***** NCAA Football Preview - NC State Wolfpack *****

By Scott Haynes, College Football Senior Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -
2009 SEASON IN REVIEW: Tom O'Brien's third season at the helm in Raleigh was
certainly one to forget, as the Wolfpack struggled to a 5-7 overall mark,
including a 2-6 record in ACC play, good for just fifth place in the Atlantic
Division.

The Wolfpack were hampered by injuries before the season and during the
campaign that handcuffed this team in terms of star power and depth. That
resulted in several narrow losses, including three by six points or less.

The 2009 season began with a defensive struggle with SEC foe South Carolina,
but the 7-3 loss was the only setback in the month of September for NC State.
Victories over Murray State (65-7), Gardner-Webb (45-14) and Pittsburgh
(38-31) would close out a highly successful non-conference schedule and
provide the team with a bit of hope. However, ACC play would present a new set
of challenges, as the Wolfpack found themselves buried in the standings losing
all four of their October games, including a humbling 49-28 blasting at the
hands of Duke. Conference wins o......