ACC Football - 2021 NC State Wolfpack Preview
Our NC State Wolfpack preview 2021 observes that this team had a tough time finding consistency last season. Their 8-4 overall mark and 7-3 ACC record were certainly respectable, as they finished fourth in the conference. Still, in their first seven games, they were 4-3. However, the Wolfpack did reel off four straight wins and earned a trip to the Gator Bowl where they lost to the Kentucky Wildcats 21-23. This season, we expect NC State to bring a fine core of running backs and receivers to the field as well as one of the best linebacking units in the ACC. Still, in 2021, there are questions marks for this team.
NC State Offense
In 2020, sophomore QB Devin Leary started three games before a broken leg took him out of the mix for the rest of the season. Overall, Leary looked good completing 66 of 110 passes for 890 yards and eight TDs. He also tossed two picks. Although his action was limited, Leary proved to be able to generate offense and push the ball down the field. There’s also solid backup at the position. Three starting wideouts return, including Emeka Emezle who caught 47 passes for 738 yards and five scores.
In the last two seasons, RB Bam Knight has gained 1,533 yards and scored 16 times. In 2021, he could post a major breakout season. Plus, junior RB Ricky Person Jr. brings additional yardage to the ground game. The frontline is led by LT Ikem Ekwonu, one of the ACC’s finest run blockers.
NC State Wolfpack Preview 2021 - Defense
In 2020, the NC State defense defined inconsistency. The major factor that shaped the group’s performance was WLB Payton Wilson. When he was healthy, so too was the Pack’s D, but when he wasn’t, the defense struggled. Last year, Wilson led the team and the ACC with 108 tackles while also making two interceptions. Nine starters return to this unit, including senior DE Daniel Joseph, who notched 6.5 sacks and junior MLB Isaiah Moore, who recorded 94 tackles.
The fact is last season the unit was potent when it came to rushing QBs and defending the pass. In the nation, they were in the top 15 in sacks with 32 and in picks with 10. However, the Wolfpack could not stop the run. The D-line, which had issues, welcomes senior FSU transfer Cory Durden at NT and talented freshman C.J. Clark. They’ll have to replace Alim McNeill, who was a major impact player upfront. Thus, their play will be key to the frontline’s success.
Specialists
The NC State specialists are some of the finest in the conference. In his past three seasons, placekicker Christopher Dunn has made 83.6% of his field-goal attempts (56-of-67). Also, our NC State Wolfpack preview 2021 observes that punter Trenton Gill has been sound, averaging 44.8 YPP. Knight is dynamic on kick returns and Thayer Thomas is solid on punts. Watch SLB Vi Jones, who last season blocked three kicks.
NC State Wolfpack Preview 2021 - Projection
Our NC State Wolfpack preview 2021 finds that this team will certainly be competitive. If Leary can stay healthy at quarterback and Wilson at LB, the Pack could be a truly tough team to beat. This will definitely be the case if their defense can step up against the run. NC State does have to contend with the fact that they are in the same division as Clemson. Last year, the Wolfpack finished second. This year, second place looks very possible once again for the 2021 NC State Wolfpack.
ACC Football - NC State Wolfpack 2021 - Predictions:
Second Place - ACC Atlantic
Duke’s Mayo Bowl vs. Auburn