ACC football power rankings, Week 3: Clemson looks dominant yet again
By Dante Pryor
11. North Carolina Wolfpack (0-0)
The Wolfpack have yet to play this season, but there are a lot of questions in Raleigh. First, who is playing quarterback? Devin Leary is listed as QB1 on the roster, but how long of a leash does he have. North Carolina State does have three good running backs, but the offensive line had its struggles last season.
The defense was not bad last season. They lose linebacker Louis Acceus for non-COVID related medical reasons. Cornerback Nick McCloud transferred to Notre Dame in the offseason, and the defense is relatively young.
They do get a reprieve by playing a pretty marginal Wake Forest team in their first game of the year. There’s a lot to sort out at North Carolina State. Though head coach Dave Doeren should not be on the hot seat — no coach should be under the circumstances — he’s under significant pressure to improve from last season.
That might not happen this year. The ‘Pack is another team that needed spring and summer. Expect a long fall in Raleigh.