NC State Athletics - Pack Pride Podcast

It's been a huge week for Wolfpack fans already, and we're not slowing down with our guests this week. Cory and James are joined by NC State baseball coach Elliott Avent and 1983 National Champion Ernie Meyers on this week's podcast! They discuss everything from the Pack9 being honored over the weekend, looking back on the CWS run, a look at the wins for football, men's and women's basketball and the first National Title since 1983. You don't want to miss this episode!

Needing a win over Syracuse to keep hopes alive for the ACC Championship Game, the Wolfpack handled business on Saturday. Cory and Michael take a look back on how the Pack slowed down Cuse and put together its own explosive game plan. How important were all three elements of the game for the Pack? Did the defense prove itself against the top running offense in the ACC? What comes next for State to close out the year against UNC?

NC State is coming off a gut-punch loss to Wake Forest, but still has plenty to play for in the final two weeks. That starts with this Saturday against a Syracuse team seeking bowl eligibility and looking to play spoiler against the Wolfpack. Stephen Bailey of Cuse Nation joins Cory Smith to break down the stellar season for Sean Tucker, what Garrett Shrader has brought to the Orange backfield, who to watch on defense and his prediction for Saturday's game!

The Wolfpack was handed its first loss of the 2021-22 season on Wednesday night by Oklahoma State by a final of 74-68. Cory and Miles give their thoughts on the performance for NC State and where the Pack needs to improve moving forward. What happened to the Wolfpack's offense vs. OK State? How much did losing the turnover battle impact this game? Who were the players that disappointed and who were the bright spots for the Pack?

NC State football dropped a crucial matchup in Wake Forest, but not all is lost for the 2021 season. Cory and James give their thoughts on the loss in Winston-Salem and try to talk Wolfpack fans off a cliff with a look at the rest of the year. We also take a look at the start to the season for NC State men's and women's hoops, the loss of Manny Bates and more heading into another full week of Wolfpack sports.

Despite all of the things that didn't go in NC State's direction on Saturday night in Winston-Salem, it still had opportunities to win the game down the stretch. Michael and Cory take a look back on the loss, how those opportunities were squandered and what comes next for the Wolfpack after the 45-42 loss to Wake Forest. Why didn't the offense get going early on? Why did Ricky Person and Zonovan Knight combine for 12 carries? How critical was Shyheim Battle's ejection and the rest of the penalties? We break it all down on the podcast.

This Saturday, NC State will battle Wake Forest for the keys to the car in the ACC, with the winner controlling their own destiny in the Atlantic Division with just two games remaining. You know, just like we all predicted before the season, right? Les Johns of Demon Deacon Digest joins Cory Smith on the Pregame Podcast to break down Sam Hartman's play, Wake's explosive receivers, where the defense stands and offers his prediction for Saturday's matchup!

NC State had to battle through some serious adversity early on -- both through a critical injury and poor shooting -- but responded with an 88-70 win over Bucknell. Cory and Miles break down the Wolfpack's season-opening win on the Postgame Podcast. What is the latest on Manny Bates and how big is the impact if he's out moving forward? Just how significant was Terquavion Smith's freshman debut? How did Jericole Hellems and Dereon Seabron step up down the stretch to solidify the win?

It's a busy week for NC State fans and the Pack Pride community, so James and Cory try to recap and preview it all! We start out with a look back on the Pack's win in Tallahassee in football and a preview of the massive matchup in Winston-Salem this Saturday. Miles Masercola joins the podcast to discuss men's and women's basketball in the final segment, offer his thoughts on some of the new players in the system and what to expect for both teams on opening night.

NC State needed a big response after a letdown two weeks ago in Florida, and it continued to right the ship with a big win over Florida State. Michael and Cory reunite to take a look back on State's win along with a brief preview of what comes next. Just how good was Devin Leary's performance against FSU? What does the emergence of Trent Pennix, C.J. Riley and Chris Toudle mean for the offense? How does this NC State defense just keep chugging despite all of the injuries?

