ACC Preview (NC State)

NC State – Last Year (3-9, 2-6), Returning Starters: 13 (8 off., 5 def.)

NC State was 3-9 last year, but ended the year on a seven game skid. There three wins were fairly impressive, with two coming from teams who won bowl games (Boston College and Florida State), and D1-AA National Champion Appalachian State. Their worst loss on the year was against Southern Mississippi, and that was by 20. NC State was in the cellar of the Atlantic last year, and don’t expect them to surface anytime soon.

Offense: NC State returns eight starters from last years offense, although they were in the bottom half of the ACC in all major statistical offensive categories except rushing. Fortunately, the Wolfpack return their two leading rushers from a year ago. Toney Baker and Andre Brown combined for over 1300 yards and 10 touchdowns. NC State returns their top three receivers, as well the starting quarterback from most of last season, Daniel Evans. Evans had a horrendous touchdown to interception ratio of 6:11. If Evans can’t get the job done, either Justin Burke or Harrison Beck will have to step in.

Defense: NC State ranked second in the conference in pass defense last year behind Virginia Tech (although they were nearly 40 ypg behind VT), but ninth in scoring, rushing, and total defense. The Wolfpack must replace two starters in the secondary, but should once again have an above average pass defense. NC State will have three seniors starting at linebacker, even though two of them will be first time starters. The defensive line has some questions, although it returns two starters and new starter Willie Young has plenty of potential.

Special Teams: While Darrel Blackman returns to return kicks and punts, Jeff Ruiz is a newcomer to punting, and Josh Czajkowski will likely kick.

Conclusion: NC State may surprise a few teams this year because of its offense, but they are unlikely to finish high in the Atlantic standings, or to make a bowl game.

S 1st UCF W
S 8th at Boston College L
S 15th Wofford W
S 22nd Clemson L
S 29th Louisville L
O 6th at Florida State L
O 20th at East Carolina L
O 27th Virginia L
N 3rd at Miami L
N 10th North Carolina W
N 17th at Wake Forest L
N 24th Maryland L