NC STATE FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Is this the year?
The 2015 NC State Football season is finally here.
On Saturday, September 5th, North Carolina State University will open its 2015 ACC Football campaign when they play host to Troy University at Carter-Finley Stadium. NC State football fans have reason to be excited and to expect more than last year…even if there are doubters.
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Preseason ACC media polls pick the Wolfpack to finish fourth in the Atlantic Division and seventh overall in the conference. However, third year Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren thinks otherwise. He knows with a bit of good fortune, limited injuries and quality coaching, this could very well be a transformative season to the next level.
The 2014 season ended on high note as the Pack completed an outstanding one year turnaround (from 3-9 to 8-5) when they defeated the University of Central Florida 34-27 in the Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl. This season the Pack needs to do something it failed to consistently do last year…win the games they are not supposed to win. Last season four of the Wolfpack loses were against Florida State, Georgia Tech, Clemson and Louisville.
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This season the Pack returns a roster packed with talented playmakers, massive linemen and senior leadership that if gelled properly should make for a competitive squad capable of challenging Clemson, Florida State and Louisville for the Atlantic Division title.
Helping to raise the excitement level is the knowledge of an outstanding group of 22 freshman signees that included four of the top seven prospects in North Carolina: DE Darian Roseboro, OT Emanuel McGirt, RB Johnny Frasier and RB Nyheim Hines.
Most notable is the return of 6’4″ 235lb. red shirt senior quarterback Jacoby Brissett who passed for 23 touchdowns, 2,606 yards and another 529 yards rushing (3 rushing TDs)
(12) looks on before the start of the game against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Carter Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports” width=”300″ height=”199″ /> Sep 6, 2014; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Senior running back Shadrach Thornton and junior Matt Dayes are both back to carry the load, but this time with the help of a bevy of talented backs that will hopefully ease the graduating loss of Tony Creecy.
(21) runs for a touchdown in the second half against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports” width=”300″ height=”202″ /> Sep 13, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Matt Dayes. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Weakness?
Defensively the Pack lost several key players, but there is reason not to panic. Returning are defensive starters senior Mike Rose and sophomore B. J. Hill at the tackle position. If highly regarded sophomore Kentavious Street can finally put it together along with frosh recruit Darian Roseboro and five other 300+lbs defensive linemen…the D could be formidable. Leading the defensive charge are junior Jack Tocho at cornerback along with leading tackler, safety Hakim Jones.
Dark Horse?
Could the Pack pull off a 10-win season? Ryan Bartow of 247Sports.com provided 10 reason why it could happen. Reason No.3 is my favorite: This staff just went 8-5 with a lesser bunch. With another year of seasoning and familiarity with Doeren’s program and a plethora of impressive freshman talent infused…it is reasonable to assume this team could improve significantly.
Bonus
If you haven’t heard, CBSsports.com picked NC State as the “best” of the seven FBS in-state North Carolina schools proving that there is enough all around optimism and respect for the Wolfpack talent. Winning the mythical North Carolina Championship is always a plus even if the games have yet to be played.