FSU Season Preview: Opponent Previews

Nov 16, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Shadrach Thornton (10) is pursued by Boston College Eagles linebacker Steven Daniels (52) during the first quarter at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

AT NC State – September 27th

2013 Record: 3-9

Returning Starters: 6 on offense, 7 on defense

The ‘Noles return to the scene of where their national title hopes died in 2012 with a gut-wrenching 17-16 loss — one that is sure to be on players minds when they return to Raleigh this fall. The Wolf Pack are coming off a 3-9 season, in which eight losses were by double figures (including a 49-17 defeat at FSU). They constantly battled poor QB play from departed players Pete Thomas and Brandon Mitchell, but this year the reigns have been given to UF-transfer Jacoby Brissett. Brissett spent last season redshirting and developing chemistry with his receivers. Head coach Dave Doeren likes to mix in jet sweeps, zone-reads, and QB power looks on his offense and could do so this year with his stable of veteran linemen, running backs, and receivers.

The defense should also see improvement with the return of  multiple defensive lineman and linebackers to go with a solid secondary. This is a unit that struggled to get pressure on the QB (just 20 sacks in 2013), and that is key in disrupting Jameis Winston.