The North Carolina State Wolfpack finished the 2009 season at 5-7. It was their fourth straight losing campaign and the third in a row under head coach Tom O'Brien. N.C. State has now lost at least six games in five of the last six years, including three straight seven loss seasons under O'Brien. He has helped build a potent offense, but the defensive side of the football has been lacking. Led by standout quarterback Russell Wilson, the Wolfpack averaged an impressive 30.3 points per game last season. However, the offense wasn't quite explosive enough to overcome a defense that allowed 31.2 points per game. In order for coach O'Brien to post his first winning season in Raleigh, the defense must show improvement.
Offense: Despite being taken by the Colorado Rockies in this year's MLB draft, Wilson will be back to lead one of the more potent offenses in the ACC. He helped the Wolfpack finish as the No. 2 ranked passing offense in the league last season while throwing for 3,027 yards and 31 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions. Wilson also showed off his athleticism in the open field, scrambling for 260 rushing yards and four more scores on the ground. He may have to use his legs even more this season as the line must replace three starters. Wilson has outstanding targets in wide receivers Jarvis Williams and Owen Spencer. All-league tight end George Bryan is another sure-handed option. Williams is the team's top returning receiver. He made 45 grabs for 547 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. The Wolfpack were among the weakest running teams in the conference a season ago, and that could remain the case with so much new blood on the offensive line. But O'Brien is highly regarded fo r his ability to develop strong offensive fronts. Hopefully that is that case because the Wolfpack offense would benefit from a little more balance. Curtis Underwood and James Washington look like the two best tailbacks following spring practice.
Defense: After holding its first three opponents to 14 of fewer points, N.C. State allowed its next nine foes to score at least 27 points last season. That's just not going to cut it if the Wolfpack are going to end their streak of losing seasons. The defense will have a lot or new blood in 2010, but the program is hoping some old blood will help this unit improve. The old blood I'm referring to is linebacker Nate Irving, who missed the 2009 season due to injuries suffered in a car accident. I expect him to return very hungry. He will get plenty of help from fellow linebacker Audie Cole, who is coming off a strong 85-tackle, four-sack campaign. Both of these guys are capable of making plays all over the field, and they will likely have to playing behind a defensive line which lost four starters. N.C. State's biggest problem a season ago was its pass defense. The defensive backs weren't good enough to lock up receivers and they were offered very little help in the way of a pass rush. Defensive ends Michael Lemon and David Akinniyi must help provide that pass rush or N.C. State will be very susceptible to air attacks again in 2010.
Prediction: 4th ACC Atlantic - I really like Wilson and the offense, but it may be asking too much for this unit to outscore six opponents to become bowl eligible, which is what it will have to do if the defense doesn't improve. I'm optimistic that this could be the year O'Brien breaks through with a winning season, but it won't be easy. Check out my 2010 ACC football predictions to see who I have winning the overall league title.
Put your in World Champion handicapper Jimmy Boyd this season for consistent winners against the college football odds.
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