NC State Wolfpack: ACC Atlantic preview
The Wolfpack started a roster overhaul in 2019 that set them back a bit. QB Devin Leary is returning from a broken leg and has his top three targets back. There's a decent 1-2-3 combo in the backfield as well.
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The defense wasn't great but made enough big plays. Nine starters will be back and, hopefully, they can find a ball-hawk. Ten wins shouldn't be out of reach and they could give Clemson a run for their money.
2021-2022 ACC Atlantic preview: NC State Wolfpack
NC State's strength: The defensive line lost its anchor with Alim McNeill, but Daniel Joseph, Savion Jackson and Corey Durden will hold the line against the run. There's also enough depth to rotate fresh bodies.
NC State's weakness: NC State has no ball-hawk in their secondary. It is a productive unit but there's no real INT threat. TOs win games and having someone like Tyler Baker-Williams or Cyrus Fagan break out would be beneficial.
NC State Wolfpack Key Players: Offense
RB: Zonovan Knight - He averaged over five yards per carry in a solid rotation. In 2019, Zonovan had 745 yards and five TDs. Last season, he had just one 100-yard game but led the team with 788 and ten TDs. Having a committee will ensure he's fatigue-free and it'll also help keep his legs fresh.
WR: Emeka Emezie - At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Emzeie is a mismatch problem. He had 47 catches for 738 yards and five TDs in 2020. He's a redzone threat who QB Devin Leary can lean on without TE Cary Angeline.
NC State Wolfpack Key Players: Defense
LB: Payton Wilson - Wilson was one of the top LBs in the ACC. He has good range on the field, can be an edge rusher and also fall back into coverage.
DT: Corey Durden - Durden is a Florida State transfer who will fill into Alim McNeill's role as a solid anchor on the DL. In the 3-4 scheme, he can do damage even if he can't replace McNeill's athleticism.
2021-2022 NC State Wolfpack ACC schedule
Week 1: Thursday, September 2, vs USF
Week 2: Saturday, September 11, at Miss State
Week 3: Saturday, September 18, vs Furman
Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs Clemson
Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs Louisiana Tech
Week 6: Saturday, October 16, at Boston College
Week 7: Saturday, October 23, at Miami
Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs Louisville
Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at Florida State
Week 10: Saturday, November 13, at Wake Forest
Week 11: Saturday, November 20, vs Syracuse
Week 12: Friday, November 26, vs North Carolina
2021-2022 NC State Wolfpack prediction (9-3, 6-3 ACC)
They get Clemson in their first ACC game, which is a real test early in the season. NC State will end the season with five straight wins. It won't be enough to unseat Clemson and they'll lose an early matchup to them. The Wolfpack could still end up in the top 25 and it's a step in the right direction for the program.
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