By Matt Osborne
SouthernPigskin.com

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Looking back at NC State’s 2014 season.

Summary Facing a relatively manageable non-conference slate, the Wolfpack were able to run out of the gates with a 4-0 record prior to getting into the conference schedule. The start of ACC action would not go as smoothly, however, as NC State would lose its first four games against conference foes by at least 12 points. But things would get much better for Dave Doerens squad from there on out. Thanks in large part to the significant strides made on the defensive side of the football, NC State won three of its final four contests to become bowl-eligible for the first time in two seasons. The Wolfpack defeated UCF in the Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl to finish the year with a surprisingly successful 8-5 record.

Biggest Surprise NC State was playing solid football heading into its regular season finale against North Carolina, but even the most optimistic Wolfpack fan still wouldnt have predicted a dominant 28-point win in Chapel Hill. The NC State defense held a powerful Tar Heel offense to a mere 207 yards, while the Wolfpack offense ran for nearly 400 yards on 58 carries.

Biggest Disappointment Three of NC States four losses came against teams that were hefty favorites over the Wolfpack this season. The lone exception to that trend was a 30-14 home loss at the hands of Boston College. Though the Eagles were a respectable opponent, NC State mustered just 217 yards of offense in a less-than-inspiring performance.

Stat of the Year Jacoby Brissett provided some much-needed production at the quarterback position, but the strength of the offense was still a rushing attack which averaged over 204 yards per contest.

Offensive MVP RB Shadrach Thornton

Defensive MVP DT Thomas Teal

Rising Star WR Bo Hines