Phil Steele predicts 'potent' offense, 'solid' defense for NC State

Count Phil Steele in as a believer in NC State and Dave Doeren for the 2023 college football season.

Ahead of another year of the sport we all know and love, Steele previewed just about everything there is to preview in college football. When speaking on NC State, Steele explained how the Wolfpack are flying under the radar, and why they could be a dangerous team in 2023.

“Dave Doeren had five straight winning seasons, finished in the top 25 in 2017 for the 3rd time in 23 years and then went 9-4 in 2018,” wrote Steele. “NCSt had lost 14 players off the ’17 & ’18 squads combined to the NFL. In 2019 his team had 51 frosh and rFr and went 4-8. The ‘Pack were -13 TO’s (pg 30) and rated a +5.0 on my SMI (pg 32). They made my Most Improved List #4 and I said could double the win total which they did at 8-4 with 3 & 2 pt losses. They went from one to a school record 7 ACC wins! In 21 they came up 3 pts short in their Atlantic title game vs Wake so “only” finished 9-3 and #20 AP. They would have won 10 if they played a bowl but were denied that chance when UCLA cancelled late. Last year expectations were high but they had to start 4 different QB’s. They opened 4-0 and were #10 AP (first top ten s/2002!) but lost at Clemson and after a 5-1 start finished just 8-5. Their 16 game home win streak was snapped in an upset loss to BC. They were -48 pg in ACC play with Leary starting just 6 games (2 ACC). NCSt has not won an ACC title in 43 years.

“This year expectations are lower but the Armstrong/Anae combo on offense should be potent and they will have a solid defense. Doeren does his best when under the radar and they could even top last year’s win total and be a darkhorse ACC contender with 4 winnable ACC road games.”

While expectations are lower and the Wolfpack lost longtime quarterback Devin Leary to the NCAA Transfer Portal, they also gained former Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong. That could end up being an upgrade for NC State if it all works out.

Nevertheless, NC State faithful may be scorned from last season’s letdown, but 2023 is a new year, and the Wolfpack could be roaring and ready to rock this campaign.