North Carolina State Wolfpack Football: Grading the Offense in 2011

After a 9-4 season in 2010, including a trip to the Champs Sports Bowl against West Virginia, NC State looks to improve and maybe fight for an ACC title in 2011.

Here, I will go through position by position and grade each unit of the offense.

From the quarterback to the offensive linemen, each unit is equally important in assuring a successful 2011 campaign.

The North Carolina State offense is going to be very interesting to watch in 2011, especially for the first few games.

After the debacle that was the Russell Wilson situation, Head Coach Tom O’Brien, going into his fifth season with the NC State Wolfpack, will have questions to answer.

This unit could be one of the tops in the country or a colossal bust.

There’s only one thing I can really say about the quarterback situation for the Wolfpack.

Either Tom O’Brien is really smart or really dumb.

Essentially telling All-ACC QB Russell Wilson to take a hike takes some big time guts.

Starter Mike Glennon will have some massive shoes to fill and a lot of pressure coming down on him to succeed and succeed fast.

Starter Mustafa Greene returns and hopes to improve from a stellar freshman season.

NC State hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since the 2002 season. That may very well change in 2011.

Behind Greene are three cable running backs: Dean Haynes, James Washington and Curtis Underwood.

The Wolfpack has three senior wide receivers (Graham, Howard and Smith) starting, but all three are coming off reserve roles in 2010.

NC State’s top three receivers from last season are all gone and fresh legs are ready to earn their stripes.

Senior leader and starting tight end George Bryan will have a huge role in the Wolfpack’s success in 2011.

The offensive line will need to replace both left side lineman, which will be no easy task.

Returning are three very proven starters, but offensive line coach Jim Bridge will earn his money if he can produce a solid unit come September 3.

(Considering they’re playing Liberty in their first game, they have some time to sync together.)