NC State vs Texas Tech football game: Three things to watch as Pack hosts Red Raiders
N.C. State’s Carter-Finley Stadium will be bathed in red at times Saturday during the game against Texas Tech.
The new LED lighting should have the full effect during the Wolfpack’s first night game. The red lights were on last week during the Charleston Southern game, but with a 12:30 p.m. start time they looked more like a string of blinking stoplights than special effects and were not noticeable.
Not Saturday night. The No. 16 Pack likes to say “Light it Red,” and the stadium will be lit red.
“I’ve walked out there a few times at night after watching film and they’ve been testing them out and they seem really cool,” Wolfpack receiver Thayer Thomas said Wednesday.
The Red Raiders blasted Murray State and then rallied to beat Houston in double overtime in their first two games at home. Former N.C. State defensive back Malik Dunlap, now at Texas Tech, also has given his guys a scouting report of what it’s like to be part of a night game at Carter-Finley.
Three things to watch in the game:
Poise on the road
The Wolfpack, with an experienced lineup, opened the 2022 season on the road at East Carolina, was fidgety at times at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium but survived 21-20 after ECU missed a couple of late kicks.
Texas Tech also has a two-deep lineup dotted with juniors and seniors. But it’s the Red Raiders’ first road test, against a ranked Power Five team and 1,500 miles from home.
Every coach has to wonder how their team, experienced or not, will handle that first road assignment. And it will be the first road game for first-year Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire.
Who wins third down?
Coaches and players talk about “getting off the field” on defense and that often means winning on third down. Against Texas Tech, that could be the most critical statistic for the Pack.
The Red Raiders were 5-of-18 on third-down offensive conversions against Houston. They also converted 2 of 3 fourth-down plays — once on a fourth-and-20.
Wolfpack defensive coordinator Tony Gibson could probably live with another 5-of-18 showing on third down by Texas Tech, although he obviously would like better. And especially if the Pack can match or better Houston’s five sacks and three interceptions in the game last week.
Devin Leary, again
The Wolfpack quarterback smoothed some things out against Charleston Southern last week, which was expected. While Leary’s passing percentage was pedestrian considering the opponent (16-25, 64%), he did have four TD throws in the 55-3 win.
ECU’s defense was quick and aggressive and made Leary look average. Charleston Southern’s defense was worked over by Leary, who tied a school record by accounting for six touchdowns and barreled over a few defenders on a 12-yard TD run.
Texas Tech’s McGuire told reporters this week that while an assistant coach at Baylor the Bears recruited Leary, saying, “He’s a pro. He’s going to play in the NFL. He’s the real deal.”
Again, for the Pack it’s a Power Five game against a quality opponent, albeit a 10-point underdog. Leary again will have a national TV audience watching.
How to watch
The game will be shown on ESPN2, with Anish Shroff doing the play by play, Brock Osweiler the analysis and Taylor McGregor the sideline reporter.
It is also available on the ESPN App with an ESPN+ subscription, and through various subscription apps that carry ESPN, such as Hulu and YouTube TV.
Pregame reading
Slowing Texas Tech’s Air Raid offensive attack will be key for NC State football
NC State running back is making a name for himself early this college football season
NC State football vs Texas Tech odds, game key: Could series produce another thriller?
N&O’s college football picks for North Carolina schools, Florida State vs Louisville
