RALEIGH, N.C. -- After a 9-4 season including a Sun Bowl victory, NC State's momentum is riding high.

One area​ for the Wolfpack where there aren't too many concerns is the offense. Coupled with a deep and experienced wide-receiving core, and a strong offensive line, third year starter Ryan Finley believes he can be the best quarterback in the country.

"I haven't nearly played my best football in college yet," Finley said. "I'm excited to keep growing. Where our team and our offense is at, this is the opportunity for me to do that. With all the weapons around me and the culture we have around the offense is pretty special."

"I definitely think we're the best receiving group, but that's the confidence in me and the confidence in our guys," receiver Stephen Louis said.

However, the Wolfpack will look to replace and replenish eight starters on the defensive side of the ball. It starts with the defensive line.

"I think we all want to prove and show what we can do," said defensive end Darian Roseboro. "I think it's just a matter of guys worrying about taking it one day at a time and the end result is going to take care of itself."

Members of the secondary like cornerback Nick McCloud who have had playing experience, will look to help guide the group.

"Even in the summer workouts I felt like I was more of a leader got to step up", the junior said. "Not only for my guys, in the cornerback room, but for the defensive whole because we don't really have so much experience as the offense on defense."

NC State opens their season at home against James Madison on Sept. 1.