Texas Tech vs. NC State Prediction
This was supposed to be a big year for North Carolina State. Their quarterback Devin Leary was generating NFL buzz and the Wolfpack were ranked in the preseason.
Then they went to East Carolina and needed a missed field goal at the gun to escape with a one-point win. They then obliterated Charleston Southern last week 55-3.
Texas Tech had no such expectations, and they were an afterthought at the bottom of the Big 12. The Red Raiders toppled Murray State in week 1 and then beat 25th-ranked Houston in a double-overtime thriller last week. This should be a fascinating matchup between undefeated squads.
Game Matchup and Betting Odds
175 Texas Tech +10.5 at 176 North Carolina State -10.5; O/U 56
7:00 PM ET Saturday, September 17th, 2022
Carter-Finley Stadium Raleigh, NC
Texas Tech vs. North Carolina State Public Betting Information
The public is leaning strongly towards the Red Raiders at +10.5. At the time of writing, our CFB Public Betting Page shows that 70% of the bets are on Texas Tech in this clash. Do note that these numbers are subject to change and could be different once game time rolls around.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Game Notes
Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks might be their best offensive player. He had three touchdowns on six carries in the opener against Murray State and he ran for 80 yards and a touchdown in the Red Raiders’ upset win over Houston last week. The 5’10” 230-pound junior has good straight-line speed and excels at running through the tackles. He should be able to keep some of the heat off of quarterback Donovan Smith.
Texas Tech defensive back Marquis Waters might be a player to watch when the Red Raiders are on defense. He has 8 solo tackles on the year and three quarterback hurries. He may make a big play or two in this contest.
North Carolina State Wolfpack Game Notes
Wolfpack quarterback Devin Leary struggled in the opener against East Carolina. He tossed an interception and completed only 52% of his passes in that game on 6.4 yards per attempt. He found his footing in week two against Charleston Southern though, racking up 238 passing yards and 4 touchdowns while more than doubling his week 1 QBR. If North Carolina State is going to cover this game, it’s going to be because of Devin Leary. The 6’1” 215-pound junior may have his work cut out for him against an underrated Texas Tech defense on Saturday.
Texas Tech vs. North Carolina State Betting Trends
68% of the handle is on Texas Tech +10.5
Texas Tech is 1-1 against the spread this season.
North Carolina State is 1-1 against the spread this year.
Texas Tech is 13-12 straight up since the beginning of 2020.
North Carolina State is 19-7 straight up since the beginning of 2020.
North Carolina State is 15-14 against the spread as a double-digit home favorite under current head coach Dave Doeren.
Texas Tech is 4-2 straight up and against the spread in their last 6 contests.
The over is 4-0 in Texas Tech’s last 4 games in September.
The over is 4-0 in North Carolina State’s last 4 games vs. the Big 12
The over is 6-1 in North Carolina State’s last 7 home games.
Texas Tech vs. North Carolina State Betting Prediction
This game has a chance to be a shootout under the lights in Raleigh. Texas Tech is averaging 48 points per game and North Carolina State is averaging 38 points per game. The total is 56. I think there’s some value on the over as evidenced by a few of the betting trends listed above.
But for me, the best value is in taking Texas Tech and the points +10.5. It’s one thing for North Carolina State to play well in big games as the underdog. There’s no pressure when you’re supposed to lose the game. As the favorite there are expectations. I’m not sold on this Wolfpack team who could have (and probably should have) lost to East Carolina in week 1. I’ll take the points.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 3 PREDICTION: TEXAS TECH +10.5
