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Special Teams

In the past couple of years, State has had a penchant for excellence in kick-blocking but struggles elsewhere. Holt, who swatted three kicks last year, is back to frighten opponents. K Kent Passingham, who struggled through a checkered career, is gone. In his place will be sophomore Austin Herbert, who couldn't beat out Passingham last year but who holds the North Carolina high school record for career field goals (37). The other concern is on kick returns, another area that made Koren Robinson one of the ACC's most feared players. This, too, has been a tradition of excellence in the program.

Offensive Stars

Rivers was the only choice for ACC rookie award last year, as he spent the season -- particularly the first half of it -- trashing the State record book and threatening national marks for freshmen. Mechanically speaking, he is not the NFL prototype. His motions look stilted rather than fluid, and he will not beat you with his legs. He does make good decisions and is accurate. Robinson averaged 4 yards a carry last year and is in State's all-time top 10 in rushing yardage. TE Willie Wright emerged last year as a target -- particularly in times of pressure. Perhaps the most intriguing offensive player will be backup FB Cotra Jackson, who ran all over North Carolina to help the Pack pull away in a pivotal game for both teams last year. If Robinson struggles or is injured, as he often has been, will Jackson, who can play tailback, be an instant-offense replacement?

Offensive Philosophy

There is no apparent need to deviate from the ball-control, intermediate-pass offense installed with great success by coordinator Norm Chow in 2000. Chow has gone to USC, but new chief Marty Galbraith will probably adhere to many of the principles that helped acclimate QB Philip Rivers to college ball so quickly. One difference may be the amount of work given to TB Ray Robinson, the 1998 ACC Rookie of the Year. Robinson may get a few more touches, at least early on, than he received last year. Galbraith has a penchant for innovation as evidenced by the work he did with players such as Chad Pennington at Marshall.

Offensive Concerns

The deep threat, a fixture in Wolfpack football from Haywood Jeffires to Torry Holt to Koren Robinson, is a major question mark for the first time in 15 years. Robinson bolted for the NFL a year early and took his 62 catches and 13 touchdowns with him. That leaves Jerricho Cotchery and Bryan Peterson as the only returnees with experience at wide receiver, and it means a couple of true freshmen will have opportunities for immediate playing time. In fact, signees Dovonte Edwards and Fred Span will get serious looks because the Pack may not be able to wait for them.

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Defensive Philoshophy

The Pack plays a 4-3 that has been big on risk-taking in the secondary but not terribly effective in rushing the passer. While everybody wants to harass the quarterback, State has compensated for the weakness by finding big hitters at linebacker and in the secondary and by daring opponents to throw over the middle. This appears to be the way the 2001 Wolfpack will have to go at it.

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Defensive Concerns

The lack of a pass rush is a big concern. NC State finished fifth in the ACC in sacks last year and needs an upgrade to keep the pressure off an outstanding but overworked secondary. State anticipated having SS Adrian Wilson back for another year, but the junior surprised the staff by declaring for the NFL draft. Regardless of whether the coaches decide to go with youth or to move somebody over, that spot is vulnerable until proved otherwise. State was third in the ACC in pass defense last year, so things aren't really that bad. But why tempt fate?

Defensive Stars

From his first freshman practice in 1998, LB Levar Fisher impressed the staff with his fearless approach and willingness to dispense punishment. Some expected him to go pro after last year, but he decided to stick around. The 2000 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, he will be a serious candidate for the Butkus Award this season. One of Fisher's mates is 5-10 LB Dantonio Burnette, supposedly undersized but undeniably effective. In the secondary, Terrence Holt, brother of Torry, spent his true freshman year as a walk-on but is now an All-ACC free safety who broke up six passes and made 89 tackles a year ago. Senior Brian Williams has developed into an honors candidate at cornerback.