Coming off another season where NC State fans are left speechless when recollecting on the year, the Pack looks to add a little more to their resume' than, "Uh... at least we beat UNC."

Although a 5-7 record isn't fun to sit through at Carter Finley Stadium, there is some relief in knowing three of the team's six losses came by six points or less. However, the Pack has an even more rigorous schedule for the upcoming year, with games on the road against Georgia Tech and UNC, as well as home bouts against Virginia Tech, Florida State and Big East power Cincinnati. Head Coach Tom O'Brien returns a team that cringes at the word "injuries," and will need to stay healthy to post a winning record in 2010. Having lost key players in each of O'Brien's first three years, the Pack remains hopeful as they head to into training camp with a depth chart relatively injury free, knock on wood.

Let's break down the 2010 Wolfpack roster:

Quarterback Russell Wilson

Running Backs: Almost as much as I loved watching C.J. Spiller leave Clemson, I hated losing Toney Baker and Jamelle "U" Euguene to spent eligibility. The running back duo accounted for over 1,000 rushing yards in 2009, and now leave young backs Curtis Underwood and James Washington to shoulder the load. Underwood redshirted last year, while Washington, who has the speed to be a breakaway threat, had his season cut short by injury. The Pack also has several other viable options challenging for playing time, including talented recruits, Mustafa Green and Anthony Creecy. Redshirt freshman Travis Leggett may also find a way into the backfield after rushing for 129 yards in the 2010 spring game. This season marks the first in what feels like forever, when the Pack doesn't have a solid starter at running back. With so many unproven options in the mix, NC State needs a leader to emerge before the season opener to help take pressure off of Wilson.

Tight Ends: While the wide outs will undoubtedly be a focal point as teams prepare for NC State, opposing defenses face another major mismatch with the return of All-ACC Tight End George Bryan. This 6-5, 265 -pound tight end ranked second on the team in receptions during 2009, when he hauled in 40 balls and snagging six touchdowns. Behind Bryan, the options look pretty thin. Back-up sophomore Asa Watson had only a single reception during last year's campaign, and will have much to prove should the worst befall Bryan.

Offensive Line: My heart tells me to be optimistic but my brain says be realistic. Even worse, the cynic in me is begging to take sarcastic shots at our "push and shove, but not too hard," offensive line. The O-Line gave up 30 sacks with Wilson under center in 2009. 2010 will mark a fresh start for this unit, and while the Pack only return one starters in Jake Vermiglio, they have several sophomores that showed promise during spring camp. The biggest storyline of the O-Line will be the development of five-star recruit at tackle, Robert Crisp. Recruited out of Athens Drive High School, Crisp towers at 6-7 and weighs in at a whopping 299 lbs. Crisp may prove to be the anchor of a young offensive line, where this season the lineman can hopefully hold their own to give Wilson more time in the pocket.

Defensive Line: Defensive Coordinator Mike Archer faces an uphill battle to rebuild a defensive line that lost all four starters from last year. However, the depth chart isn't completely depleted. The Pack will welcome back defensive end Jeff Reiskamp, who was sidelined all of last season with an injury. Shocker, I know. Senior Audi Augustin has appeared in 36 career games and offers a solid replacement to Willie Young. The Pack also add Northeastern transfer David Akinniyi, who should see playing time as well on the defensive front. To plug in the remaining holes, the Pack will look to defensive end Michael Lemon and defensive tackles Markus Kuhn and Natanu Mageo, three players who have valuable experience. The line appears to be a grab-bag of mixed talent, but with all of the options having a respectable amount of experience under their belts, they could prove to be just the right combination for the Pack.

Linebacker Nate Irving

Secondary: I've read all sorts of articles describing the secondary from last year, ranging from ESPN Insiders to the casual blogger, and two terms keep showing up: depleted and ineffective. That's not the ideal scenario a coach, or even fan, wants to see when it comes to the ACC. The conference is stacked in talented quarterbacks from Florida State's Christian Ponder to Virginia Tech's Tyrod Taylor. Simply put, having an "ineffective" secondary just won't cut it. The Pack looks to start four sophomores in 2010, meaning the rest of the conference will look to exploit their young defensive backfield. Therefore, State's defensive success ultimately falls on the DBs to show everyone else they're up to the task of locking down opposing receivers. I always favor the underdog, and NC State's secondary may be one of the bigger ones. If the Pack is to have a breakout season, the defensive backfield needs to rise to the challenge.

Special Teams: Once State finds the endzone four times in 2010, senior kicker Josh Czajkowski will have the opportunity to eclipse the school record of 76 consecutive PAT's. He is third among active kickers for career field goals at 26, and with increased opportunities, is an important weapon for the Pack. Redshirt freshman Chris Ward will battle last year's punter Jeff Ruiz for the punting duties. However, the big name in special teams is explosive return-man T.J. Graham. After amassing over 1,600 return yards in his collegiate career, Graham keeps fans on their toes when the opposition is foolish enough to allow him an opportunity to return a kick.

Prediction: With a loaded passing game lead by the accurate arm of Russell Wilson, NC State won't shy away from lighting up the scoreboard in 2010-2011. With an inexperienced secondary on defense, I can see most games turning to a shoot-out with State playing to have the last possession. Wilson is a veteran when it comes to leading his team in come-from-behind moments, and with a stacked receiving corps combined with an equally talented Linebacking unit on defense, the Wolfpack have the potential to create havoc in the ACC.

I see an 8-4 finish with a Music City Bowl appearance, and a fourth, consecutive victory over UNC.