The four ACC sports with pre-season polls released all list N.C. State near the bottom. Sports Editor Clark Leonard breaks down each team’s situation.
FootballPre-season prediction: Sixth of six teams in ACC Atlantic DivisionHow they got there: The team won eight ACC contests the past three seasons and is 15-20 overall since record-setting quarterback Philip Rivers graduated in 2003.How they might exceed expectations: If first-year coach Tom O’Brien can instill a new discipline, and the team can win some of the close games it lost consistently in 2006.How the prediction could ring true: If the team is plagued by penalties again and has to come from behind every week.
VolleyballPre-season prediction: 12th of 12 ACC teamsHow they got there: The program has won only one ACC match in the past five seasons.How they might exceed expectations: Second-year coach Charita Stubbs has to hope 10 freshmen, including four from California, can help the team make a fresh start.How the prediction could ring true: If the freshmen take a while to get up to speed, and the veterans can’t instill a new mindset.
Women’s SoccerPre-season prediction: 10th of 11 ACC teamsHow they got there: The team hasn’t had a winning season since 2002. While the team was 9-9-2 in 2006, it was only 3-7 in conference play. How they might exceed expectations: If the team can keep momentum throughout the season. After a 6-1-2 start last season, the team lost eight of its final 11 contests to close the year.How the prediction could ring true: The team can’t break through against conference opponents, leaving it with its 11th consecutive losing-ACC season.
Men’s SoccerPre-season prediction: Ninth of nine ACC teamsHow they got there: After an 11-7-1 season in 2005 when the team had a first-round NCAA Tournament bye, personnel losses left the team with a 6-10-1 campaign in 2006.How they might exceed expectations: If the program’s nationally-ranked recruiting class can make an impact and El Hadj Cisse and Ronnie Bouemboue continue to emerge.How the prediction could ring true: If the freshmen don’t make much impact, and the team’s returnees don’t keep improving.
