The conference champion of the ACC will have an automatic bid to the College Football Playoffs thanks to the 12-team expansion. However, many believe that multiple teams are capable of participating in the postseason. With that in mind, Josh Pate of CBS Sports takes a look at one team that’s flying under the radar as a possible playoff contender.
As of now, the favorites to win the ACC are the Florida State Seminoles, Clemson Tigers, and Miami Hurricanes. But Pate doesn’t pick any of them as his dark horse to make the playoffs. Instead, during his latest episode of Late Kick with Josh Pate, the popular sports analyst picks the NC State Wolfpack as a potential contender this season.
“North Carolina State’s a playoff contender here now. North Carolina State’s one notch below with a win total of eight and a half. This is a really sneaky good offense. This could end up being one of the best offenses in this conference and it’s a team that’s known for defense.”
The fact that head coach Dave Doeren landed Grayson McCall from the transfer portal was massive. McCall is coming off a monster year leading Coastal Carolina to an 8-5 record, putting up 10,005 passing yards, 106 total touchdowns, and a 69.9 completion percentage through five seasons with the Chanticleers.
On top of that, McCall has a stud receiver to throw to at NC State, as sophomore Kevin Concepcion, has the potential of taking over college football by storm. He completed his freshman year with 71 receptions, 839 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Not too shabby for true freshman wide receiver.
Combine that with the Wolfpacks’ defense and you have yourself a legitimate threat in the ACC. It’s hard to imagine NC State finish within the top-four. But they are certainly capable of finishing between eight and 12 for the College Football Playoffs.
One way to punch their ticket to the postseason is to win the ACC Conference Championship. But ultimately, if NC State can win over eight games they’ll be in contention for a playoff spot.
The Wolf Packs’ schedule isn’t too bad either. They do have a marquee matchup in Week 2 against the Tennessee Volunteers and another in Week 4 at Clemson. Outside from that, the schedule is winnable for NC State. There aren’t many “gimmie” games, but they can certainly compete week in and week out next season.