Written By: James Jernigan
(Charlotte, NC) Can North Carolina State push for momentum after losing major players, and a weak defense coming from last season? Coach Dave Doeren was quick to get to his point on what he knew everyone would say. He started with “To go into this season, just from a program standpoint, last year I stood here, and there was a lot of unanswered questions for me going into fall camp. It's probably the opposite. We've got more depth on both lines of scrimmage. We've got more depth at different positions. We've got more proven players in certain areas, and there's opportunities at other positions.” Knowing the audience wanted to know who would replace the powerhouse running back Matthew Dayes who ran for over 1,000 yards, and touched the ball nearly 300 times last year, who is now in the NFL. There are big shoes to fill over in the Wolfpack, who could step up to fill them?
Usually, we do not talk about how much of a sleeper N.C. State is. However, this year The Wolfpack returns with the main bulk of its starters. A team that went almost even at a 7-6 last season could completely turn that around this year. They were so close to finishing out the season 10-3, however with blunders, and critical play mishaps thwarted those efforts. They have an excellent opportunity to push, and finally, break through into the top 25 this season, and even be a contender for a top tier bowl game if the cards are played right.
N.C. State has an up and down schedule to start the season. They kickoff the year against South Carolina in Charlotte, NC September 2nd. Then they have back to back "cupcake" games against Marshall and Furman before heading to Tallahassee to face the Noles'. Then after they invite Syracuse to town, they run the gauntlet starting with a matchup Louisville, then with back-to-back road games against PITT and Notre Dame before coming back home for a matchup against the defending National Champions.
This could turn out to be a breakout year in coach Dave Doeren’s fifth season. However, much of the success of the season will hinge on the development of junior quarterback Ryan Finley. If faith is put into Finley, this team could rival it’s in state opponent for a great bowl rush. Will N.C. State be able to follow up the success that the other top Atlantic Division schools pull of? They have a tough mountain to climb with schools like Clemson, Florida State and Louisville to go through, but this has a great potential to be Doeren’s best team and the school’s first top 25 finish since 2010.
With strong leaders in Jaylen Samuels, Bradley Chubb, and a strong head coach Dave Doeren The Wolf Pack are looking to secure a national title, or in the minimum that they want to accomplish breaking through the top 25 in rankings. The overall outlook is looking promising for the young Wolf Pack; we are going to have to wait till the season starts, N.C. State is set to have the season start off with a bang September 2nd against South Carolina.