CJ Bailey, NC State Overcome Injuries, Defeat La Tech

© Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

In a game in which NC State (2-1) was without two starting cornerbacks and lost its starting quarterback, the Wolfpack persevered and defeated the Lousiana Tech Bulldogs (1-1) 30-20 on Sept. 14 at Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh, N.C. After consecutive drives resulted in Wolfpack field goals, the Bulldogs scored 17 straight points to end the first half with a 17-6 lead. But it was all Wolfpack in the second half.

Game Summary

In the first half, the Bulldogs had NC State on their heels. The Wolfpack lost starting quarterback Grayson McCall in the second quarter, and true freshman CJ Bailey took his place. Bailey went 1-for-3 for 12 yards and an interception in his first two drives. Louisiana Tech scored their 17 first-half points in the final 2:41 of the second quarter. Senior running back Donerio Davenport gave the Bulldogs a 7-6 lead with a 5-yard touchdown, and senior receiver Tru Edwards scored on an electric 71-yard catch and run that put Tech up 14-6. Daniels' pick by linebacker Kolbe Fields with a minute left set the stage for kicker Buck Buchanan to drill a 57-yard field goal as time expired to send the Conference USA member Bulldogs into halftime up 17-6.

The second half was all Wolfpack. NC State's defense corralled Tech's offense with two consecutive stops to open the third quarter, including a DK Kaufman Pick-6 on the second half's opening drive. Bailey and the offense found rhythm, putting together a 13-play, 76-yard drive on NC State's opening possession of the third quarter. Running back Kendrick Pahael capped the drive with a 3-yard TD run, tying the game at 20-20 entering the fourth quarter.

After a slow start, Daniels came alive in the second half. He finished the game 13-of-20 for 156 yards and 1 interception. With eight minutes left in the game, Daniels scored a rushing TD that put the Wolfpack up 30-20.

Play of the Game

The play of the game goes to the Pick-6 by Kaufman to open the second half. After surrendering 17 points in less than three minutes to end the first half, the Wolfpack defense was reeling and Louisiana Tech had all the momentum. NC State had to make a play, and the interception was exactly what the doctor ordered as it gave a spark to the rest of the team.

Looking Ahead: NC State

NC State will have to play the wait-and-see game regarding McCall's injury. Teams don't generally get better when the starting quarterback goes down. If McCall has to miss multiple games, then Daniels' second-half performance should give NC State fans some confidence in the true freshman. The Wolfpack heads to No. 22 Clemson next to face off against the Tigers on Sept. 21. NC State looks to assert itself in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Looking Ahead: La Tech

Louisiana Tech played well in a gutsy performance and was able to make a more talented NC State team uncomfortable. There are plenty of positives to take away, including a gaggle of explosive plays and quarterback Jack Turner's solid play. He stayed healthy, too. Up next for Louisiana Tech is a home game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Sept. 21.