Dave Doeren has done a great job with this NC State Wolfpack team since taking over as head coach in 2012. His recent success saw him as the target of a few head coaching vacancies during the off season’s coaching carousel but ultimately earned him a new deal with the Wolfpack. This season will be one of his biggest tests as he is forced to replace a lot of production and talent on the offensive side of the ball.
Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 20 existed): 3 stars
2018 Record: 9-4
The Wolfpack’s losses came to Clemson, Syracuse, Wake Forest, and Texas A&M (TaxSlayer Gator Bowl)
Projected Returning Starters:
Offense: #4
WR Emeka Emezie, WR CJ Riley, OT Justin Witt, and RG Joshua Fedd- Jackson
The Wolfpack lost a lot offensively but returning receivers Emeka Emezie and CJ Riley should prove to be big time playmakers for Coach Doeren.
Right Guard Joshua Fedd-Jackson started every game last year and didn’t allow a single sack. He should be able to help anchor an offensive line that is losing two All-Americans and an All-ACC selection.
Justin Witt had the most snaps of any returning player with over 800. He is the veteran of this o-line and looks to solidify the wall for his young quarterback and running backs.
Defense: #6
DT Larrell Murchison, DE James Smith-Williams, LB Brock Miller, FS Stephen Griffin, SS Jarius Morehead, and CB Nick McCloud.
This defense is returning a lot of senior leadership. Murchison and Smith-Williams provide a veteran presence on the defensive line while Griffin, Morehead, and McCloud anchor the secondary. The biggest losses come on the d-line with two guys going to the NFL. It will be hard to replace those two up front, but with the majority of the D returning the Wolfpack should be looking at a solid defense.
Specialists: #2
K Chris Dunn and return man Thayer Thomas.
Dunn was one of the best freshman kickers in the country last season. Fans should look at him to develop into a reliable go to specialist.
Key Losses:
QB Ryan Finley, LT Tyler Jones, LG Terronne Prescod, C Garrett Bradbury, RB Reggie Gallaspy Jr., P A.J. Cole III, DE Darian Roseboro, DT Eurndraus Bryant, and FS Dexter Wright.
The offensive is losing an almost 4,000 yard passer, a 1,000 yard rusher, an All-ACC lineman, and two All-American lineman. On the defensive side they sent two lineman to the NFL and Punter A.J. Colle III is now with the Oakland Raiders.
Key Newcomer – Offense: Zonovan “Bam” Knight
The freshman running back will likely see a good amount of playing time this fall. He’ll likely be backing up Ricky Person. Person has struggled with injuries and we don’t know if he’ll be 100% healthy. Knight has already shown NC State Wolfpack fans a glimpse of his explosiveness with a 73 yard touchdown run during the spring game. Look for him to show off his explosiveness when it matters this fall.
Key Newcomer – Defense: CJ Clark
Clark is a freshman defensive tackle that could see a lot of snaps on a young defensive line. He was a four star recruit out of high school and the 14th ranked defensive tackle nationally.
Breakout Player of the Year: Emeka Emezie
Emezie is now the primary receiver on this offense. Look for him to have a breakout season in 2019. In 2018 he had 69 receptions (nice) for 652 yards and five touchdowns. He’s their leading returning receiver and has the potential to have a 1,000 yard season as the go to guy.
Wins Conference If:
NC State will win the conference if Clemson has a mid season conference change. Being in the ACC Atlantic division, it will be hard to make it to the conference championship game unless Clemson somehow disappears. They’d have a better shot if they were in the Coastal division and only had to get hot for one game against Clemson.
Circle This Game on the Calendar:
October 10th versus Syracuse. The Orange are a division rival that is on the rise. Last seasons meeting was a shootout that the Orange won 51-41. This game will say a lot about how NC State will matchup within the division and the rest of the conference.
Alcohol Prediction: Sam Adams Rebel Rouser IPA (8.4% alcohol)
For a team that always seems to end up at 8-4 I thought something with 8.4% alcohol content seemed fitting.
Outlook 2019:
The biggest question for the NC State Wolfpack is who’s going to play quarterback? Returner Matt McKay is the only QB with any game experience but he’ll likely be battling Florida State transfer Bailey Hockman for the job. Whoever is lining up under center will have three solid receivers and two running backs that are capable of making big plays. The defense will be solid and locked down by an array of seniors. Really the biggest storyline with this team is how the offense will click after losing so many key contributors. I see them going 7-5 maybe 8-4 if the offense really meshes well.
AUG 31 vs East Carolina. W
SEPT 7 vs Western Carolina. W
SEPT 14 at West Virginia. L
SEPT 21 vs Ball State. W
SEPT 28 at Florida State. L
OCT 10 vs Syracuse. L
OCT 19 at Boston College. W
NOV 2 at Wake Forest. L
NOV 9 vs Clemson. L
NOV 16 vs Louisville. W
NOV 21 at Georgia Tech. W
NOV 30 vs North Carolina. W
