CFB 2015 Starts THIS Week: What do you expect from the Pack?

Well, the 2015 College Football season is just a few days away, with a pretty big slate (of mostly small schools) on Thursday this week.  But a couple of ACC teams do get moving on Thursday, including (16)GT hosting Alcorn State and Wake hosting Elon.  Both are viewable on ESPN3.

Oh yeah, the first of what will hopefully be many 2015 Chapel Hill L’s might also come on Thursday, as the Fightin’ Asterisks travel south to Charlotte to meet the Gamecocks in the middle.  That one, not surprisingly, is on the Flagship at 6pm.  Sadly, I’m not sure the ‘Cocks can “ram” it home in that one.  But we can hope.

Following that, (2)TCU hits the road at Minnesota (9pm, ESPN)

‘Cuse tees it up Friday as they play host to Rhode Island, also on ESPN3.

As does (4)Baylor, when they travel to Dallas to face SMU (7pm, ESPN).

Another top five program, (5)Michigan State also starts out on the road on Friday as they travel to Western Michigan (7pm, ESPNU).

(23)Boise State hosts Washington in Friday’s nightcap out west (10:15, ESPN)

But not until Saturday do most of the big boys get rolling.

A handful of the more interesting Saturday games are:

  • (21)Stanford at Northwestern (Noon, ESPN)
  • Louisville/(6)Auburn in ATL (3:30pm, CBS)
  • BYU at Nebraska (3:30pm, ABC)
  • (15)Arizona State at Tejas A&M (7pm, ESPN)
  • Tejas at (11)Notre Dame (7:30pm, NBC)
  • (20)Wisconsin/(3)Bama in Arlington, TX (8pm, ESPN)

There’s even a Sunday game, sort of (Purdue/Marshall).

Then in prime time on Labor Day Monday, the defending Nat’l Champs travel to Blacksburg to take on the Hokies (8pm, ESPN).  The Pack will of course have to face the Hokies in a little over a month, so it will be interesting to see how they fare.

Our own Pack of course, opens up the 2015 campaign at home at 6pm on Saturday, as they welcome the Trojans of Troy to the friendly confines of Carter-Finley Stadium.

But rather than talk mostly about the game vs Troy, as there will be plenty of time for that later in the week…not to mention that I’m on the road and bored but am nonetheless currently limited by use of a mobile device and its woefully undersized keyboard, and thus am not gonna sit here and type up a big preview…I’m more interested in folks’ opinions on what they genuinely expect of the Pack this season.

Some opinions of persons that I respect and which command my attention when I hear them, seem to indicate that we might be a year ahead of where I think (thought?) we were.  Granted, the soft schedule has at least a bit to do with that I’m sure.  But if I’m listening correctly, it is not the entire story they’re trying (not) to tell.

For my own opinion, I expect a floor of 8 wins with this schedule.  I’m also fully aware that in the past when I’ve had those sorts of expectations, we’ve struggled to reach that mark more often than not.

Soooo….what is YOUR expectation of this year’s team?

Will we flop?  Should we be scouting theeOhioState on Monday as well, expecting a January showdown?

Everyone is still undefeated as of this moment, so there’s no wrong opinion.

Some recent news:

Prized RB recruit Johnny Frasier is likely to redshirt….

NC State’s Frasier will have to wait his turn (CharlotteObserver.com)

N.C. State has enough depth at running back, even with senior Shadrach Thornton’s suspension, that the plan is to redshirt Johnny Frasier this season.

Frasier, a freshman from Princeton, was rated as the top recruit in the state by Scout and in the top 100 nationally by both Scout and ESPN. Frasier (5-10, 230 pounds) ran for 7,100 yards and 99 touchdowns in his prep career and made waves before Signing Day in February when he switched his commitment from Florida State.

But Thornton, junior Matt Dayes, sophomore Dakwa Nichols and freshman Reggie Gallaspy are ahead of Frasier on the depth chart.

Coach Dave Doeren said Frasier, who was practicing earlier in the week with the scout team, will likely redshirt this season but he hasn’t made a final decision.

“If that’s what we end up doing, we will only do it because we think it’s the best thing for him,” Doeren said.

 

At least in part, if Frazier’s redshirt does come to pass, it will come due to a youthful abundance in the backfield….

NC State May Turn to Stockpiled Frosh RBs Sooner Than Expected (TodaysU.com)

One of the school’s supporters dressed in red waiting in line added some commentary as Doeren signed.

“Sure hope you can get that Bryce Love kid,” he said, referring to the then-Wake Forest High senior that was a Rivals.com four-star prospect ranked the No. 6 running back in the nation.

