We could go on and on with “What if” questions, scratching our heads and living in a dream world of endless possibilities.  Or we could choose to focus on the positives.  Yes, Nate Irving crashed his car this summer, ending his season and weakening a Pack defense in need of leaders.  But Irving is still alive.  Coach O’Brien is always the first to point out that seeing the wreckage of that night makes one wonder how Irving wasn’t lost on that tragic night in June.  And who knows if scoring a touchdown and beating the Gamecocks to open the season would have made 2009 any different.  Maybe State would have gotten too cocky and lost three weeks later to Pittsburgh.  And no, the defense wasn’t anywhere close to “up to par” this season, but who said they were going to be?  Maybe we as fans had too high of expectations for a defense that was last in many statistical categories at the end of 2008.  My point is that there are always two sides to the “What if” game.  And if you keep your head in the clouds too long thinking of what might have been, you’ll miss what’s happening right now.

What is happening now is a transformation.  Tom O’Brien and the rest of his coaching staff are creating a program.  They’re building winners in the classroom, the community and on the football field.  If you’re concerned that O’Brien is spending too much time worrying about things other than football, look at his track record.  Look at what he created at Boston College.  He built a program that shows consistency year in and year out and one that can stand on its own two feet years after his departure.  I for one am thoroughly excited for the coming years of Wolfpack football!  Our program will be fine.  Once the injuries settle down and O’Brien continues recruiting players of his liking, Wolfpack football will be relevant on the national stage and will stay relevant for a long time. 

2010 looks to be another intriguing year for N.C. State on the gridiron.  Our offense will still likely be our strong suit, especially if Russell Wilson and Toney Baker return.  Wilson is mulling over his possible baseball career, while Baker has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA.  He isn’t projected to go high by NFL analysts, and his help at running back is greatly needed for next season.  Tight End George Bryan will be back for his junior season after an All-ACC sophomore season this year.  He will have the benefit of playing with a talented group of wide-outs as the Pack will have a lot of options in the passing game.  Returning for the Wolfpack will be the likes of Owen Spencer, Donald Bowens, Jarvis Williams and Darrell Davis, to name a few.  Those experienced and talented receivers should make State’s offense one of the best in the conference once again. 

Though the defense took a lot of the blame for State’s disappointing season in 2009, one can look at next year optimistically.  The main problem with our defense this year was the youth of players at key positions.  Though the players are talented, experience can’t be taught.  State is very young in the secondary and at linebacker, but the talent is definitely there.  With more experience, this unit could be the Pack’s strength in the years to come. 

The last area I’ll cover before hitting State’s biggest obstacle of 2010 is the special teams.  The Wolfpack should be in good shape with kicker Josh Czajkowski returning and T.J. Graham back to return kicks.  Punter Jeff Ruiz had a tough year, but with more experience he should improve a lot over the off-season. 

Now we’ll get to State’s main problem for next year; the lines.  The offensive and defensive lines for N.C. State were both senior-heavy in 2009.  Alan Michael-Cash, Leroy Burgess, Willie Young and Shea McKeen were a force on the “D-Line” and were the bright spot on the N.C. State defense.  On the other side of the ball, Jeraill McCuller, Julian Williams, Andy Barbee and Ted Larsen anchored an offensive line that helped balance out the Wolfpack offense.  Though others were implemented during the season as reserves, all of these players are seniors and will leave a big void in depth at both line positions.  Coach O’Brien knows that he will need to heavily recruit linemen to make sure depth is not an issue for the Wolfpack in the future. 

All in all, 2010 is looking up.  Not because of any one player or any one position, but because of our belief in our team.  That’s why I’m proud to be a State fan; because we stand by our team and by our program.  We know that though times are tough, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, “and it’s not a train coming” (to use a Jimmy V quote).  We believe in our coach and stay faithful to the history and the tradition of Wolfpack athletics.  2010 could be a great year, but let’s not forget all the memories of 2009.  The great win against Pittsburgh, the homecoming defeat of Maryland.  And last but certainly not least, the deflating looks on Tar Heel fans’ faces as they left Carter-Finley Stadium.  They knew they were going bowling, but they still haven’t figured out how to beat Tom O’Brien!  In a way, 28-27 is almost sweeter than 41-10.  I think the sweetest though, is 3-0; Tom O’Brien’s record, while at State, against Butch Davis and the Tar Heels.  Have a Merry Christmas ACC fans and enjoy the bowl season.  Maybe sooner or later we’ll get a playoff implemented and increase the level of excitement in December!  See you in 2010 and as always, GO PACK!!!!