Coming off a win over Louisville to remain undefeated at home, NC State travels to Florida yet again looking to stay on track in the Atlantic Division. Josh Newberg of Noles247 joins the Pregame Podcast to discuss the matchup and give his prediction for Saturday. What has made Jordan Travis more successful this time as a starter? Who are the playmakers on the offensive side of the ball? How has Jermaine Johnson remained so dominant this season? Newberg discusses those topics and more!

Coming off the lone public exhibition game on Monday against ECSU, NC State point guard Cam Hayes joins the Pack Pride Weekly Podcast! James and Cory discuss Hayes' first season in Raleigh, his improvements this offseason, new faces on the team and much more. In the second half of the podcast, the guys discuss the first College Football Playoff Poll release, the win over Louisville and look ahead to Saturday's matchup against Florida State on the road.

Not only did NC State need a win on Saturday against Louisville, it needed its new-look defense to step up in a big way. Cory Smith breaks down the game and why the defense was a catalyst all night long for the Wolfpack along with a look at the offense's resurgence in the fourth quarter. Cory rides solo in this podcast and also takes a look at Devin Leary's huge night, Drake Thomas embodying Isaiah Moore and hands out game balls on both sides of the ball!

NC State is looking to rebound from the Miami loss this Saturday with its first home game in nearly one month vs. Louisville. Jody Demling of The Cardinal Authority on 247Sports joins Cory to discuss the Cardinals and the matchup with the Wolfpack. What has made Malik Cunningham even more lethal this year as a dual-threat QB? Who are the playmakers for the offense outside of Cunningham? Why do Pack fans need to know the name Yasir Abdullah? Who is Jody picking for Saturday?

Less than one week ago, Amedeo's founder Amedeo "Dick" DeAngelis passed away. James and Cory share their thoughts on the Wolfpack legend and his impact on the NC State community before reflecting on the Miami loss. In the second segment, Wolfpack legend Earl Wolff joins the podcast! Wolff discusses his time with the Pack, gives his thoughts on attending the Miami game, his interest in coaching with NC State and much more!

On a night where NC State did a lot of things right on both sides of the ball, missed assignments and mental mistakes led to a Miami win by a final of 31-30. Michael and Cory take a look back on the loss and what it means for the season. How impactful was the loss of Isaiah Moore for the defense in late-game situations? How much did the miscues hurt the Pack in the end? What comes next as NC State aims to get back on track at home against Louisville?

Coming off its first road win of the season, NC State travels to Miami this Saturday night to take on the Hurricanes in primetime. David Lake of InsideTheU joins Cory to break down the Canes' 2-4 (0-2 ACC) start, takes an in-depth look at both sides of the ball and gives his prediction. How much different is Tyler Van Dyke at QB and why does his mouth run faster than his legs? Who are the playmakers to know on offense and defense? Who does David believe will pull out the win?

NC State not only earned its first road win of the 2021 season, but did so in convincing fashion against Boston College. James and Cory are joined by former NC State WR Richard Washington to discuss the Pack's win in Chestnut Hill, the upcoming matchup in Miami and his time with the program. The guys also explain why the BC win was so critical, go in-depth on the road ahead for the Pack and discuss the Wolfpack women's soccer win over UNC-Chapel Hill over the weekend.

No. 22 NC State lived up to its ranking and more with a dominant showing at Boston College in a 33-7 victory. Michael and Cory take a look back on the complete effort from the Wolfpack to clinch the first road win of the season. The guys break down everything from Devin Leary's continued growth, huge catches by the wideouts, the defense's smothering play and the special teams stepping up after struggling in the last road contest.

After a week off for both programs, NC State and Boston College will resume their strong seasons in Chestnut Hill on Saturday evening. Tyler Calvaruso of Eagle Insider joins the Pregame Podcast to break down BC and the matchup as a whole. What has changed about the BC offense without Phil Jurkovec? How have Pat Garwo III and Zay Flowers continued to carry the offense? Who are the playmakers to know in the Eagles' defense? Finally, what is Calvaruso's prediction for Saturday?

NC State comes off a bye week at 4-1 (1-0 ACC) with all of its goals and opportunities ahead of it. James and Cory take a look back on the start of the season for the Wolfpack, recap the Louisiana Tech win and look forward to the final seven matchups as the Pack aims to do some damage in the ACC. The guys also discuss the entire ACC as a whole and give their thoughts on the most surprising programs -- good and bad -- along with their predictions for the rest of the way. We cap it off with a quick look at both men's and women's basketball ahead of ACC Media Days.