Doeren, who is known for speaking in a flat tone with the media, didn’t display stress over the recruiting battle for local talent or irritation at the question. He didn’t lift his head as he kept signing, stating in an even tone, “There are a lot of good running backs in the area.”

And Doeren landed three of them.

Although Love committed with Stanford, three other nearby four-star running backs that signed with NC State: Garner’s Nyheim Hines (No. 2 all-purpose back in the nation), Princeton’s Johnny Frasier (No. 24 RB in the nation) and Greensboro Southern Guilford’s Reggie Gallaspy (No. 28 RB in the nation). Frasier had committed early to Florida State before de-committing to stay closer to home.

 

Luke DeCock, who incidentally is NOT one of the aforementioned opinions I referred to above, seems to think our O/U is in the 9 win range….

Nine wins well within reach for Wolfpack (CharlotteObserver.com)

It took Tom O’Brien four years to win nine games at N.C. State, and it took Chuck Amato three years, and it took Mike O’Cain two. As Dave Doeren enters his third season at N.C. State, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t get there as well, in roughly the same time frame as his three predecessors.

That’s where the bar is set for the Wolfpack this season: Nine wins, at a minimum, with third place in the Atlantic Division eminently attainable. Ten wins and a solid, attractive bowl game are within reach – and with an upset or two and some help elsewhere, perhaps even a very slim shot at the division title.

Either way, with what should be four guaranteed nonconference wins to open the season against Troy, Eastern Kentucky, Old Dominion and South Alabama – which sounds like the roster of teams at a low-grade holiday basketball tournament in some wind-blown beach town otherwise shut down for the winter – N.C. State is in prime position to make another leap forward in the win column.

 

And a couple of other preview type thingys from Sammy Batten and JPG, respectively….

N.C. State football: Season preview (FayObserver.com)

Five players to watch

Leader of the Pack: Jacoby Brissett

Position:  Quarterback

Class:  Senior

About Brissett: Jacoby was one of three Power of Five conference players to pass for 2,000 yards, rush for 300 throw for 20 or more touchdowns and have five or fewer interceptions last season. He capped the year by earning MVP honors in the Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl when he piled up 293 yards of total offense.

The Target: David Grinnage

Position: Tight end

Class: Junior

About Grinnage:  At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, Grinnage looks like a prototypical tight end. But he’s much more, having emerged as a deep threat and consistent pass receiver as a sophomore. Grinnage led the Wolfpack with five touchdown receptions in 2014, including a 45-yarder against Florida State. He made 27 catches on the year for 358 yards.

The Rookie: Nyheim Hines

Position: Running back-receiver

Class: Freshman

About Hines:  One of the most versatile athletes on N.C. State’s roster, Hines will see action at running back, slot receiver and returning kicks this season. If he touches the ball as much as we expect, Hines should be a strong contender for ACC Rookie of the Year honors.

The Veteran: Mike Rose

Position: Defensive end

Class: Senior

About Rose:  Mike is one of the most experienced players on N.C. State’s roster with 36 games played in his career. He was one of the ACC’s top defenders in 2014 when he made 46 tackles, a team-best 15 tackles for loss and five sacks. Rose also paced the Wolfpack with five quarterback hurries.

The Hammer: Shadrach Thornton

Position: Running back

Class: Senior

About Thornton: Despite starting just two games in 2014, Thornton led N.C. State in rushing with 907 yards. He was at his best down the stretch, racking up 367 yards over the final three games. Thornton enters his junior year 10th on the Wolfpack’s career rushing list with 2,369 yards. He’ll miss the first two games of the season for a team violation.

NC State football: What you need to know (NewsObserver.com)

Best-case scenario: The defense picks up where it left off, the key new parts on the offensive line merge with the old and Brissett leads them to a split with Clemson and Florida State and N.C. State’s first Atlantic Division title.

Worst-case scenario: The defense reverts to early 2014 form, the offense stalls and the special teams are a mess with a freshman kicker and freshman punter. South Alabama bites them in late September, the division road woes continue and a home loss to UNC keeps them out of a bowl.

Bottom line: There’s a chance here for N.C. State to make a move. A division title might be down the road for Doeren but there are 10 wins available (including the bowl) on this schedule.

So, less than six days until the Pack’s 2015 Season gets rolling.

I’m all goose-pimply in anticipation of the end of the summer doldrums.

So, talk it up already!!!!

About Wufpacker

A 2nd generation alumnus and raised since birth to be irrationally dedicated to all things NC State. Class of '88 and '92.

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Home Forums CFB 2015 Starts THIS Week: What do you expect from the Pack?

Viewing 25 posts - 26 through 50 (of 55 total)
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  • #88154
    TheCOWDOG
    Moderator

    Kool-Aid? What kind of insinuation is that?