Wake Forest @ Duke

Prediction:  Wake - 31    Duke - 24

Reality:  Wake - 45    Duke - 34

Riley Skinner and Thaddeus Lewis closed out their college careers with a bang.  Both QBs had an incredible four years.

#24 UNC @ N.C. State

Prediction:  NCSU - 34    UNC - 31

Reality:  NCSU - 28    UNC - 27

What else can I say?  I called it.  Thank the Lord we Wolfpack fans get one more year to gloat.  Carolina can have fun in Charlotte, playing in the “We lost to State Bowl!”

#18 Clemson @ South Carolina

Prediction:  Clemson - 27    USC - 17 

Reality:  USC - 34    Clemson - 17

Ouch.  I guess the Tigers were thinking ahead to their upcoming trip to Tampa.  That didn’t go too well either though. 

Florida State @ #1 Florida

Prediction:  Florida - 34    FSU - 21 

Reality:  Florida - 37    FSU - 10

I don’t even think this game could have saved Bobby Bowden’s job for one more year.  It’s a pity.  He deserved better.  One of the greatest college coaches ever!

#17 Miami @ South Florida

Prediction:  Miami - 27    South Florida - 20

Reality:  Miami - 31    South Florida - 10

The “U” capped off a fine season with a win against an inter-state rival.  Randy Shannon did a nice job this year with the Hurricanes.

Boston College @ Maryland

Prediction:  BC - 31    Maryland - 27

Reality:  BC - 19    Maryland - 17

Coach Spaz and the Eagles just held off the Terrapins in a tough, sometimes ugly game.  Maryland ended the year with only two wins, but AD Debbie Yow made the right choice in keeping Ralph Friedgen. 

#14 Virginia Tech @ Virginia

Prediction:  VT - 28    UVA - 17

Reality:  VT - 42    UVA - 13

After a sluggish start, the Hokies stepped on the gas and put the nail in Al Groh’s coffin. 

Georgia @ #7 Georgia Tech

Prediction:  GT - 35    UGA - 27

Reality:  UGA - 30    GT - 24

Though Tech has had a memorable season, this loss stings.  A one-loss year is a lot more impressive than a two-loss year; especially when one of those losses came at the hands of an arch rival. 

Dogs of the Week

Kansas - 38    Missouri - 34

Notre Dame - 30    Stanford - 27

Results:

Missouri - 41    Kansas - 39

Stanford - 45    ND - 38

Oops.  Those last minute underdog picks didn’t pan out.  Oh well.  My record for underdog picks on the year was 5-9.  I guess I’d better not go to Vegas anytime soon. 

Final Results

I went 6-2 in week 13, bringing my final tally to 67 of 96 ACC games picked correctly.  69.7% for the year is not bad at all, if I do say so myself.  Heather, on the other hand was 2-6 on the final weekend, making her total 64 of 96 for 66.6%.  Wow.  Somehow the stars aligned and I came out on top in our prediction challenge for the year.  I would take this opportunity to revel in a proud moment, but honestly this was just plain fun.  It was difficult to pick every game every week but let me be the first to tell you, luck has a lot to do with it.  Heather picks just fell through on the last week of the season and mine were fortunate enough to hold together.  I want to take this opportunity to thank Heather for accepting my challenge.  It was a lot of fun and well worth the countless hours of research and channel-flipping.

