NC State Wolfpack 2016 NCAA Football Preview

NC State Wolfpack 2016 NCAA Football Preview

NC STATE WOLFPACK

Atlantic Coast Conference – Atlantic Division

 

2015 Record – 7-6

ATS – 6-7

 

2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank

Atlantic Division #4

Conference #8

 

2015 Recap

The season went pretty much according to plan. The Wolfpack won seven games, and in each of those games, NC State was favored to win. When they played the big boys of the ACC – the outcome was similarly predictable. They never embarrassed themselves – but in their five conference losses only one game ended up being a single digit deficit. They had a chance to knock off an SEC opponent in the Belk Bowl but were blown out 51-28 by Mississippi St.

 

2016 Preview

OFFENSE

One of the most interesting QB competitions anywhere this summer is going to be what shakes out at NC State. Boise St transfer Ryan Finley may have the upper hand since new OC Eli Drinkwitz is also coming over from the Broncos. However, sophomore Jalen McClendon, and even unproven Jakobi Meyers has a shot. No matter the outcome, there needs to be better production at QB for the Wolfpack to make noise in the ACC Atlantic. It would be helpful if NC State could uncover some weapons at WR. Last season their leading receiver was FB/TE Jaylen Samuels who was very reliable but averaged less than 10 yards per reception.

The Wolfpack are well stocked with talent at the RB spot. The big question will be how quickly the inexperienced offensive line can develop into a cohesive unit. They lost over 100 career starts on the line but got a talented transfer in 1st Team Sun-Belt performer (Joseph Scelfo – South Alabama) who will step right in at center. Overall, we see a lot of questions on offense and not enough answers. Even with an easy start to the schedule, we would be surprised if NC State scored 30 points per game like they did the past two seasons.

DEFENSE

The defense has the potential to be really good this season. Last year the Wolfpack were above average in the ACC in most statistical categories including total defense (5th), run defense (5th) and sacks (5th). This year 8 starters return and they have been improving steadily over the past couple of seasons. In particular, the run defense was solid last year holding opponents to 147 yards a game (4.3) and they also managed to register 32 sacks as a team. We predict that all but the most explosive offensive teams on the schedule are going to have trouble moving the ball consistently on the Wolfpack.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The return game should be excellent once again. NC State ranked near the top of the ACC in kickoff returns and punt returns and the same players return this season. They will need to do better on FGs as they were a horrific 7/14 last season and did not make ONE field goal outside of 40 yards. PK Connor Haskins takes over in 2016.

 

MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10)          6.0

MEGALOCKS says:

NC State gets the benefit of an easy schedule to start the season. That will give the offense a chance to catch up to the defense. Six of their last eight games are very challenging including road dates against Clemson, Louisville and North Carolina. Oh, a couple of “soft” ones are in there. Home to Notre Dame and Florida St. They could be a lot better in 2016 but not have it show up in the win column.

Overall, we give the WOLFPACK a 6.0 ATS Value Rating (Above Average) this season. As we like to say often, any team with a sneaky-good defense is always on our radar. We would like to give the Wolfpack a higher rating, but just do not know enough about the QB situation, nor are we confident in the offensive line or production from the WRs. HC Doeren has only compiled a 17-20-1 ATS record so far at NC State but we think this team will be his first to break the .500 barrier against the number.

 

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