Last year at this time, NC State was preparing for the season with the full knowledge that Ryan Finley was entrenched as the starting quarterback and had an experienced receiving corps with which to work. The expectations were that the Wolfpack would employ a pass-heavy attack and lean on Finley for points and leadership. Those expectations were met in a 9-win campaign and a trip to the Gator Bowl. Finley, now with the Cincinnati Bengals, led his team to a 5-0 start and finished with over 3,900 yards passing. Finley left as NC State’s no. 2 all-time passer, trailing only Philip Rivers. This season offers a different outlook for head coach Dave Doeren, however. Doeren would not name a starter at the ACC Kickoff in Charlotte, but did express confidence that he has signal callers ready to run his offense.
It’s likely the 2019 version of the Wolfpack will be a more balanced attack after losing not only Finley, but two 1,000-yard wide receivers off last year’s squad. The biggest game on their schedule is on Nov. 9th, hosting Clemson. NC State will be a significant underdog to the Tigers, but they get the defending champions at Carter-Finley Stadium, where the Pack is 11-2 over the last two seasons.
During his press conference, Doeren also addressed the introduction of alcohol sales at the stadium.
DAVE DOEREN PRESS CONFERENCE:
2018 NC State at a glance (compiled by Menachem Miller)
NC State Wolfpack 9-4 5-3 Lost Gator Bowl to Texas A&M
Dave Doeren 7th season 43-34 20-28
| 2018 | ACC Rank | NCAA Rank | |
| Points Per game | 33.8 | 3 | 31 |
| Rushing Yards per game | 143.1 | 12 | 100 |
| Passing yards per game | 313.2 | 1 | 8 |
| Total yards per game | 456.2 | 3 | 25 |
| Defense | |||
| Points allowed per game | 24.9 | 4 | 45 |
| Rushing yards allowed per game | 131.5 | 2 | 28 |
| Passing yards allowed per game | 261.1 | 11 | 108 |
| Total yards allowed per game | 392.6 | 6 | 66 |
The Wolfpack return 12 starters, 4 on offense, 7 on defense, and the Kicker.
Statistical Leaders Returning
| WR | Games | Yards | TD | REC |
| Emeka Emezie | 12 | 616 | 5 | 53 |
| Defense | ||||
| Tackles | TFL | INT | Sacks | |
| James Smith-Williams | 36 | 9.0 | 0 | 6.0 |
| Larell Murchison | 32 | 8.0 | 1 | 4.0 |
| Isaiah Moore | 69 | 7.5 | 0 | 2.5 |
| Nick McCloud | 51 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Jarius Morehead | 81 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Returning Starters Offense
WR Emeka Emezie
TE Dylan Autenrieth
RG Joshua Fedd-Jackson
RT Justin Witt
Returning Starters Defense
DE James Smith-Williams
DT Larrell Murchison
LB Isaiah Moore
CB Chris Ingram
CB Nick McCloud
CB/S Stephen Griffin
S Jarius Morehead
Special Teams
K Christopher Dunn
Key Losses
QB Ryan Finley
RB Reggie Gallaspy 2nd
WR Kelvin Harmon
WR Jakobi Meyers
LT Tyler Jones
LG Terronone Prescod
DE Darian Roseboro
DT Eurndraus Bryant
LB Germaine Pratt
S Dexter Wright
P A.J. Cole