I know this post is very late, but between the aftermath of the excitement, other sporting events and the last week of classes, well you get the idea.  Though it is five days after the Pack’s 28-27 victory over the Tar Heels, the memory is still fresh in our minds as Wolfpack fans and will remain there for at least another year.  Between Russell Wilson’s amazing day and Alan Michael-Cash’s block of the go-ahead field goal, it is hard to pick a favorite moment.  State forced two turnovers in crucial situations and played disciplined football with only five penalties on the day.  The crowd was into it, the players were into it (even those who weren’t playing) and somehow the stars aligned to seal a win for the Pack.  I guess my favorite moment would have to be the realization of defeat felt by the Carolina fans.  As State was draining time off the clock after Michael-Cash’s huge block, UNC fans began to realize the inevitable.  They were about to have their ninth win of the season stripped away from them by the hands of their hated enemy.  As the Tar Heel fans left in confusion and disappointment, I couldn’t help but get a feeling of utter satisfaction.  For one more year, State is better than Carolina!

I’ll have more on the impact of this game and my picks of the litter results later.  Thanks for your patience ACC fans and Go Pack!!!!

Wake Forest @ Duke:  Duke’s progress this year has been astounding, but something tells me Wake could get the W today.  It should be a great game to watch as Riley Skinner and Thaddeus Lewis will conclude their terrific careers and play one more game.  Something tells me Wake’s defense will be the story though, as they’ll play just well enough for the win.

Wake - 31

Duke - 24

#24 UNC @ N.C. State:  I can’t wait for this one to start.  It could go either way, but something tells me State will be up to the challenge.  Russell Wilson will be very careful with the football and State’s defense will play just well enough to win. 

NCSU - 34

UNC - 31

#18 Clemson @ South Carolina:  This rivalry game always carries a lot of weight.  Clemson has clinched a spot in the ACC title game, but doesn’t want to lose any momentum the week before.  Both teams have capable defenses, but Clemson’s offense is a step above South Carolina’s. 

Clemson - 27

South Carolina - 17

Florida State @ #1 Florida:  No upset special here.  The Seminoles will just try to keep it close in “The Swamp.”  The Gators are looking for another National Championship and a mediocre FSU team won’t stand much of a chance. 

Florida - 34

FSU - 21

#17 Miami @ South Florida:  These two south Florida teams have a lot to play for besides bragging rights.  Both have opportunities to move up in the standings and rankings and ride the momentum into a bowl game.  Miami has been inconsistent of late, but they should have their act together against the Bulls.  If not, heads will be scratching in Coral Gables. 

Miami - 27

USF - 20

Boston College @ Maryland:  I’m not too excited about this one, except for the fact that it could be the last game for the “Fridge” at Maryland.  The Terps would love to go out winners, but BC has a lot to play for too.  The Eagles are making their case for a good bowl selection and another win would help their cause. 

BC - 31

Maryland - 27

#14 Virginia Tech @ Virginia:  This will more than likely be Al Groh’s final game at Virginia, so many are looking for some magic to happen one last time.  I’m not of them.  Virginia has potential, but Virginia Tech is just too good right now.  Their offense is clicking and their defense is staying consistent.  Good luck Cavs.

VT - 28

UVA - 17

Georgia @ #7 Georgia Tech:  The Jackets have had a story-book season in ‘09 and a win against their arch rival would cap their year to remember.  With a win, Tech would finish 11-1 with the ACC Championship Game in Tampa left before the bowling season.  Georgia has had a rough year, but would like nothing more than to deflate the Jackets and steal some momentum along the way.  Don’t think it’s gonna’ happen though.

GT - 35

UGA - 27

Dogs of the Week

Kansas - 38    Missouri - 34

Notre Dame - 30    Stanford - 27

Why?  Why not?

Happy Watching ACC Fans and GO PACK!!!!

