2008 NC State Football
July 25, 2008
Tom O’Brien has the chips stacked against him entering his second season as NC State head football coach. Playing in the strong side of the conference with the ACC’s Atlantic Division, the Wolfpack will have their fair share of struggles this season. Let’s see how they fare with Info Plays 2008 NC State Wolfpack football predictions and a team preview of what to expect to see on the field.
Offense:
O’Brien’s top priority is finding a starting quarterback just like most of the other teams in this conference. He has five to select from, including returning starter Daniel Evans who is coming off shoulder surgery. Russell Wilson was impressive in the spring. Harrison Beck and Justin Burke showed signs of greatness, with Burke starring in the spring game. O’Brien has clearly stated that no one has distinguished himself in the spring.
NC State is loaded with skill players. Tailback Jamelle Eugene has shown he can run and catch after starting the final six games in 2007. Andre Brown will figure into the equation in the backfield with his breakaway ability. Wide receiver Donald Bowens is a playmakers and tight end Anthony Hill was the Pack’s leading receiver two years ago before a knee injury kept him out in ‘07. Ted Larsen and John Bedics move over from defensive linemen to become offensive linemen and both could start. O’Brien wants to be more physical on offense. N.C. State was 11th in the ACC in rushing last year at 89.3 yards per game.
Defense:
The Wolfpack lost seven starters from a defense that allowed 28.3 yards per game and ranked last in the ACC against the run. Willie Young and Markus Kuhn give NC State hard-chargers at defensive end. Alan-Michael Cash is a strong tackle inside. The secondary looks to be a strength with cornerbacks DeAndre Morgan and Jeremy Gray. Corner J.C. Neal moved to safety in last season due to Javon Walker’s knee injury.
Walker, a big hitter, appeared to be an emerging start before injury. The team is hopeful he has fully recovered. The Pack will feature three new starters at linebacker. Senior Robbie Leonard was a backup safety last year and will be asked to learn his new position at linebacker in a hurry. He’ll make a good outside linebacker to go along with Nate Irving. Ray Michel is at middle linebacker for now, as depth is a big issue heading into the fall at this position.
NC State Predictions at Info Plays: 6th in the ACC Atlantic Division
The Wolfpack reeled off four consecutive victories last season when O’Brien’s ways finally took hold. There’s optimism because of it, but the reality is that the Pack’s schedule is much tougher, beginning with a home opener at South Carolina. Finding a starting quarterback is a lingering problem. The Pack could be better this season, only to finish with a similar record due to their tough schedule. If a solid signal-caller emerges, the Pack could flirt with a bowl.
ACC Wins Expected in ‘08: at Duke
Potential Scares/Losses: at Clemson, BOSTON COLLEGE, FLORIDA STATE, at Maryland, WAKE FOREST, at North Carolina, MIAMI