The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/368728
46 ■ THE WOLFPACKER BY RYAN TICE N ot much went as planned for NC State in its debut campaign under head coach Dave Doeren, at least on the field. Injuries, con- stant changes at the quarterback position and inconsistency were just a few of the major issues the Wolfpack encountered on a regular basis. However, there are reasons for optimism in 2014. The growing pains of a new staff are over. Players are comfortable and play- ing faster in schemes that are now familiar, and the athletes know program expecta- tions. The coaches have had time to distin- guish the team's strengths and weaknesses, and a huge group of new arrivals has in- fused talent into the roster. The media picked NCSU to finish fifth in the Atlantic Division this summer, but that half of the league is wide open after an expected top two of Florida State and Clemson. The Pack could well be on the right track and even surpass expectations with improvements in these five areas. 1. Take Advantage Of Better Chemistry And Leadership First, NC State needs to put last year's underwhelming campaign in the rear view mirror. There was no shortage of challenges staring down the Wolfpack last year, but Doeren looks at it as a learning experience. "I think adversity brings out a couple of things in people," he said. "I think it brings an opportunity to get better for me and for our team; that's what we've stressed. "That kind of season scars you, but I think it really does make you stronger. It makes you look at yourself. It makes your players rally around each other because nobody else is talking about them in a nice way. You have to really protect each other. It builds your chemistry if you use it the right way." That is exactly what has happened for the Pack this offseason, according to sev- eral players. Fifth-year senior running back Tony Creecy noted that in 2013, the squad not only had to go up against their oppo- nents but also themselves. "I feel like we had two teams last year," he said. "We had a team that bought in and the other half of the team that didn't buy in yet. "This summer, we focused on playing together and being one." Creecy said the players are united now, working toward one common goal. They spent more time together after the season than ever before, and it was a player-driven change, which is the key. Seniors, in addition to some younger players, have also stepped up to set the tone and hold each other accountable instead of relying on coaches to do so, which some noted was the case last season. Team chemistry and leadership have done a 180-degree turn in the last year, so it will be interesting to see if that carries over onto the field this fall. It appears that, "one Pack, one goal," is more than just words now. 2. Improve In The Red Zone The biggest problem on both sides of the ball for NC State in 2013 was how poorly the team performed in the red zone. NCSU had 39 trips inside of the red zone last year and scored 30 times, but found paydirt for just 17 touchdowns. Only eight teams in the country scored fewer red zone touchdowns. A stronger presence up front and under center should turn many of those field goals into extra point attempts after a touchdown. On the other side of the ball, oppo- nents reached the 20-yard line 40 times BOUNCING BACK Five Keys To NC State Executing A Successful Turnaround Under Dave Doeren Doeren and his players believe the adversity of the past season galvanized the Pack, leading to improvement in team chemistry and leadership that will pay dividends in 2014. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN