The Wolfpack finally beat Clemson….now what? Do they continue to build off their big win, or do they have a typical NC State letdown game? We will find out Saturday as the # 23 Wolfpack host 2-2 Louisiana Tech, Saturday evening at Carter Finley Stadium.
Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. and can be seen on the ACC Network/ ESPN +.
If you follow NC State athletics, it’s known for the Wolfpack to have a let down after a big win. It’s just what it is. Even facing a lesser opponent, the Bulldogs might form a bigger challenge for the NC State defense that had an outstanding game against Clemson.
LaTech averages just under 400 yards of total offense per game and put up 34 points against Mississippi State, compared to just 10 from NC State in the Wolfpack’s disappointing loss on September 11. But maybe this team is different? While not being ranked, many knew this was NC State’s best chance to take down Clemson and they handled business – coming away with the double OT win.
Doing so, the Wolfpack answered one set of questions – letting us know that they were finally able to get over that hurdle. One down…another one to go.
Game Notes
- The Wolfpack is ranked for the first time since October of 2020, coming in at No. 23 in the AP poll this week. NC State is the highest ranked team in the ACC.
- The Wolfpack has now won its last six ACC home openers dating back to 2016 and has won five of its last six ACC openers overall.
- In the past two games, QB Devin Leary has completed 75% of his passes (55-73). He ranks 22nd in the FBS in completion percentage for the season (.689).
- The Wolfpack and the Bulldogs have played just one time – the season opener in 2013. It marked Dave Doeren’s first game at NC State and it was Skip Holtz’s first game at Louisiana Tech.
- NC State was named the FWAA/Cheez It Bowl National Team of the Week following the win over No. 9 Clemson.