How I Really Feel

I thought I’d take this moment to relay how I really feel about Carolina fans.  It seems appropriate because this is the last game of the year and it presents a good opportunity for me to rant.  I genuinely don’t like Carolina.  I don’t like the school, I don’t like the fans and I don’t like their sports teams.  I feel like Carolina fans have a false sense of entitlement and when something doesn’t go their way, they whine (see puppy joke from earlier post).  Carolina fans are also bad joke tellers.  When they feel like they’ve got a funny joke about your school, like always telling State fans to ‘ride home on their tractors,’ they run it into the ground.  There is simply no originality.  It is depressing and downright annoying.  State fans, on the other hand are loyal.  Sure, there are some fans that leave the stadium or coliseum early, but every school has fans who do that.  Where else can you find a fanbase thats expectations are through the roof for every sports team every year?  Some may call that blind ambition, but I’d rather have that ambition than lower my expectations.  I like expecting the very best year in and year out.  Some may say that’s not being realistic, but I say that’s just being hopeful.  It is that hope and anticipation that gives me so much pride in being a State fan.  Where else can you find a fanbase that ‘never gives up,’ even when others throw in the towel?  There is no other university like N.C. State University.  There is no other fanbase like Wolfpack Nation.  Wolfpack fans display loyalty, ambition and passion like no other school.  It is that drive and positive attitude that will keep me a State fan long after my time on Earth is done. 

Keys to the Game:  N.C. State

• NO MISTAKES!!!! - I don’t think I can emphasize this enough.  If State’s offense turns the ball over, State will lose.  If penalties begin to mount and halt the Wolfpack’s momentum, State will lose.  The Wolfpack will need to play smart, disciplined football on Saturday and stay out of its own way to have a chance at victory.  Carolina’s defense has been collecting turnovers like coins in a Mario game, so the Pack will have to be careful with the football. 
• Defense - This is a very broad key, but an important one nonetheless.  Carolina’s offense has been inept at times, but so has State’s defense.  If the Wolfpack can get stops, more opportunities could arise for the Pack to pull the upset.  The secondary will need to play well and the front seven will have to put pressure on T.J. Yates. 
• Offensive Communication - Former Graduate Assistant Jay Civetti was brought in to help the Wolfpack due to Offensive Coordinator Dana Bible’s recent cancer diagnoses.  Civetti has helped the Pack all this week in preparing for the Heels’ tough defense.  Russell Wilson will need to lead the Pack’s “O” without Bible at the helm.  It will take some work, but it can and must be done for State to come out on top. 

Keys to the Game:  UNC

• Defense - In case you haven’t noticed, Carolina’s defense is very good at causing turnovers.  The Heels are in the top 10 nationally with 28 turnovers forced this year.  If the defense can continue that trend, the Wolfpack will be in for a long day. 
• T.J. Yates - Ok, I’ll say it; T.J. Yates is not a good quarterback.  I’ve watched him play the past few years and honestly I’m not impressed.  He doesn’t throw the football down the field very much and this year he has three more interceptions than touchdowns.  He’ll have an opportunity to prove me wrong on Saturday, playing against a struggling defense, but one game still wouldn’t change my mind.  Yates will have to play well against the Wolfpack and give his team a chance to win.  That means no turnovers and a lot of completed passes. 
• Control the Revenge Factor - Last year, State thumped Carolina 41-10 in a game that State fans haven’t let Tar Heel fans forget since.  The Heels remember that game all too well, so emotions will be running even higher than normal.  Carolina must find a way to channel that energy and use it in a positive way.  If you get too over-excited, it could lead to some poor play.

What This Means

Tomorrow should be an exciting, yet interesting game between two long-time rivals.  Carolina has the edge defensively while State has the superior offense.  I’ve heard a lot of people say this season that if you put State’s offense with Carolina’s defense, you’d probably have an ACC champion.  Since that’s not possible, both teams will have to duke it out for one more year of supremacy.  (Sorry about the “D” word in the last sentence.  It just kind of happened).  The atmosphere will be great tomorrow, along with the weather.  I’ll be screaming my head off as usual, so hopefully I’ll see you there.  Look for me; I’ll be the one in red!

Maryland @ Florida State

Prediction:  FSU - 38    Maryland - 24 

Reality:  FSU - 29    Maryland - 26

The Seminoles had to grind out a win against the ACC’s worst team.  Oh well.  At least they got the win. 

North Carolina @ Boston College

Prediction:  UNC - 27    BC - 21

Reality:  UNC - 31    BC - 13

Note to future Tar Heel opponents:  Don’t turn the ball over.  Carolina has been on a roll of late thanks to a defense eager to cause turnovers. 

Duke @ #20 Miami

Prediction:  Miami - 34    Duke - 21

Reality:  Miami - 34    Duke - 16

Duke made it a game until the fourth quarter.  That’s when Miami woke up.

