Athlon Sports No. 11

The 2002 Wolfpack won 11 games for the first time in school history and embarrassed Notre Dame in a New Year's Day bowl game. The encore will be performed with a defense that needs some rebuilding. The top five D-linemen are gone as well as linebacker D'antonio Burnette, the team's leading tackler, and two-time All-ACC free safety Terrence Holt.

Linebacker Pat Thomas, rover Mario Williams form the framework of the ’03 defense.

Lineman Chris Colmer racked up 151 knockdown blocks in 2002 and exudes All-America.



Noles busters: NC State is the only ACC program to have beaten Florida State in two consecutive seasons since the Seminoles joined the league in 1992.

Drought: NC State hasn't won an ACC title since 1979.

Kick away: The Wolfpack finished 2002 ranked second nationally in kickoff returns, averaging 24.9 yards a pop.

2002 results: 11–3 (5–3 ACC)

2002 Bowl Game: Defeated Notre Dame 28-6 in Gator Bowl

Returning starters: 7 offense, 5 defense, both kickers

2003 Schedule:

A. 30 Western Carolina
S. 6 at Wake Forest
S. 13 at Ohio State
S. 20 Texas Tech
S. 27 North Carolina
O. 4 at Georgia Tech
O. 11 Connecticut
O. 18 Clemson
O. 25 at Duke
N. 1 Virginia
N. 15 at Florida State
N. 22 Maryland

Schedule Analysis: The Sept. 13 game at Ohio State is surely already circled in red on the Wolfpack calendar. After beating Florida State and Notre Dame to close out the 2002 season, NC State is looking for another big name to add to its list, and Ohio State is it. A win at Columbus will boost the Pack into the Top Five, a loss will keep it in the Top 20. The ACC heavyweights are all in November, and two of the three are at home. Two weeks to get ready for Florida State in Tallahassee will help.

Final Word: New offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has to like the hand he has been dealt in Raleigh with Rivers at quarterback, McLendon in the backfield and Cotchery at wide receiver. The front seven on defense is a bit of a mystery at this point, but Chuck Amato has been recruiting well. The 23-year ACC title has an excellent chance of ending in 2003.

To pre-order the 2003 Athlon Sports Atlantic Coast edition, click on the magazine icon below. The Atlantic Coast and National editions are set to hit newsstands June 6.

#11 NC State