OUR FINAL INSIGHT: NC State vs. Louisiana Tech

Several members of the Inside Pack Sport The staff predicts the winner of the game between NC State and Louisiana Tech.

James Henderson (IPS Publishing)
State 1,000,000, La. Tech 0
I want State to not allow a single yard and score a touchdown on every play.

(No idea how important the point differential is to the state, but I expect them to win easily).

Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruitment Analyst)
State 45, La. Tech 10
I fully expect the Pack to bounce back, and they should. This can't be a repeat of the Western Carolina game, because even if they win, it will feel like a loss if the Pack stumbles and stumbles through the game. Go full throttle from the first kick and don't let up.

Bryant Carson (IPS football analyst)
State 31, La. Tech 23
I think State comes out fast here and starts, but hits the brakes in the second half in a game that is closer than most State fans would like.

Phillip Danford (IPS football analyst)
State 34, La. Tech 13
This team and its fans need nothing more than another game to discuss right now. We need to wash the taste of that Tennessee game out of our mouths and this should be set up as a comeback game for the Pack. They have a significant talent advantage and should play furiously. At the end of this game, we will be a quarter of the way through the season and if they can't perform at their best, my concerns will increase tremendously.

Alex Gee (IPS Analyst)
State 38, La. Tech 13
I think we're seeing a freer State group. They looked too pumped up on Saturday against Tennessee. This feels like a game where everything is right and that's what I expect. I hope Grayson McCall gets some space and open vision and I'd like to see an emphasis on the zone running game.

Defensively, I hope to not see Travali Price so he can be as healthy as possible against Clemson. Get on their heels in the battle for possession and win with your 3-5 inside so the guys on the backend can get going and chase the ball.

James Johnson (IPS Analyst)
State 41, La. Tech 14
The Wolfpack are starting to pull themselves together this week. After an explosive first half, the second half continues with some grueling attacks that still leave fans unhappy.

Rob McLamb (IPS writer)
State 38, La. Tech 20
I expect the offense to feel a little better, but there will still be some concerns on defense after this game. I'm basing that on the fact that the Bulldogs have a week off before the game and have only filmed one game so far. The 3-3-5 defense that Louisiana Tech uses has enough similarities that NC State's offense can do some good things on Saturday – especially considering they frequently practice against the same concepts.

A superficial beating would be ideal for NCSU. With the Wolfpack coming on Saturday, things are looking much better for next weekend's trip south to visit the Great Orange Menace.

PJ Williams (IPS Recruitment Analyst)
State 37, La. Tech 13
I expect (hope?) that State comes out fired up and ready to score points. I mentioned in my Critical Questions that in an ideal world we would be making shots and finding big holes in the running game.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter how it's done, but forget that quickly, turn the mood around, and start Clemson prep week feeling good. I don't think the Bulldogs should be there long. If they are, I'll be a lot more worried about Death Valley.

Jeff Reeves (IPS photographer)
State 38, La. Tech 17
I really hope the Pack gets it all together this week. The offense will shut down La. Tech early. The top-notch defense will shut down the Bulldogs, but Tech will score some points later.

Sam Locklear (IPS Intern)
State 42, La. Tech 10
NC State needs to finally get things under control, and that will happen tomorrow. The offense will look like we hoped it would, with a strong running game. The offensive line will be much improved. The defense will also do what it normally does and slow down Louisiana Tech's offense. This should be a nice comeback game for NC State.

Jake McSwain (IPS writer)
State 41, La. Tech 10
I have so much faith in the leadership of this team that I am confident they will reach their potential sooner rather than later, and tomorrow's game is as good a time as any to start.

Additionally, since La Tech's defensive philosophy aligns with State's game plan, I think we will see a strong offensive performance this week.

I think at the end of the year we will look back on this game as the game that started a winning streak.

Runa Cooper (IPS Officer)
State 38, La. Tech 17
When NC State has the ball…

I hope State plays three deep and gives up the two tight ends. I'm not convinced they will, though. I expect a great game from KC and Joly. I hope Rogers gets targets, but we'll see. Can we run the ball better than we did against Western Carolina?

When NC State is on defense…

According to the pregame podcasts, La Tech is not a big threat throwing the ball, but judging by their first two plays, they should be pretty successful running the football.

BP Cox (IPS photographer)
State 31, La. Tech 24
The Wolfpack are back to square one after getting the sloppy top treatment from Tennessee last Saturday. Hopefully McCall can mentally reset and put together a strong game from start to finish to prepare for ACC play.

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