2009 College Football Odds: Head Coach Tom O'Brien returns for his third season in Raleigh this year. O'Brien surpassed expectations in 2008 by guiding the Wolfpack to a 6-6 regular season record and an appearance in the Papajohns.com Bowl. With the number of starters returning, North Carolina State is not being viewed as a pushover this season. North Carolina State Wolfpack 2009 College Football Odds at BetUS.com have O'Brien's squad listed at +250 to win the ACC's Atlantic division.

North Carolina State got off to a rough start last season, going 2-6 in their first eight games. However, the team's young talent began to turn the corner late in the schedule and went 4-0 to close out the year. That turnaround has Wolfpack fans expecting big things out of their team heading into the 2009 season.

Offensively North Carolina State should be much improved if quarterback Russell Wilson can build on a magnificent freshmen year. Wilson, who is listed at +6000 odds to win the Heisman Trophy this year, earned first team ACC honors after throwing for 1955 yards, 17 touchdowns, and one interception. He also ran for 388 yards and four scores.

Wilson's top two targets, Owen Spencer and Jarvis Williams, are also back on campus and the offensive line returns four starters. North Carolina State's rushing numbers (3.6 yards per carry) and sacks allowed (29) should both improve as a result of the more experienced line.

The Wolfpack defense, which held teams to 26.3 points per game a season ago, brings back seven starters. The front seven has five first stringers returning, including the defense's two best players, linebacker Ray Michel and defensive end Willie Young.

Michel led the team in tackles last year with a total of 85 while Young had 58 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and one interception.

The secondary has a number of experienced players back, including cornerback DeAndre Morgan and strong safety Clem Johnson, and should be improved as well.

North Carolina State should benefit from a schedule that has eight home games. The Wolfpack open up with an out of conference tilt against South Carolina on September 3rd in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their first conference game is set for October 3rd at Wake Forest.

BetUS.com North Carolina State Wolfpack 2009 College Football Odds - BCS Odds 2010

North Carolina State Wolfpack Regular Season Win Total:

Over 8 +200
Under 8 -275

North Carolina State Wolfpack Odds to Win the ACC Atlantic Division:

+250

North Carolina State Wolfpack Odds to Win the ACC Championship:

+750

North Carolina State Wolfpack BCS Odds 2010:

+10000

Russell Wilson Heisman Trophy 2009 Odds:

+6000

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