    What about Louisville in C-F is so intimidating? That’s pretty much the same team we had on the ropes,on the road,short 7 players.

    Clemson? Ya want HISTORY? In C-F? Always a ballgame.

    VaTech in Beamerville? It’s a road game…but a roadie against an over inflated team with enough warts to warrant a Pack win possibility.

    Cold beers, yes. Kool-Aid? Kool-Aid be fo’ sheeple.

    #88155
    Khan
    Participant

    7-5. The risk is to the upside.

    #88156
    Mike
    Participant

    I think we have something we have not had in a long time, and that is some speed and depth at key positions.

    The D came on strong last year and I expect even more improvement this year. We lost some key guys on the line but our depth is good and new guys ready to step in. Our LB’s will be strong and secondary should be as well.

    We rarely play well in Tallahassee but we always play Klempsun tough in CF. I think if we beat Louisville, and I think a good chance in CF for the home conference opener, we have a good chance of splitting FSU/Klempsun. If we lose to Louisville, I think we lose both of these others.

    VTech is always a tough game but I think our D will be enough to hold them down and hope we get some quick scores on them to force them to play catch up.

    Summary – I beleive L is the pivotal game to determine the fate of the season. Win L and I think 10-2 is a good possibility even if the 2 are FSU and Klempsun. Lose to L, and I think it could snowball to VT as well and 8-4 is a distinct possibility.

    We WILL break the hold in WS and Chestnut Hill this year and no way UNX beats us in our house.

    #88157
    Daniel_Simpson_Day
    Participant

    Were I a bookmaker, I’d set the over/under for regular season wins at 8. I salute all the fans who are able to look past our historical egg layings…I’m not there yet. I just see several games that are a coin flip for me; momentum swings either way could lay the ground work for a magical season or another ho-hum season of beating up on 4 cupcakes and going .500 in conference.

    #88158
    PackofMac
    Participant

    We win 9 and if we lose at Wake just remind one of the 36 actual Wake fans there who put butts in the seats because it sure as hell wasn’t the Wake Forest football team. Other than the couple of Grobe years it really must be a kick in the rear to any true Wake fan to see your home stadium 3/4 full of visiting team fans. Sorry about the rant….Pack wins 9 regular season games.

    #88159
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Were I a bookmaker, I’d set the over/under for regular season wins at 8. I salute all the fans who are able to look past our historical egg layings…I’m not there yet. I just see several games that are a coin flip for me; momentum swings either way could lay the ground work for a magical season or another ho-hum season of beating up on 4 cupcakes and going .500 in conference.

    My sentiments exactly.

    I like what DD is building, but I’m unable to yet believe that, culturally speaking at least, the program has gotten past the the haunting history of (insert sad trombone sound here).

    I have written off MLB for the year, in spite of having to sit thru at least two more excrutiating displays by a certain group of birds who started just going thru the motions about the time they took a share of the wild card a couple of weeks ago….and rarely have I been so inclined to resort to stalker/mass murder behaviour.

    But I digress….

    Basically, CFB is arriving at just the right moment to prevent either homicide or suicide. Or both.

    Guarded optimism rules the day for Pack Football. I can see a possibility for a special season. I can see the possibility for a (insert sad trombone sound here).

    If we even just manage to avoid the trombone, (8 wins or more regular season) then I think we’re about where we should be in the program development process.

    Clemson, ‘Ville and @VT are not the typical flip games. Losing all 3 should not be (but probably will/would be) viewed as a chicken little sighting.

    #88160
    Texpack
    Participant

    If we win at Wake then we go 11-1 and the bowl doesn’t matter.

    If we lose at Wake we go 8-4 and end up playing a Sun Belt team in front of about 4600 fans.

    #88161
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    I get what you’re saying Tex, so don’t think my following comment to be dismissive of your point. Plus, I’m still being kinda bitchy re: MLB (but go ‘Stros, and such)…

    But…

    If we DO go 11-1, by definition the bowl will matter.

    The stage would be a big one in all likelihood…so there’s that.

    Plus we’d have the chance to reach the 12 win plateau for the first time in ever.

    11-1 regular season would make me want to run nekkid thru campus.

    A mixed blessing to be sure.

    #88162
    BJD95
    Keymaster

    Vol – I really like Kubes, and I think you may even enjoy your Christmas present!!

    #88163
    tjfoose1
    Participant

    CD and Fastback added some of the detail and rationale to my 10 win pronouncement.

    But I understand those more pessimistic. It’s been a long time since the Wolfpack had this level of competence roaming the sidelines, and it’s not easily discernable frim this distance 3 years in.

