Could NC State football's defense be nation's best in 2022? The Wolfpack sure thinks so Posted Aug 7, 2022 Despite losing defensive back Cyrus Fagan, linebackers Payton Wilson and Isaiah Moore and defensive tackle C.J. Clark to injuries, NC State's defense finished second in the ACC and 14th nationally in 2021 at 19.7 points per game behind linebacker Drake Thomas and DT Cory Durden. The expectation is for the defense to take another step forward in 2022. (Fayetteville Observer)