The Wolfpacker

July 2015

The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports

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30 ■ THE WOLFPACKER FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2015 BY JACEY ZEMBAL O ne of the more telling state‑ ments NC State head football coach Dave Doeren has made during the last two years is, "You are either moving forward or backward." The Wolfpack definitely made a big jump forward last season, going from 3‑9 over‑ all and 0‑8 in the ACC in 2013 to finish‑ ing 2014 strong with four wins in its last five games en route to an 8‑5 mark and 3‑5 league record. Fifth‑year senior quarterback Jacoby Bris‑ sett emerged as the answer in leading the offense, using his 6‑4, 235‑pound frame as a dual‑threat, running the ball and passing it. The Wolfpack used multiple quarterbacks during the difficult 2013 campaign and never settled into an offensive groove. Brissett's play combined with the of‑ fensive and defensive lines controlling the line of scrimmage helped NC State crush Wake Forest 42‑13 to become bowl eligible Nov. 15, and then the Wolfpack whipped rival North Carolina 35‑7 Nov. 29. The late surge ensured bowl practices, which will benefit the program in the years to come. NC State earned a berth in the Bitcoin Bowl in St. Petersburg against Central Flor‑ ida, and the Wolfpack's offensive balance was on display. NC State passed for 300 yards — including using a trick play with running back Shadrach Thornton throwing an 18‑yard touchdown pass to fullback/tight end Jaylen Samuels — and the ground game churned up 187 yards and two touchdowns on 49 carries in a 34‑27 victory. UCF scored a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter after falling behind 34‑13. Momentum was high going into the offseason, though the departure of fresh‑ man wide receiver Bo Hines, who elected to transfer to Yale after leading NCSU in catches, created an unexpected hole in the passing game. NC State finished strong in recruiting with Rivals.com ranking the class of 2015 tied for No. 35 in the country and seventh in the ACC. Several of the newcomers will get the chance to play right away this upcoming season, especially at wide receiver, running back and special teams. The return of Brissett and five other offen‑ sive starters combined with eight defensive starters has created excitement for the season and home opener against Troy Sept. 5. The schedule features six home games and six road games, culminating in hosting North Carolina Nov. 28. ■ The Offense Brissett and the "share the wealth" offense might need some time to break in its new of‑ fensive tackles and sort out the various young receivers, but the talent is there for the former Florida transfer. "[Jacoby] has turned into such a great manager of what we do," Doeren said. "He's very consistent, doesn't have a lot of change in his personality whether it's a good play or bad play, he just keeps playing." Brissett completed 221 of 370 passes for 2,606 yards with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions in 2014. He also rushed for 529 yards and three scores on 124 carries. The aforementioned Thornton leads what could be an exciting and program‑defining deep stable of running backs. The senior rushed 164 times for 907 yards and nine touchdowns in forming a strong one‑two PUSHING FORWARD NC State Aims To Build Off The Momentum From Last Year's Late-Season Surge Head coach Dave Doeren's team won four of its final five games in 2014, and returns 14 starters on offense and defense this season. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN

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