It wasn't easy, but NC State (4-1, 1-0 ACC) held on to beat a tough Louisiana Tech team (2-3, 1-0 C-USA) Saturday night, 34-27, inside Carter Finley Stadium. The offense came alive in the second half and the defense made some timely plays, including a game-sealing interception from safety Jakeen Harris. Michael and Cory break it all down in the Pack Pride Postgame Podcast. How big were the performances of running backs Ricky Person and Zonovan Knight? How impactful were dynamite linebacker Isaiah Moore and Drake Thomas? What does this performance say about the Wolfpack?

Coming off the biggest win of the Dave Doeren era over Clemson, NC State faces yet another tough test in Louisiana Tech this weekend. Ethan Sands of the USA Today Network joins Cory Smith to break down the Bulldogs ahead of Saturday's matchup. What should Pack fans expect from QB Austin Kendall if he's cleared to play? Who are the playmakers on offense and defense for La Tech? What has led to the Bulldogs' 2-2 record with two losses by a combined 3 points? What is Ethan's prediction for Saturday?

It's episode No. 100 of the Weekly Pod! Following the Wolfpack's win over previously No. 9 Clemson, James and Cory break down the win, what it means for the program and look ahead to Louisiana Tech before the start of a tough ACC slate after the bye. In the final segment, Cory is joined by Ruffin McNeill to discuss the Pack's latest win, his relationships with the players and more! NC State's Special Assistant to the Head Coach also talks about being inducted into the ECU Hall of Fame later this year.

It was finally NC State's time. After years of close calls and always somehow stumbling over the hurdle that is Clemson, the Wolfpack pulled out a double-overtime victory for the ages inside Carter-Finley Stadium. Michael and Cory break it all down immediately after the thrilling win. Just how special was Devin Leary's night? How impactful were the wide-receiving duo of Emeka Emezie and Devin Carter? What does this performance say about the strength of the Pack's defense?

This coming Saturday is building up to be a massive game for both Clemson and NC State in Raleigh, so we pulled in a big-time guest for this week's Pregame Podcast. Eric Mac Lain of the ACC Network, a former o-lineman for Clemson, joins us to talk about the Tigers ahead of the showdown in Carter-Finley Stadium. What's going on with D.J. Uiagalelei and the Tigers' offense? How prepared are Will Shipley and Kobe Pace to be lead backs? Why is it so tough to score a TD against this Clemson D? We break it all down on the Pregame Podcast!

With the Wolfpack coming off another decisive win over a non-conference opponent at home, this Saturday's game is yet another opportunity for a big-time win. Jonas Pope IV of the News & Observer joins Cory and James in a roundtable discussion about NC State's start to the season and the matchup against Clemson. What have we learned about Devin Leary and the Pack's offense? Is this defense ready for a huge stage at home against the Tigers? We discuss all of these topics and more on this week's podcast!

NC State needed to get back on track after a rough loss in Week 2, and did just that against Furman with a 45-7 win. Michael and Cory break down the Wolfpack's big win with a look at both sides of the ball ahead of the start of ACC play. How did Devin Leary respond after a frustrating outing in Starkville? What did we learn about Zonovan Knight and Dave Doeren's trust in his running back? Who earned the game balls for offense and defense?

This Saturday night, NC State will look to rebound after a frustrating loss to Mississippi State when Furman comes to Raleigh. Scott Keeler of The Greenville News joins Cory to discuss the Paladins, who are looking to continue a 2-0 start to the season. Where are the Paladins in Year 5 of Clayton Hendrix's tenure? How concerned should NC State be with playmakers like RB Devin Wynn and TE Ryan Miller? What makes Furman's secondary one of the best in FCS? Finally, what's Scott's prediction for Saturday?

After months of build-up to what promised to be a potentially huge moment for NC State to truly kickoff the 2021 season, the Wolfpack laid an egg against Mississippi State. James and Cory take a look back on the 24-10 loss to the Bulldogs in Starkville -- including the concerning offensive performance -- before looking ahead to what comes next. We also used the second half of the show to highlight teams that you might be overlooking, including the No. 1 team in the country and a team with the No. 1 recruiting class in the country!

