2007 North Carolina State Wolfpack Predictions & Season Preview
New coach Tom O’Brien has stressed attention to detail and discipline through the spring semester. It all starts with the Wolfpack’s rushing attack. Despite having studs Toney Baker and Andre Brown, the Wolfpack was fifth in the ACC in rushing last year at just 120 yards per game. Their potential is much better than that. The running game will be heavily relied upon because O’Brien goes into the fall undecided on a quarterback. Daniel Evans has the edge after starting the last nine games in 2006 and producing a strong spring game.
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The junior is being chased by redshirt freshman Justin Burke and Nebraska transfer Harrison Buck, who has the strongest arm of the trio. O’Brien says that whoever makes the best decisions will become the starter. Wolfpack country won’t be seeing a team that turns the ball over too often. Wide receiver John Dunlap made O’Brien miserable last season with a late touchdown catch that gave N.C. State a 17-15 win over Boston College, O’Brien’s former team.
Dunlap has linebacker size and good speed as he made 30 catches in 2006, but he will be expected to up those numbers this season. Darrell Blackman caught 27 passes last year and has the team’s surest hands along with breakaway ability. Donald Bowens and redshirt freshman Jarvis Williams will be thrown into the mix at receiver as well. O’Brien is known for producing big, physical offensive lines at Boston College. The Wolfpack lost both starting tackles and a versatile guard, so O’Brien will have his hands full in his first season. Tight end Anthony Hill, a 6-6 265-pound senior, is a bruising blocker in addition to the Pack’s leading pass-catcher last year. He will make things a lot easier in all aspects of the offense.
The Wolfpack didn’t make enough plays on defense last season, with just seven interceptions and five forced fumbles. O’Brien will now install a zone look to allow his players to be playmakers. Senior tackle DeMario Pressley is a force in the middle, but the Pack need much improvement from ends Willie Young and Martrel Brown for a steady pass rush. Seniors Ernest Jones and LeRue Rumph will be asked to carry the load at linebacker. Safeties Miguel Scott and DaJuan Morgan have great experience and will have to lead this secondary. A collection of cornerbacks will give the staff plenty to choose from, but this entire defensive unit is average at best.
Tom O’Brien has brought new energy to this program and has won the respect of his players with a famous no-nonsense approach. To be a contender in the ACC, the Wolfpack needs to be more efficient offensively and turn close losses from 2006 into wins in 2007. N.C. State lost seven games by eight points or less last year. O’Brien’s first real test will be at Boston College on September 8th when he sends his troops up against his former squad.
Odds to Win BCS:
Sportsbook:
200-1
Bodog:
150-1
BetUS:
+1200 (Field)
Odds to Win ACC Atlantic:
BetUS:
+425
Bodog:
+500
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