NC State Football: Will youth movement pay dividends in 2019?

RALEIGH, NC – DECEMBER 01: Head coach Dave Doeren of the North Carolina State Wolfpack pumps up the fans prior to their game against the East Carolina Pirates at Carter-Finley Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)

How will the Wolfpack fare in 2019?

Week 1: East Carolina (Aug. 31)
Week 2: Western Carolina (Sept. 7)
Week 3: at West Virginia (Sept. 14)
Week 4: Ball State (Sept. 21)
Week 5: at Florida State (Sept. 28)
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Syracuse (Oct. 10)
Week 8: at Boston College (Oct. 19)
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: at Wake Forest (Nov. 2)
Week 11: Clemson (Nov. 9)
Week 12: Louisville (Nov. 16)
Week 13: at Georgia Tech (Nov. 21)
Week 14: North Carolina (Nov. 30)

The Wolfpack’s win total completely hinges on how well they come together offensively. They are replacing a lot on that side of the ball.

Dave Doeren still wants “our offense” in Raleigh. Seeing true freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence win a national title at Clemson makes Doeren and his new offensive staff optimistic about starting a young quarterback.

Although they aren’t replacing as much on defense, they are still young especially on the defensive line and at linebacker. The back-end of the defense needs to play smarter and stay healthy.

Prediction: 7-5, 4-4 ACC

This looks like one of those take one step back to take four steps forward sort of seasons for Doeren and the Wolfpack.