After a week filled with hope and optimism, NC State fell flat against Mississippi State on the road in Starkville Saturday night. Michael and Cory take a look back on the blowout loss for the Wolfpack on the Postgame Podcast. The guys breakdown the Pack's inability to respond from the opening kickoff, the offensive woes all the way around and what comes next as NC State looks to turn the season back around.

Coming off a Week 1 victory over South Florida, NC State heads into Starkville for one of the biggest early tests of the season against Mississippi State. Cory Smith is joined by Robbie Faulk of Gene's Page -- the MSU site on 247Sports -- to break down the matchup. What are the expectations for Year 2 under Mike Leach? Who are the biggest playmakers on the Bulldogs' offense? Why are the trenches such a big focal point after a comeback win over Louisiana Tech? What does Robbie predict as the outcome Saturday night?

With Week 1 of the college football season wrapping up and the NFL set to start Thursday, Washington Football Team defensive end James Smith-Williams joined James and Cory to talk the Pack, WFT, Set the Expectation, the 2019 d-line class and more! The guys also take one final look back at the win over USF, give their thoughts on what the mean wins for the Pack and look ahead to what needs to happen against Mississippi State to move to 2-0 on the season.

Even with questions about the strength of the win, the Wolfpack's utter dominance over USF was an impressive showing for NC State as a whole. Michael and Cory take a look back on the Pack's 45-0 win to start the season on Thursday night. The guys give their thoughts on Devin Leary's first game back, Ricky Person Jr. and Drake Thomas having huge nights, the defense pitching a shutout and hand out their game balls to the top performers.

The NC State football season is so close you can almost taste it -- and I'm not just talking about tailgating. With the Wolfpack kicking off against South Florida on Thursday night, Will Turner of Bulls247 joins the Pregame Podcast to discuss the season opener. What should Pack fans expect against former UNC QB Cade Fortin? Who are the biggest playmakers for the Bulls on offense? How experienced is the linebacker corps? Finally, what is Will's prediction for Thursday night?

On this week's Pack Pride Weekly Podcast, James and Cory are joined by former NC State DB Dewayne Washington. The 12-year NFL veteran discusses the gift him and his wife, Adama, gave to NC State, watching his former Heritage players succeed with the Pack and his thoughts on the program this fall. Cory and James also give their "over/under" predictions for several topics including offensive, defensive and overall wins for the 2021 campaign.

The Pack Pride Weekly Podcast is back! James and Cory finally head back to Amedeo's for the first time in weeks and they're joined by former NC State coach Chuck Amato to discuss several topics including Bobby Bowden's passing and Bill Cowher being inducted into the Hall of Fame. We also take a look at the latest storylines from fall camp, an early preview of USF's starting quarterback and Chuck looks back on the first fall camp for Philip Rivers.

The final State of the Position podcast takes a look at the loaded special teams unit for the Wolfpack heading into the 2021 season. Michael and Cory break down everything from the experience at punter and kicker to the returning returners (that's a mouthful) for NC State. What does it mean for the Pack to have a record-setting punter and kicker back for this fall? Will Thayer Thomas and Zonovan Knight continue to be dynamic on the return units? What has Todd Goebbel brought to the special teams?

There are only two cornerback spots on the field, but NC State has a ton of returning and incoming experience competing for the top of the depth chart. Michael and Cory break down the final position group with an in-depth look at a group that hopes to show vast improvement this fall. What does transfer Derrek Pitts bring to the Pack's secondary? Will Shyheim Battle retain his role after starting all 12 games last year? How will Chris Ingram's return impact the unit? Who are some of the potential breakout stars?

NC State's season is just over two weeks away, and the talent in the secondary might be the best it's been in years. With returning starters at safety and nickel, Michael and Cory discuss why keeping all of the parts on the field will be critical, but the depth is the best it's been under Dave Doeren. Can Jakeen Harris and Tyler Baker-Williams take the next step this fall? What should Pack fans expect from Tanner Ingle after an up-and-down season? How much will players like Cyrus Fagan, Rakeim Ashford and Joshua Pierre-Louis push the starters?

