Red Raiders Week 3 Opponent Preview: NC State Wolfpack
After opening their season with two home games to start 2022, the Texas Tech Red Raiders will hit the road for the first time in Week 3. They will travel to Raleigh, N.C. to take on the NC State Wolfpack in what could shape up to be an entertaining non-conference contest.
The Red Raiders hope to enter their matchup with the Wolfpack at 2-0, however that will greatly depend on how they come out against the Houston Cougars the week prior.
NC State went 9-3 in 2021, finishing second in the ACC's Atlantic Division behind Wake Forest. Both schools will be seeking a marquee non-conference win, as NC State looks to make that next step to being contenders for the ACC.
Meanwhile, the Red Raiders under new coach Joey McGuire could secure a possible 3-0 start for a program that is in need of a positive turnaround.
Here at RedRaiderReview.com, we've already previewed Tech's first two matchups of the season vs. the Murray State Racers and Houston Cougars and will provide an in-depth look every week at each opponent on Texas Tech's schedule.
Now, let's take a look at what the Wolfpack has to offer headed into the third game of the season later this fall.
NC State Wolfpack
2021 Record: 9-3 (6-2 ACC)
Offensive schemes: Multiple
Defensive schemes: 3-3-5
Head Coach: Dave Doeren
Doeren has been at the helm of NC State since 2013, and under his direction, the Wolfpack have turned their program around. Since his arrival, the Wolfpack have won less than six games only twice, one of which was his first season.
The Wolfpack were a good team in 2021 and look to carry that momentum into 2022 as they hope to win the ACC Atlantic division and compete for an ACC Championship.
Projected offensive starters:
QB Devin Leary
RB Jordan Houston
WR Devin Carter
WR Darryl Jones
WR Thayer Thomas
TE Kameron Walker
LT Bryson Speas
LG Dylan McMahon
C Grant Gibson
RG Derrick Eason
RT Timothy McKay
The Wolfpack featured a potent offense in 2021, averaging 33.1 points and 415 yards per game, with their 33.1 points per game good for 28th out of 130 FBS teams. They were led by quarterback Devin Leary, who would throw for 3,433 yards and 35 touchdowns with only five interceptions.
Projected defensive starters:
DE Cory Durden
NT C.J. Clark
DE Savion Jackson
SAM Drake Thomas
MIKE Isaiah Moore
WILL Payton Wilson
CB Shyheim Battle
SS Cyrus Fagan
FS Tanner Ingle
CB Derrek Pitts Jr.
NB Tyler Baker-Williams
Not only did the Wolfpack boast one of the best offenses in college football last season, but they also put together a top-15 defense as well, holding opponents to 19.7 points per game. The Wolfpack will look to replicate that performance in 2022, especially in week three when they welcome the Red Raiders to town.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Red Raider Review message board community today!
Follow Red Raider Review on Facebook and Twitter!
Want More Red Raiders News? Check Out The Latest In Texas Tech News Here
Connor Zimmerlee is a writer and reporter for the FanNation network. Zimmerlee received his Bachelor's of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and graduated from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism with a Master's of Science in Journalism with a Specialization in Sports Media.