Wolfpack at a glance

2001 schedule Sept. 6 vs. Indiana Sept. 13 vs. Ohio Sept. 22 at SMU Sept. 29 vs. North Carolina Oct. 6 at Wake Forest Oct. 11 vs. Clemson Oct. 20 at Georgia Tech Oct. 27 vs. Virginia Nov. 3 at Duke Nov. 10 at Florida State Nov. 17 vs. Maryland 2000 results (8-4, 4-4 ACC) Arkansas State W 38-31 at Indiana W 41-38 SMU W 41-0 Georgia Tech W 30-23 at Clemson L 34-27 at North Carolina W 38-20 Florida State L 58-14 5 at Maryland L 35-28 Duke W 35-31 at Virginia L 24-17 Wake Forest W 32-14 vs. Minnesota W 38-30

While they return 13 starters from last season, the Wolfpack sustained two major losses, one on each side of the ball. Skilled wideout Koren Robinson opted for the NFL as a third-year sophomore and standout DB Adrian Wilson graduated. He's now with the Indianapolis Colts after being selected early in round three of the NFL draft.

Besides these losses, superior offensive coordinator Norm Chow is now directing the attack at USC for Pete Carroll. Stepping into that role is Marty Galbraith, who worked as offensive line coach with the Wolfpack last season. Prior to joining Amato's staff in Raleigh, Galbraith coordinated offenses at Marshall and Wake Forest.

OFFENSE
Fortunately for Galbraith, he has a quality young QB at the helm of the Wolfpack offense. As a freshman, Philip Rivers turned in quite a performance, demonstrating poise and confidence in the toughest of situations. Rivers seemed to thrive under pressure, orchestrating dramatic comebacks in several games.

With Koren Robinson now with the Seattle Seahawks, Rivers at least has a quality all-purpose back to lean on in senior Ray Robinson. However, finding a big-play weapon at WR will be the challenge for Amato and Galbraith. Junior Bryan Peterson is a solid performer, while physically talented sophomore Jerricho Cotchery appears to have long-range potential. Without a proven TD-maker at WR, expect senior TE Willie Wright to emerge as a go-to option. After hauling in 31 receptions last season, Wright has increased his weight from 220 to 235 and is still catching the football like a wideout. With his ability to stretch the middle and make the difficult reception, the hope is that Wright will pick up some of the slack.

The Wolfpack figured to return four starters on the offensive line this season, with only LT Jarvis Borum moving on. But things have changed of late, with the news that RT Reggie Poole will have to sit out the campaign after becoming academically ineligible. Opening at the OT spots will be sophomore Chris Colmer and junior Scott Kooistra.

DEFENSE
There is no question that the strength of the Wolfpack defense is at LB with super blue-chip senior Levar Fisher and vastly underrated junior mike-man Dantonio Burnette. Last season, Fisher was operating at less than 100 percent most of the way, bothered by a shoulder injury. Even so, he still led the nation with 166 tackles. Following offseason shoulder surgery that forced him to sit out spring practice, Fisher could be even more effective this year. As for Burnette, the tenacious 5-10, 230-pounder has posted over 100 tackles each of the last two seasons. While he performs in Fisher's shadow, Burnette has few peers at MLB. On the strongside, converted DE Brian Jamison turned in a great spring and appears primed for a big senior campaign.

For the talented linebacking corps to flow to the football, the Wolfpack have some questions that need to be answered up front. Senior Corey Smith can be a force at DE, but they are counting on several newcomers from the juco ranks to provide a major lift. DEs Shawn Price and Terrance Chatman both come from L.A. Valley Junior College and DT Terrance Martin from Hinds Community College.

While the secondary loses Wilson to the NFL, FS Terrence Holt could be ready to make his mark as one of the top DBs in the ACC, and senior CB Brian Williams is a solid overall performer.

As for the kicking game, sophomore Austin Herbert will handle it all after working as the Wolfpack punter last season; this year he adds placekicking to his duties.

Overview: Last year, Amato inspired the troops, who played a spirited, intense, never-say-die brand of football. There can't be any drop in emotion and focus this season, due to the loss of key performers such as WR Robinson and DB Wilson, plus the questions up front along the O-line at the tackle spots. Rivers is a confident QB and RB Robinson gets the job done, but depth overall on offense could be a problem if injuries arise. It will also be interesting to see how Rivers and company adapt to the change from Chow to Galbraith as coordinator.