There is talent returning all over the roster for NC State heading into the 2021 campaign, but no position is more loaded than the linebacker corps. With all three returning starters back, along with two of the top reserves and incoming four-star freshmen, this position is stacked. Michael and Cory take a look at the preseason All-ACC linebacker Payton Wilson, why Isaiah Moore is primed for an even better season, Drake Thomas' progress, Levi Jones' versatility and go down the list of the next linebackers up!

NC State enters the 2021 football season with depth at nearly every position, but the defensive line is loaded with some unproven, but talented players. Despite the loss of Alim McNeill, the Pack returns its sacks leader in Daniel Joseph, proven linemen in Savion Jackson and C.J. Clark along with a slew of emerging names that will make an impact this year. Can this defensive line be even better than the 2020 season? How important was the return of Joseph for the Wolfpack? Will the nose tackle spot remain a strength for the defense? Who are the players primed to make a huge jump this fall?

The Wolfpack has several key faces across the entire football team, but two of the biggest leaders and talents are along the offensive line. NC State returns Grant Gibson and Ikem Ekwonu at center and tackle, respectively, but have battles at every other spot heading into the 2021 season. Just how important are Gibson and Ekwonu to the success of the program? What makes Ekwonu one of the top talents for the 2022 NFL Draft? Who are the frontrunners for the other three spots heading into fall camp? Which players have breakout potential in the trenches?

NC State opened camp with a massive roster with players staying after the COVID year, but no position has more players than the receiver room. With 20-plus wideouts and tight ends on the roster, Cory and Michael take a look at the skill groups heading into fall camp. What is the impact of Emeka Emezie returning and when might he return to practice? Just how loaded is the slot receiver position? Will this be Devin Carter's breakout campaign? Who are the tight ends to know? What role will Trent Pennix have as an H-back?

NC State opened up the 2021 fall camp with a ton of energy, experience and lofty expectations. Cory and Michael were on hand for the first half of practice, and share their thoughts on what they witnessed on the practice fields. How did Devin Leary look under center early on with his weapons back? Who were the standouts on the defensive side of the ball? Which new faces made an early impact? We break it all down with less than one month before the start of the season.

There is talent all over the field for NC State heading into the 2021 season, but the running backs on the roster might be the most dynamic playmakers for the Wolfpack. With Zonovan Knight, Ricky Person, Jordan Houston and Trent Pennix all returning along with several other talented backs, this position is loaded once again. Cory and Michael break down the position from top to bottom, including areas for improvement at the position. What does Bam Knight need to do to become an every down back? How will Person follow up on his career year this fall? Will Houston and Pennix be a bigger part of the passing game for the Pack?

We're less than one month away from NC State's 2021 football season kicking off on Sept. 2. With the Wolfpack recently kicking off fall camp this week, Michael and Cory will take a look at every position leading up to the matchup with South Florida. What should be expected from Devin Leary after returning from injury? What needs to happen for Devin Leary to take the next step? Who are the contenders for the backup QB spot? How critical is it to have nearly all the weapons back around Leary?

With ACC Media Days officially underway, the 2021 football season is inching closer every single day. One star player that didn't make the trip to Charlotte was stud RB Zonovan Knight, but he joined Cory Smith on the Pack Pride Podcast prior to the season kicking off. Bam discusses the preseason hype building around him, his own expectations for this fall, the chemistry and talent among the running backs for the Pack, his dream NIL deal and much more with Pack Pride!

With the season just 45 days away, linebacker Payton Wilson joins Cory Smith to discuss his return to NC State. The All-ACC First Teamer breaks down his reasoning for coming back to Raleigh, what he plans to improve this year and more. Wilson gives his thoughts on his recovery from shoulder surgery, why the linebacker corps can be one of the best in the country, his relationship with Devin Leary and development under Coach Thunder.

Heading into the 2021 season, there's been a lot of focus placed on the 18 returning starters on offense and defense for NC State. But returning a record-breaking kicker like Christopher Dunn is another reason to be optimistic about the Pack in 2021. Dunn joins the Pack Pride Podcast with Cory Smith to discuss the records he's already broken, how he's improved this offseason, recovering from a late-season injury, his expectations for the program and much more!