College Football: 5 Surprise teams that could contend for a New Year’s Six Bowl
2. NC State Wolfpack
Led by quarterback Ryan Finley, NC State looks to continue their success from last season. After dropping the season opener against South Carolina, the Wolfpack went on a six-game win streak that included wins against Florida State and Louisville. Suddenly the Wolfpack found themselves ranked as high as 20th in the AP poll.
NC State would go on to finish their season 9-4 (6-2 ACC) and ranked 23rd in the AP Poll. One of their biggest keys to success in 2017 was their defense, but with the departures on Bradley Chubb and the rest of their front four, the Wolfpack will rely heavily on their offense in 2018. The combination of Finley and his receiving corps, which could be one on of the best in the nation we see this year, look to challenge opposing teams’ defenses every Saturday.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, Clemson is the favorite to win the ACC and will most likely win the conference championship. However, a non-conference win over West Virginia can strengthen the Wolfpack’s resume even with a blemish or two in conference play. Don’t get too wide-eyed when you see the Wolfpack inching closer and closer to the top 10-15 spots in this year’s playoff rankings. A trip to the ACC Championship game seems unlikely but one to a New Year’s Six Bowl should be foreseeable.