Josh Pate Highlights an Underrated ACC Team as a College Football Playoff Contender
With the ACC champion now guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoffs due to the 12-team expansion, there’s speculation that multiple teams could make it to the postseason. CBS Sports’ Josh Pate has pinpointed a team that many are overlooking as a potential playoff contender.
Currently, the top contenders for the ACC title are the Florida State Seminoles, Clemson Tigers, and Miami Hurricanes. However, Pate has chosen the NC State Wolfpack as his under-the-radar pick for the playoffs, bypassing these favorites. In a recent episode of Late Kick with Josh Pate, he highlighted NC State’s strong potential for this season.
“North Carolina State is a playoff contender now. They’re just below the top tier with an expected win total of eight and a half. This offense is very impressive and could rank among the best in the conference. The team is already known for its defense,” Pate remarked.
A significant boost for NC State came with the addition of Grayson McCall from the transfer portal. McCall had an outstanding season, leading Coastal Carolina to an 8-5 record, amassing 10,005 passing yards, 106 total touchdowns, and a 69.9% completion rate over five seasons with the Chanticleers.
Pate also pointed out that McCall will have a top receiver to target at NC State. Sophomore Kevin Concepcion had a standout freshman year, with 71 receptions, 839 yards, and 10 touchdowns. This strong offensive duo, combined with the Wolfpack’s solid defense, makes NC State a formidable force in the ACC.
While it may be a stretch to see NC State finishing in the top four, they have a strong chance to end up in the eight to twelve range for the College Football Playoffs. Winning the ACC Championship would secure their postseason spot, but achieving more than eight wins would also keep them in playoff contention.
The Wolfpack’s schedule is manageable, with key matchups against the Tennessee Volunteers in Week 2 and Clemson in Week 4. Although there are few easy games, NC State is poised to be competitive throughout the season.
