ACC Season Preview: NC State
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By Carlos Pineda
SouthernPigskin.com
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It’s considered a rebuilding year for NC State, but based off his resume, the Wolfpack are in good hands with Dave Doeren.
Coach: Dave Doeren (first season; 23-4 overall)
2012 record: 7-6 (4-4, third in ACC Atlantic Division)
Looking back: Tom O’Brien was hired in 2007 to right the ship in Raleigh. His success at Boston College never really translated, however, and NC State remained a middle-of-the-pack squad in the ACC for the duration of his time. Despite winning nine games in 2010 and even pulling off an upset over third-ranked Florida State last season, O’Brien’s time will be remembered for slow starts and underwhelming performances. The Wolfpack started the 2012 season with a loss to Tennessee and, despite winning five of its first seven games, NC State finished the regular season with a 6-6 record. Stepping in is new head coach Dave Doeren, who posted a 23-4 record in two years at Northern Illinois. It was his NIU squad that played in the Orange Bowl against Florida State last year.
Offensive starters returning: 5
Defensive starters returning: 5
RELATED: NC State is still searching for a quarterback
Top returnees: Dontae Johnson, CB; Shadrach Thorton, RB; Bryan Underwood, WR
Key losses: Mike Glennon, QB; Earl Wolff, S; Tobias Palmer, WR
Strengths: Known predominantly as a passing team, the Wolfpack return sophomore running back Shadrach Thornton, who rushed for a team-best 694 yards, and Tony Creecy, who rushed for 476 yards and five touchdowns. Joining the duo is receiver Bryan Underwood, who had 620 yards on 44 receptions.
NC State has a favorable schedule this season, playing eight games at Carter-Finley Stadium and a total of 10 in-state games. The Wolfpack don’t travel outside the state until Oct. 26 at Florida State.
Weaknesses: NC State will have to replace quarterback Mike Glennon, who passed for 4,031 yards and 31 touchdowns. The Wolfpack return only two starting offensive linemen and two starters on defense in the back seven.
Senior receiver Quintin Payton led the team with 798 yards last year, but has not participated in fall camp, Dave Doeren said.
Outlook/Prediction: It’s considered a rebuilding year for NC State, but based off his resume, the Wolfpack are in good hands with Dave Doeren. They will take their lumps, but a favorable schedule helps the first-year coach. NC State will win at least seven games this season.
2013 Schedule
Aug. 31 vs. Louisiana Tech 12:30 p.m. ACC Network
Sept. 7 vs. Richmond 6 p.m.
Sept. 19 vs. Clemson 7:30 p.m. ESPN
Sept. 28 vs. Central Michigan
Oct. 5 at Wake Forest
Oct. 12 vs. Syracuse
Oct. 26 at Florida State
Nov. 2 vs. North Carolina
Nov. 9 at Duke
Nov. 16 at Boston College
Nov. 23 vs. East Carolina
Nov. 30 vs. Maryland
*bold denotes home games
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