2014
NC State
Football Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
After three straight winning seasons, 2013 will be a season to forget for NC State. In Dave Doeren’s first season as head coach, they went winless in ACC play. They struggled on offense due to quarterback instability and the defense gave up over 30 points per Game.
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The difference for the Wolfpack this season is that they should have a leader at quarterback with Florida transfer Jacoby Brissett leading the way, a former top 100 recruit. Brissett struggled to find a place with Florida, but looked ready to take over NC State in the spring. He’ll be working plenty with wide receivers Bryan Underwood and Bo Hines, a senior and freshman respectively. Shadrach Thornton returns to the backfield as well after compiling 768 yards a year ago, something he should be able to surpass easily in an improved offense. The offensive line returns three of last year’s starters plus Rob Crisp, who missed 10 Games in 2013.
While the Wolfpack do have some experience, they are mostly a young team with a ridiculous 51 freshmen on the roster. They return only Four starters from last year’s poor defense, but a change in formation should help. Doeren is looking to use a nickel-base defense with only two linebackers most of the time.
Only three seniors are projected to start for the defense, so there should be plenty of new names in this unit including multiple freshmen. At this point, Doeren isn’t afraid to change things up after last year’s performance.
Like last year, the Wolfpack should start the season with a winning record, and if they win at South Florida, could be at 4-0. And then they get Florida State and road Games at Clemson and Louisville. No matter, NC State could still be looking at a bowl Game as long as they win two ACC Games.
The Wolfpack’s best chances for Conference wins will come at home against Boston College, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest. With the pieces they have on offense, it wouldn’t be surprising if they take down one or two of those teams. That means Brissett will have to live up to his early recruiting status as a big-time starting QB.
While the offense should improve, the defense is still in question with so many young faces set to take over. At the bare minimum, the Wolfpack should reach at least three wins, and as a maximum, they could make a bowl Game with six wins. Especially in this conference, don’t put it past a team like NC State to make a postseason Game.
2014 NC State Football Schedule
Aug. 30 vs. Georgia Southern
Sept. 6 vs. Old Dominion
Sept. 13 at South Florida
Sept. 20 vs. Presbyterian
Sept. 27 vs. Florida State
Oct.4 at Clemson
Oct. 11 vs. Boston College
Oct. 18 at Louisville
Nov. 1 at Syracuse
Nov. 8 vs. Georgia Tech
Nov. 15 vs. Wake Forest
Nov. 29 at North Carolina