Confidence doesn't have a place on the depth chart or preseason roster. But while it's impossible to quantify something so sublime, it's very much a part of what makes up the current Wolfpack team. Speed from the top of the roster to the bottom makes this team a dangerous foe, but a lack of depth may take its toll over the course of 12 games. The ACC is still a bit of a caste system, but N.C. State is doing what it takes to move up in class.

This year Barnette will be without receiver Torry Holt, the ACC's 1998 player of the year, but he should find Chris Coleman a more-than adequate replacement. Coleman was responsible for forcing much of the single coverage that Holt abused a year ago. Now he's the primary target. He was sixth in the ACC in receiving yardage per game (79.6) a year ago. He dedicated the offseason to improving his speed. Look for Koren Robinson to provide the balance that Coleman did in '98. The former high school running back is still learning the position, but he scored three TDs on five catches in the spring game.

The other chief weapon is tailback Rahshon Spikes. He ran for 176 yards in the Micron PC Bowl loss to Miami. He will share time with Ray Robinson, who started five games when Spikes went down with a shoulder injury. All Robinson did was gain 202 yards against Virginia. A broken arm kept him out of spring drills, but he is expected to make a full recovery. The offensive line is a bit of a concern, as graduation and injury has thinned the herd. There isn't a lot of starting experience, so the play of veterans like center Keegan Weir and tackles Todd Boyle and Jarvis Borum will be key.

Last year's linebackers -- a unit that didn't need to shave every day -- returns as a grizzled group. True freshmen Levar Fisher and Edrick Smith started the final nine games at the strongside, and middle position, respectively. Junior Clayton White manned the weakside spot ably, finishing second on the team in tackles. Senior Sheldon Key has experience as a starter and will also see time in the middle.

The secondary is strengthened by the return of both corners, but vacancies exist at safety. Corner Lloyd Harrison's seven interceptions led the ACC last year. A preseason Thorpe Award candidate, this is the season he emerges as a star. Harrison will line up alongside Tony Scott, who will look to add to his two interception tally from a year ago. Look for sophomore Adrian Wilson to take over at strong safety and Brian Williams to step up at free safety. Shoulder surgery kept Wilson out of spring ball, but he is earmarked for stardom once completely healthy.