Virginia @ #23 Clemson

Prediction:  Clemson - 35    UVA - 17

Reality:  Clemson - 34    UVA - 21

The Tigers kept their momentum going and won the Atlantic Division Crown.  Could this be Al Groh’s last few games?  Most likely…

N.C. State @ #15 Virginia Tech

Prediction:  VT - 38    NCSU - 27 

Reality:  VT - 38    NCSU - 10

Not much to say about this one.  I thought the Wolfpack’s defense might play better.  Then again; I thought the offense would play better too.  Four turnovers is hard to overcome. 

Dog of the Week

Prediction:  Ole Miss - 28    #8 LSU - 24 

Reality:  Ole Miss - 25    #8 LSU - 23

Wow.  I’m getting pretty good at this.  Ole Miss was tabbed by many to be a “darkhorse” in the SEC.  This is why.

Results

I went 5-0 in week 12, bringing my total to 61 of 88 for 69.3% picked correctly.  Heather went 4-1 with her one loss coming in the Carolina game.  Her record is now 62 of 88 for 70.4%!  I am now within one game!  There’s one more week left in the regular season and that makes my last picks crucial to the prediction challenge.  I also got another underdog pick right, bringing my record in that department to 5-7!  Maybe for week 13 I’ll have two underdog picks to hopefully even my record.  Check back soon for my week 13 picks and a preview of State’s game against Carolina.

What is the difference between a UNC fan and a three-week-old puppy?

Eventually the puppy will stop whining.

The problem Saturday was a mixture of things.  State’s defense just wasn’t up to the challenge, giving up big plays on crucial downs.  State’s offense also couldn’t muster a thing and looked like it abandoned the running game all together.  Though Virginia Tech’s defensive front is very good, a balanced attack is still necessary to compete.  Toney Baker ended the day with 10 carries for 47 yards, running well as he has for the past three games.  The senior, who was just granted a sixth year of eligibility, seems to be the smartest of the Pack’s backs.  Baker consistently runs “north-south” instead of “east-west,” picking up yards when he can and carrying tacklers with him.  His counterpart, Jamelle Eugene tends to stretch runs out and not take what the defense gives him.  Eugene is a talented back, but it is difficult to outrun defenders from Virginia Tech as well as other conference foes.  Baker has been the more consistent option at running back and I feel like if we would have utilized him more, it would have benefited our offense.

Our offensive struggles could have something to do with the absence of offensive coordinator Dana Bible.  Bible did not make the trip with the team due to health concerns, so Assistant Coach Jason Swepson called the plays Saturday.  Bible’s absence could have disrupted the flow of N.C. State’s offense, though that wasn’t their only problem.  Four turnovers never help your cause, especially playing a team like Virginia Tech.  The bottom-line is, the Hokies are just plain better than the Wolfpack.  Their quarterback played better, their offensive line held up and their defensive unit played aggressive football all game long.  This wasn’t a game many expected the Wolfpack to win, but some thought it would be a little bit closer than the 28 point spread on Saturday.  I was one of those optimistic few.

The loss drops the Wolfpack to 4-7 overall and 1-6 in the conference.  Only two of those four wins came against FCS (Division IA) opponents.  This season has certainly been one to forget, but all hope is still not lost.  The season has now come down to one game; this coming Saturday against North Carolina.  The Tar Heels are riding a four-game winning streak and have entered the top 25 after their most recent victory in Chestnut Hill.  Carolina beat Boston College 31-13 after forcing six Eagle turnovers to earn their eighth win of the season.  State defeated their rival last year 41-10, but this year’s game figures to be a lot closer.  The Tar Heels are polar opposites of the Wolfpack, as their strength is their defense and their weakness is on offense.  The Wolfpack are capable, but will need to take care of the football and play well in all aspects of the game to earn a W next weekend.  This week will be fun as we prepare for the huge rivalry that is State vs. Carolina.  Keep checking in as the blogs will really be rolling this week as UNC Blogger Chad Floyd and I will be preparing for the game of the year.  As always, Go Pack!