Hosted by R. Cory Smith and Michael Clark, the Pack Pride Podcast is the official podcast of Pack Pride. A syndicated partner of 247Sports, Pack Pride is an independent publication that brings you the latest on NC State athletics. You can find us at www.PackPride.com.

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!

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_99.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 10:01am EDT

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!

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_98.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 10:07am EDT

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.

Direct download: Postgame_Podcast_-_NC_State_vs._MSU_2021_-_9_12_21_8.57_AM.m4a
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 10:27am EDT

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?

Direct download: Pregame_Podcast_-_NC_State_vs._MSU_2021_-_9_7_21_1.29_PM.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 9:10am EDT

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.

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_97.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 8:05am EDT

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.

Direct download: Pregame_Podcast_-_NC_State_vs._USF_2021_-_9_3_21_3.25_AM.m4a
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 8:35am EDT

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?

Direct download: Pregame_Podcast_-_USF_2021_-_9_1_21_8.37_AM.m4a
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 9:56am EDT

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.

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_96.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 9:10am EDT

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.

Direct download: Pack_Pride_Weekly_Podcast_ep_95.mp3
Category:Pack Pride Podcast -- posted at: 8:01am EDT

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!