Since coming over from Boston College five years ago, HC Tom O'Brien has not been able to get NC State over the top. Will 2013 be any different for him and his Wolfpack?
Going into his SR season, QB Mike Gleannon has been accurate and productive. This year he will get his opportunity to live up to his billing as one of the most promising QBs in the country. He is big and strong, and if he can get help from those around him, he could be a top producer this year. SO RB Tony Creecy is fast, and catches well out of the backfield. The receiving corp is solid, but not spectacular. They should be able to produce solid numbers with Gleannon tossing the ball, and a solid o-line in front. Wentz, Allen, and Mattes are all SRs, and could be part of the best NC State o-line in the O'Brien era.
On the defensive side of the ball, NC State has an excellent secondary, and two other units in search of leaders. Up front, SO DT Thomas Teal is the most promising of the bunch. Unfortunately, the two DEs do not strike me as having the potential to get real pressure on opposing QBs. The linebackers will be without Terrell Manning and Audie Cole, their leaders from a year ago. Will any of the current LBs step it up and take over this year? The secondary however, is quite good. JR CB David Amerson may be the best CB in the whole country. He very well may be a top 5 pick in the 2013 draft if he comes out. He will be very difficult for opponents to throw on. SR safeties, Earl Wolff and Brandon Bishop are also very good players and this will make this one of the best secondaries in the nation.
NC State has a promising QB, and an exceptional secondary. Their success however will hinge on their run defense and their offensive weapons' ability to take advantage of their opportunities. If they can do those things, they will be bowl bound again.
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