College football is without a doubt one of the most exciting events in sports. Whether it is smelling the cookouts around the stadium, hearing the marching band, or seeing the two teams battle on the field, everything comes together to create an event unlike any other. This season should be no different, as NC State is getting a lot more attention than usual. NC State finished the 2021 season with an overall record of 9-3 and a record of 6-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. NC State just barely missed making the ACC Championship, as they finished 2nd in the Atlantic division behind Wake Forest. NC State was ready to take on the UCLA Bruins in the Holiday Bowl, however, the game was canceled about four hours before it was supposed to start due to COVID issues on UCLA’s behalf. Depending on who you ask, you may hear that NC State won ten games last season, although technically the NCAA did not grant them the tenth win. With that on the returning players’ minds, NC State will (hopefully) be playing with a huge chip on their shoulder, as they will begin the season on Saturday, September 3rd in Greenville to take on the pirates of East Carolina.
Offense
Many key players are returning on NC State’s offense this season. Quarterback Devin Leary, wide receivers Devin Carter and Thayer Thomas, all-purpose back Trent Pennix, center Grant Gibson, and offensive lineman Chandler Zavala just to name a few. They are also losing some key players like running backs Zonovan Knight and Ricky Person, wide receiver Emeka Emezie, and offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu. If the offense can stay healthy and fill in the running back position well, they should be very solid.
Defense
NC State’s defense should be one of the most experienced in the country this season. In terms of who is returning? Well, everyone. The linebacker core of Isaiah Moore, Drake Thomas, and Payton Wilson. The defensive line of Cory Durden, CJ Clark, Devin Vann. The safety core of Tanner Ingle, Cyrus Fagan, Jakeen Harris. The cornerback core of Shyheim Battle and Derrek Pitts. These are just a handful and do not include the incoming first-year players and transfers. The defense has the potential to be one of the best in college football this season, if they can stay healthy that is.
Prediction: 9-3
Losses: Clemson, Louisville, North Carolina
Best Case Scenario: 11-1
Loss: Either Clemson or Louisville
Worst Case Scenario: 6-6
Losses: East Carolina, Clemson, Wake Forest, Louisville, North Carolina, and one of either Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, or Florida State
Keep in mind, I am not necessarily saying that NC State cannot finish better than 11-1 or worse than 6-6, however it would be extremely unlikely. It truly is throwing darts on a board right now. Last season I predicted we would finish 8-4, but we ended up finishing 9-3. Hopefully, they will outperform my prediction again this year. In the meantime, go pack!
