Previewing NC State’s Opponent: Western Carolina

Before NC State and Western Carolina kickoff tonight, here’s a preview of the Catamounts.

WCU is ranked in the Preseason FCS Top-25 Polls.

HERO Sports – 16th
AFCA FCS Coaches’ Poll – 19th
Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Media Poll – 20th

The last time Western Carolina carried a preseason ranking was in 1994, when they were ranked 17th heading into the season.

Last year, the Catamounts finished 7-4, and were ranked as high as 8th in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Media Poll, finishing 23rd. It was the first time they had finished a season ranked in the Poll since 1983.

Western Carolina’s Offense has accumulated 5,000+ yards the past three seasons consecutively. Last year they broke the school single season record, with 5,545 yards, which led the FCS. They were the only team in the FCS to average over 500 yards per game. They also averaged 37.5 points per game, which ranked 4th.

Junior Quarterback Cole Gonzales was established as the starter last year, and to say he shined would be an understatement. He threw for 2,803 yards and a school record 28 touchdowns. Gonzales completed 65.6% of his passes, and only threw 8 interceptions. He was named the Offensive Player of the Year in the Southern Conference. Gonzales ranked 4th in the FCS in touchdown passes, and 3rd in passing efficiency rating (166.4).

Redshirt Junior Wide Receiver Calvin Jones had 27 receptions for 348 yards and 2 touchdowns last season. Over the past three years, he has combined for 89 receptions for 1,196 yards.

The Catamounts like to score fast. 31 of their 60 scoring drives last year consisted of 6 or fewer plays.

WCU allowed 372.8 yards per game last year, and 27.7 points. They gave up 218.2 passing yards per game and 154.6 on the ground. For the 2nd straight year, their defense had 20+ sacks.