:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71379735/usa_today_19023794.0.jpg "Texas Tech vs. NC State picks: Predictions, odds, injury report for Week 3 of college football season")
We have an ACC vs. Big 12 matchup as the No. 16 NC State Wolfpack hosts the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC, and is scheduled to air on ESPN2.
Texas Tech (2-0) survived a two-overtime thriller against Houston on Saturday, toppling the Cougars in a 33-30 victory. Quarterback Donovan Smith converted on 4th and 20 in the first OT to keep the Red Raiders alive and walked in the game-winning touchdown in the second OT period.
NC State (2-0) did what it had to do by burying Charleston Southern in a 55-3 rout on Saturday. Quarterback Devin Leary threw for 238 yards and four touchdowns through the air and also added an additional two rushing scores on the ground.
Here's all the data you'll want, and a pick for the game!
SP+ Rankings
Texas Tech: 40th overall, 30th offense, 55th defense
NC State: 23rd overall, 37th offense, 14th defense
Injury update
LB L.B. Moore – Questionable (Undisclosed)
LB Derrick Lewis II – Questionable (Undiclosed)
WR Jordan Brown – Questionable (Undiclosed)
RB Cam'Ron Valdez – Questionable (Knee)
QB Tyler Shough – Questionable (Shoulder)
WR Coy Eakin – Questionable (Ankle)
WR Chadarius Townsend – Questionable (Shoulder)
TE Trent Pennix – Out (Arm)
ATS/Total
Texas Tech: 1-1 ATS
NC State: 1-1 ATS
Texas Tech: Over 2-0
NC State: Over 1-1
Returning/Overall Talent from 247Sports
Texas Tech: 79th overall, 85th offense, 96th defense
NC State: 8th overall, 34th offense, 8th defense
Current lines at DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread: NC State -10.5
Total: 56
Moneyline: NC State -360, Texas Tech +300
Opening line: NC State -9.5
Opening total: 55
Weather
58 degrees, Clear, 5 MPH winds E
The Pick
Texas Tech is dealing with a handful of injuries and needed overtime to put down Houston last week. Meanwhile, NC State is rolling offensively and its top 15 defense may make all the difference in this one. I'm picking the Wolfpack to cover.