NC State football earned another uncomfortable win, this time against Louisiana Tech. The Pack were 20.5-point favorites against Louisiana Tech, but only won by 10 points. The offense once again struggled with a Group of Five team, showcasing its inconsistencies every time it took the field. Here’s an in-depth look at how the offense performed.
Quarterback
The plan was for freshman quarterback CJ Bailey to make his first major appearance in the 2025-26 season. However, the six-foot-six freshman was abruptly called into the game after graduate quarterback Grayson McCall left the field with an undisclosed injury. Bailey did his job, propelling the Wolfpack to the win while leading two touchdown drives.
McCall’s five years of experience is a valuable asset to the offense, so replacing him is easier said than done. With that said, Bailey performed well in his debut, racking up 156 yards on 13 completions. Bailey also used his legs to pick up 27 yards and a vital touchdown in the 4th quarter to seal the win. It wasn’t all positive as Bailey threw one interception, but otherwise looked like a gifted quarterback with lots of potential.
McCall struggled early, only passing for 54 yards before his untimely injury. McCall hasn’t looked like the same player who previously ruled the Sun Belt Conference. Inaccurate throws and delayed passes happen too often. Based on his previous performances, offensive coordinator Robert Anae must consider that McCall might not be the best option for the offense.
Running back
The running backs for the Pack performed well in this lackluster offensive performance. Sophomore running back Kendrick Raphael led the rushing corps, accumulating 63 yards on nine attempts, including a three-yard touchdown.
Redshirt freshman running back Hollywood Smothers struggled, rushing for just nine yards on five attempts. Smothers can be an electric presence in the backfield and needs to have a bounce back game if the Pack wants to have any chance against Clemson on Saturday.
The Pack was efficient in the short run game, especially at the goal line or close to first downs, something it couldn’t manage in its blowout loss to Tennessee.
Pass catchers
The NC State receiving corps failed to perform to expectations, going scoreless and outgained by Louisiana Tech. Sophomore sensation KC Concepcion was a clear focus for the Louisiana Tech defense. Though reeling in eight catches, Concepcion was held to just 25 yards on nine targets.
Redshirt junior Dacari Collins was the star in the receiving room. The Clemson transfer went for 55 yards on three catches, catching every ball that was thrown to him. Collins can be a big piece in the receiving room, looking to have a breakout game against his former team in week four.
Junior tight end Justin Joly made the most of his limited opportunities, securing two catches for 48 yards, including a 34-yard reception that put the Wolfpack in the redzone and led to a touchdown. The UConn transfer has been one of the most efficient pass catchers for NC State, second only to Concepcion in catches and yards.
Offensive line
The offensive line continued to look inconsistent and was a key reason as to why the game remained close. The Bulldogs failed to record a sack, but that was the only thing they didn’t do. The offensive line crumbled under pressure, forcing both McCall and Bailey to make uncomfortable throws, resulting in no touchdown passes.
The offensive line especially didn’t perform well within the run offense. Every time NC State tried to run the ball, it was like it was swimming upstream. It failed to move. The offensive line should have had a field day with a weak Group of Five team, but it didn’t. It needs to find a way to regroup and rally fast, or Clemson’s pass rushers will live in the backfield.
