North Carolina State Wolfpack O:5 D:5
Last season the North Carolina State Wolfpack entered the season with a lot of optimism with a large group of returnees and a rock solid defense. The season opener against the Virginia Tech Hokies was chilling sign of things to come. Though they doubled the Hokies in yards gained they lost the game 20-16, and shot themselves in the foot with costly turnovers and penalties. These trends continued for the next six games, but they did turn it around when they won five of their last six to make it to a bowl game.
The NFL draft has taken a lot of this team's talent on "D", with only five guys coming back. But, head coach Chuck Amato believes in depth and has 15 players return with at least one start under their belt. The front seven might have lost a step but the secondary is a strong unit with lots of speed. Though not as good as years past this will still be a good strong unit.
Bet North Carolina State here.
Offensively, North Carolina State will rely on its running game running backs Andre Brown and Toney Baker combined for over 1,200+ yards last year. Quarterback Marcus Stone went 5-1 as the Wolfpack pivot, and will need to play mistake free football to provide enough of a passing threat to allow the run a chance against the opposing defense. Special Teams are in check with John Deraney who kicks and punts, and wide receiver Darrell Blackman is an All ACC kick returner.
The schedule is a little easier to handle this time around, and they get seven games at home. Teams have an easier time rebounding when nobody expects it, so look for the North Carolina State Wolfpack to see the bowl season again in 2006.