    But it’s there, no doubt about it.

    #88164
    Wulfpack
    Participant

    I’ll go with 8-4 with losses to FSU, Clemson, Lville and Va Tech. More likely than not, we’ll upset one of those but it is offset as we’ll drop one we probably shouldn’t. Wake and BC definitely come to mind. I am excited about the season, though the level of the opponent the first month of play leaves much to be desired.

    #88165
    Mike
    Participant

    Now how can I root for us to go 11-1????? I would love it but the thought of anyone running nekkid thru campus frightens me.

    #88166
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    ^ No flash photography, plz.

    #88167
    Texpack
    Participant

    I get what you’re saying Tex, so don’t think my following comment to be dismissive of your point. Plus, I’m still being kinda bitchy re: MLB (but go ‘Stros, and such)…

    But…

    If we DO go 11-1, by definition the bowl will matter.

    The stage would be a big one in all likelihood…so there’s that.

    Plus we’d have the chance to reach the 12 win plateau for the first time in ever.

    11-1 regular season would make me want to run nekkid thru campus.

    A mixed blessing to be sure.

    It would all be gravy at that point but I’d probably have a knot in my stomach for that bowl game

    #88168
    YogiNC
    Participant

    I’d LOVE a bowl game like the stomping of ND down in Jaxtown. That was a special win. When the QB got crumpled I broke into “turn out the lights, the party’s over”(respects to Dandy Don). With a few breaks that team could have gone undefeated. Turning the lights out on Bobby and the Noles on a cold November Saturday night was the cream on the top of that season. The goal posts coming down was one surreal sight.

    Smarter than the average bear

    #88169
    Wufpacker
    Participant

    Tex…ditto.

    Yogi…ditto.

    2 beers in, 40 mins to first pitch. Orioles effing suck, man.

    No, no…wait. I didn’t mean that.

    Yeah…I did. At least in the moment.

    DAMMIT!!!!!!

    #88170
    VaWolf82
    Keymaster

    I’ll go with 8-4 with losses to FSU, Clemson, Lville and Va Tech.

    I agree, though the odds of beating L’ville and VT are not terrible.

    #88171
    Gowolves
    Participant

    I’ll go with 8-4 with losses to FSU, Clemson, Lville and Va Tech.

    I agree, though the odds of beating L’ville and VT are not terrible.

    I think the best odds of the four is Clemson. They lost a lot defense. The game is at home on a holiday weekend. Maybe a afternoon or a night game depending on records. Va Tech is on the road at night… tough sledding. Louisville lost a few players but from what I read they have a lot of transfer players coming in that are really talented. Plus Petrino is a much better coach than Dabo.

    #88172
    Wolfanatic
    Participant

    Running nekkied through campus?
    Been there, done that. Spring semester 1974. A staged streak, probably 1-2 hundred streakers. Somewhere, I still have a “Wolfpack Streaker” bumper sticker….Probably lost a lot of potential dates that night (insert sad trombone sound).

    #88173
    SaccoV
    Participant

    I expect a lot of yards on the ground.

    #88174
    FergusWolf
    Participant

    ^ and ^^

    From the streakers?

    #88175
    SaccoV
    Participant

    Touche, FergusWolf. Touche.

    #88176
    ryebread
    Participant

    Not sure if those predicting 9+ are optimistic, or if I’m just pessimistic. It could be a little bit of both.

    I do think that if the OL has a season like the last time we had 9+ regular season wins (Gator Bowl year), then we’ll win 9+ again. This offense has the balance needed to do so, and we have enough skill players. It will come down to the line.

    I really hope those that are optimistic are right. My 8-4 prediction is admittedly “pulled down” by the history of NC State football. I don’t actually think Louisville and VT are very good, or on paper really better than we ware. I expect we’ll lose one of those, and possibly a WTF game at Wake or BC.

    #88177
    SaccoV
    Participant

    In terms of prediction, mark me down for 9 wins for the season, but a 5-3 record in this league is a must for me. I hope that CDD has the same mentality. There’s no reason to hedge expectations for this team. We have the best RB core in the league by far. We have (at worst) the 3rd best QB in the league, probably the 2nd best running QB (if you take Watson over him). FSU is the only game I would mark as an expected loss from this point. If our running game is as good as the end of last season, all of us will be very happy with the results.

    #88178
    JasonP
    Participant

    All this optimism worries me. I don’t like the pace of the schedule at all. Clemson sandwiched between 4 road games. I’d consider it a decent position at 6-4 going into the Cuse/UNC games to end the regular season but 5-5 might be more realistic.

    My prediction: 7-5 and a trip to the Pinstripe Bowl.

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