NC State Wolfpack Football: 5 Keys to Winning the Upcoming Season

As I sit down to analyze the upcoming season for the NC State Wolfpack football team, I can't help but draw parallels to the international basketball scene. Just last week, I was studying the FIBA Asia Cup groupings where two-time champion Australia found themselves in what commentators are calling the 'Group of Death' alongside Korea, Lebanon, and Qatar. That exact same pressure-cooker environment is what our Wolfpack will face this season, and having watched college football for over fifteen years, I can tell you that surviving your own 'group of death' requires specific strategies.

The first key that comes to mind is quarterback development. Having witnessed Bailey Hockman's progression last season, I'm convinced that our offensive success hinges on whether Devin Leary can elevate his game to the next level. Last season, Leary completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 3,433 yards with 35 touchdowns against just 5 interceptions. Those numbers aren't just good—they're potentially program-changing if he can maintain that efficiency against tougher opponents. What many fans don't realize is that quarterback development isn't just about arm strength or accuracy; it's about decision-making under pressure, much like how Australia's basketball team must navigate through three dangerous opponents in their group stage. Every single throw matters, every read must be precise, and honestly, I think Leary has shown he's capable of handling that mental load.

Our defensive front seven needs to become the anchor of this team, similar to how Australia's defensive structure in basketball will determine their tournament fate. Last season, we recorded 37 sacks but allowed 4.3 yards per carry—a number that must improve if we want to compete with Clemson and Florida State. I've been particularly impressed with Drake Thomas' development, and my prediction is he'll lead the team in tackles for loss this season. The defensive line rotation needs to be deeper than last year, especially considering we lost three key players to the NFL draft. Watching spring practices, I noticed Cory Durden taking more leadership responsibility, which is exactly what we need from our veterans.

Special teams often gets overlooked, but in close games—and we'll have several—it becomes the difference between victory and defeat. Remember the Clemson game last season? We lost by 10 points, but missed a field goal and had a punt returned for 28 yards that shifted momentum. Those hidden yardage moments are what separate good teams from great ones. Christopher Dunn needs to maintain his 84 percent field goal accuracy from last season, and our coverage units must improve their tackle efficiency from 78 percent to at least 85 percent. These might seem like small details, but in a 'Group of Death' scenario like ours, every point matters just as much as it will for Australia against Lebanon or Qatar.

The offensive line depth concerns me more than any other position group. We're returning four starters, but the loss of Ikem Ekwonu to the NFL creates a massive void at left tackle. During my conversations with coaches last month, they emphasized developing Timothy McKay as Ekwonu's replacement, but replacing a top-10 NFL draft pick is never easy. The line allowed 28 sacks last season—a number that must decrease despite losing our best player. What gives me hope is that Derrick Eason has put on 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason and appears ready for increased snaps.

Finally, the mental toughness required to navigate our schedule cannot be overstated. We face five teams ranked in the preseason top 25, including back-to-back road games against Clemson and Syracuse in October. That stretch will define our season, much like Australia's game against Korea will likely determine their tournament trajectory. From what I've observed during summer workouts, this team has developed stronger leadership than last year's squad, with veterans organizing player-led practices and film sessions. That organic leadership development often translates to better in-game decision making when facing adversity.

Looking at the bigger picture, our path to success mirrors what Australia faces in their 'Group of Death'—every game matters, every possession counts, and margin for error is minimal. The Wolfpack have the talent to compete for an ACC championship, but talent alone won't suffice. Execution in critical moments, health at key positions, and perhaps a bit of luck will determine whether we're celebrating in December or wondering what might have been. Based on what I've seen this offseason, I'm optimistic we can win 10 games, but that prediction comes with the understanding that three of our games will likely be decided by a touchdown or less. Those are the moments that separate good seasons from great ones, and frankly, I believe this team has the character to win those close contests.