolfpack Get Punched In Mouth Vs. Vols
Grayson McCall has thrown for 422 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 66.1% passing while Jordan Waters has rushed for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. Kevin Concepcion has a team-high 14 receptions for 174 yards and 3 touchdowns while Justin Joly has 9 grabs for 105 yards this season. On defense, DK Kaufman and Sean Brown each have a team-high 15 total tackles with Kaufman logging 9 solo tackles. Isaiah Shirley has a sack while Bishop Fitzgerald and Aydan White each have an interception as well this season.
Why the NC State Wolfpack will win
- NC State has won 26 of its last 27 games against non-conference opponents at Carter-Finley Stadium.
- Louisiana Tech has lost 20 of its last 21 games as an underdog.
- Louisiana Tech has failed to cover the spread in 14 of its last 16 road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- NC State has covered the spread in four of its last five games at Carter-Finley Stadium.
NC State vs LA Tech Prediction
I’m leaning towards LA Tech and the points here. I think NC State will bounce back, but this is a big number for a sandwich spot. NC State would love to bounce back from their humiliating performance against Tennessee, but they also have a massive conference game against Clemson next week so I wonder if NC State keeps some things close to the vest for this one. Give me the Bulldogs and the points as I think this number is asking for a backdoor cover.
