VOD Not Available
This video is not available.
NC State Football: Spring Practice Storylines That Matter
NC State football spring practice is here. The storylines that matter, what’s the big deal, what to worry about, and what’s all set.
March 9, 2016
NC State football spring practice is here. Here are the storylines that matter, what’s the big deal, what to worry about, and what’s all set.
It’s time for NC State to start picking up quality wins …
North Carolina State is the poster child of the program whose results are overstated by soft scheduling and a postseason that rewards any team boasting a pulse. In three seasons in Raleigh, Dave Doeren is 2-19 versus FBS opponents with a winning record. Two and 19.
Sure, he’s taken State to back-to-back bowl games, but what does that really mean? The Pack is angling to become a more competitive program, possibly moving into that next tier behind Clemson and Florida State in the Atlantic Division. Doing so will require replacing quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who accounted for 26 touchdowns each of the last two seasons.
No One Is Worried About …
The defensive line. Even without graduating defensive end Mike Rose, the Pack is going to be in great shape in the trenches this season. Everyone else from the two-deep is back, so the rotation will be loaded. Defensive end Bradley Chubb and nose tackle B.J. Hill performed like future all-stars as sophomores, while Darian Roseboro, Kentavius Street and Justin Jones showed flashes as well.
Extra Attention Must Be Given To …
Pass protection. State’s ability to open holes for Matt Dayes and Jaylen Samuels belied its issues in pocket protection. And now three starters, including All-ACC left tackle Joe Thuney, are gone from a group that was whipped for 39 sacks. Plenty will be asked of Tony Adams, Will Richardson and Tyler Jones, who played extensively as underclassmen.
The spring practice storyline that matters most …
