2008 NC State Wolfpack Football Preview

2008 NC State Wolfpack season preview from Maddux Sports. Below you can find our official NC State Wolfpack football preview as well as the 2008 NC State Wolfpack Football Schedule. When betting on college football against the bookmakers odds dont dismiss our NCAA football picks to help build your bankroll this year.

Coach: Tom O'Brien (2nd year at NC State)
Team Name: Wolfpack
2007 Overall Record: 5-7
Returning Starters: 10

In 2007 under new coach Tom O’Brien, the N.C. Wolfpack (5-7 overall, 3-5 ACC) finished tied for fifth in the Atlantic division. There was no bowl offer but there was a sense of improvement, and things look even a bit better in 2008. That is if the Wolfpack can find a starting quarterback.

There are five possible quarterbacks waiting to take the field for this team. That includes last year’s starter—senior Daniel Evans (339 ATT, 194 COMP, 2,030 YDS, 12 TDs, 13 INT) and redshirted freshman Russel Wilson, who looked very good in spring practices. The running backs are three deep, and they include junior Jamelle Eugene (172 CAR, 667 YDS, 5 TDs). O’Brien moved two defensive linemen to the O-line and that should help bolster that unit. The receiving group is speedy, big and talented. All-ACC tight end Anthony Hill returns after missing the entire 2007 season due to injury.

The defense has 11 sound players and very little backing them up. DE Willis Young (5.5 sacks) is a money player who can cause opponent offenses to make mistakes. Dynamic DT Alan-Michael Cash (48 tackles, 21 solo) is skilled and a stabilizing influence. The linebackers are all first-time starters. This unit is questionable. In the secondary, CB Jeremy Gray (46 tackles, 33 solo, 3 INT) leads a fine group that includes CB DeAndre Morgan and SS J.C. Neal.

The Wolfpack should get two wins in 2008. But with just two swing contests projected that leaves eight loses for N.C. State. Upsets are possible but not probable. Tossups will be September 20 versus East Carolina and October 4 against Boston College.

Who will be the starting quarterback? With Evans throwing, the Wolfpack should see consistent play. With Wilson in the pocket, the team will have a high-energy playmaker. The ground attack, aided by a bolstered frontline, should be solid. This team’s success is predicated on a healthy defense, which is very thin. O’Brien has worked hard to make this club better, but he needs at least one or two more years to make them competitive.

NC State Wolfpack Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Away
Aug 28	South Carolina	Away
Sep 6	William & Mary	Home
Sep 13	Clemson	Away
Sep 20	East Carolina	Home
Sep 27	South Florida	Home
Oct 4	Boston College	Home
Oct 16	Florida State	Home
Oct 25	Maryland	Away
Nov 8	Duke	Away
Nov 15	Wake Forest	Home
Nov 22	North Carolina	Away
Nov 29	Miami	Home

 

For more info on the 2008 NC State Wolfpack football program, view the Wolfpack sports website or scroll down below to read up on the rest of the ACC foes.