The Quad (NYT) Evaluates The 2008 Wolfpack

Famous alumni (non-football related): The two-time presidential candidate (2004, 2008) John Edwards; the ABC/ESPN auto racing and college football reporter Dr. Jerry Punch; the basketball great David "Skywalker" Thompson; the musician and former "Entertainment Tonight" host John Tesh, who should be elected into the N.B.A. Hall of Fame for composing the unforgettable "N.B.A. on N.B.C." theme music.

Season breakdown & prediction: N.C. State will only go as far as its offense can take it, and after barely gaining 1,000 yards rushing as a team and throwing 23 interceptions, the only place to go is up. But the offense will improve, and not only because it can’t get any worse. Having three running backs with starting experience is a huge bonus, because the trio can split carries in an attempt to tire out opposing defenses. At quarterback, the experience gained during last season’s struggles will pay dividends this fall, with the Wolfpack’s hoping either Evans or Beck will have learned from their mistakes and begin to play error-free ball. The defense is young, but talented. Early setbacks should lead to late-season maturity for a unit that features seven underclassmen. Big picture, O’Brien is a proven winner and the right fit in Raleigh; he was able to turn around a struggling B.C. program, and the rebuilding job with N.C. State should prove a much easier task. Looking at this season, the Wolfpack are definite bowl contenders should they amend their past offensive missteps. While repeating last year’s 5-7 mark is a possibility, I think getting up to seven wins is just as likely – so I predict a 6-6 finish and a lower-tier bowl appearance.