Key Stats for the Wolfpack: 8-4 record last year, lost in the Gator Bowl to Kentucky 23-21. Return 9 starters on offense and 10 on defense. Favorable home schedule has the Wolfpack hosting both division favorites: Clemson (9/25) and North Carolina (11/26).
Offensively, NC State returns a great deal of experience with their top three running backs and top three wide receivers returning for 2021. Redshirt sophomore QB Devin Leary is back after suffering a fractured leg against Duke last season. Leary threw for 890 yards with eight touchdowns in limited snaps last season. Zonovan “Bam” Knight keys the backfield after scoring ten touchdowns this past season.
Defensively, the Wolfpack struggled last season against the better teams on their schedule. According to Phil Steele, their five bowl foes averaged 41 ppg versus NC State’s defense. However, with nearly everyone back from that unit and a solid front-seven, the Wolfpack could be much improved this season.
NC State opens 2021 on Thursday, September 2nd against South Florida.
NCSU HC Dave Doeren & Players
