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What Direction Does NC State Football Go In 2023?

The NC State Wolfpack have been consistent in the ACC in five out of the last six seasons. They have won at least eight games a season in five out of their last six seasons, and have been in contention for an ACC title in all five seasons that they won five games. The biggest change comes at quarterback with experienced starter Devin Leary transferring to Kentucky. The Wolfpack have some answers on offense, but the defense they should be good like they always are. Here is the season preview for the 2023 NC State Wolfpack.

Offense

With Leary transferring, the Wolfpack had to think fast about what they wanted to do. They hired a new offensive coordinator in Robert Anae, who had successful stints at Virginia (2016-2021) and last year at Syracuse. Additionally, the Wolfpack brought in Virginia’s signal caller Brennan Armstrong to play under his former coach. Armstrong last season struggled, but during his time under Anae he threw for 6,824 passing yards to go along with 51 passing touchdowns and 23 interceptions. That was throughout a four year career with Anae.

With a new signal caller, it will continue the threat of their passing game. The top returning receiver from last year is senior Keyon Lesane. Lesane is going to be a big time player for the Wolfpack this year. However, they need consistency from their entire wide receiver/tight end group for their passing attack to continue to the levels it has been at. For their running game, they’re going running back by committee. Three backs will get touches this season (Jordan Houston, Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, and Michael Allen). These three running backs need to contribute a lot more than they did last season for this offense to flourish. As for their offensive line, they have three returning starters. If NC State can get their offense to flourish, this team is going to be dangerous.

Defense

This defense is led by one of the best in the country in Tony Gibson. NC State was top 20 in the country last season in points allowed per game, rushing yards allowed per game, and total yards of offense allowed per game. The Wolfpack get their leader back as graduate outside linebacker Payton Wilson is coming back for one more season. He’ll be the anchor of this defense and will be the voice of the dangerous front seven. NC State also has one of the best tandem duos in the ACC at cornerback in Ayden White and Shyheim Battle. There is going to be a battle in camp for the safety spots and for the nickel spot which will be entertaining to watch. Just know coming into this year that the NC State defense will be the real deal. 

Win Total Prediction

The NC State win total is set at 6.5 wins. The over is set at -140 odds and the under is set at +114 odds. NC State has been consistently good, and their defense will compete week after week. It is hard to think that they don’t win at least seven games. I think they get over the win total that is set for them, but it’ll be a sweat for the season. Lean the over 6.5 wins odds are a little too high for my liking. 

Game Schedule Predictions:

Win vs UCONN (1-0)

Loss vs Notre Dame (1-1)

Win vs VMI (2-1)

Win at Virginia (3-1)

Loss vs Louisville (3-2)

Win vs Marshall (4-2)

Loss at Duke (4-3)

Loss vs Clemson (4-4) 

Close Win vs Miami (5-4)

Win at Wake Forest (6-4)

Win at Virginia Tech (7-4)

Statement Win vs UNC (8-4) 

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