ACC Football: 5 most important non-conference games in 2017

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Dec 26, 2016; Shreveport, LA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Jaylen Samuels (1) and North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Bryce Kennedy (56) celebrate after the game against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Independence Stadium. North Carolina State Wolfpack defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

5. North Carolina State vs. South Carolina, Sept. 2

The North Carolina State Wolfpack already face a tough task in the Atlantic Division with Florida State, Clemson and Louisville. So starting the season facing an SEC opponent makes sense when it comes to competition level.

Doeren and the Wolfpack won three of their last four games in 2016, including a 41-17 Independence Bowl victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores.

The team returns nine starters on offense and eight on defense, which is second-most in the ACC. After going 7-6 last year, the Wolfpack have an opportunity to start off strong with a victory over the Gamecocks in Charlotte.

The Wolfpack last opened their season in 2012 against the Tennessee Volunteers, when they lost 35-21. Granted, the Gamecocks aren’t a top team in the SEC, but NC State is in the middle of the pack in the ACC.

The Wolfpack and the Gamecocks haven’t faced off since 2009 where they fell 7-3. Their last win over South Carolina was in 1999 (10-0).

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