Well 7 of our 9 losses were by 7 points or less, with Southern Miss being the only real blowout. The Carolina game doesn't really count b/c Evans fumbled at the end of the game to give one of their defensive players a TD. Even with our lack of producing turnovers, costly penalties, and inefficient offense, we were still in most of the games to the end and had chances at winning. the turning point last year was the Wake Forest game. Right before the half we fumbled for a safety and they got an easy TD on a blown coverage. That's a 9 point swing their way. Also Evans who looked decent in the two previous games and seemed like he was bringing us down the field for another late game winning drive, ended up getting a concussion on one play and a play or two later threw an interception. He never really looked the same after that.


On a side note, who's watching the Miami vs. KC game? Tank might get some playing time. His # is 93. I hope he does well and fights for a starting spot or at least be 2nd on the depth chart.

http://www.kcchiefs.com/player/demarcus_tyler/

Oh and 15 days till the Bojangles on Western has a huge line of people buying the tailgate package.


[Edited on August 16, 2007 at 8:23 PM. Reason : ]

8/16/2007 8:17:43 PM

I can feel the nerves setting in

like before those first fireworks go off....can't wait

8/16/2007 9:31:23 PM

http://ncsu1.info/desktop.htm

[Edited on August 16, 2007 at 10:03 PM. Reason : in ur stadiumz, losin by 20 points]

8/16/2007 10:02:47 PM

only one more Saturday of this bs.

8/18/2007 7:44:17 AM

Im getting sent to India to train some people ... guess when I have to leave.... Sept1 !!!

Not a good way to start the season.

8/18/2007 8:40:30 AM

so how about that vote in the ap...

8/18/2007 4:56:27 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/rankingsindex

AP Top 25 Preseason

1. USC (62) 0-0 1,622
2. LSU (2) 0-0 1,511
3. West Virginia (1) 0-0 1,396
4. Texas 0-0 1,375
5. Michigan 0-0 1,371
6. Florida 0-0 1,276
7. Wisconsin 0-0 1,192
8. Oklahoma 0-0 1,166
9. Virginia Tech 0-0 1,148
10. Louisville 0-0 1,031
11. Ohio State 0-0 876
12. California 0-0 790
13. Georgia 0-0 782
14. UCLA 0-0 605
15. Tennessee 0-0 571
16. Rutgers 0-0 560
17. Penn State 0-0 542
18. Auburn 0-0 519
19. Florida State 0-0 392
20. Nebraska 0-0 377
21. Arkansas 0-0 376
22. TCU 0-0 283
23. Hawaii 0-0 256
24. Boise State 0-0 187
25. Texas A&M 0-0 162
Others Recieving Votes
Missouri 128, Georgia Tech 94, Boston College 75, Oregon 73, South Carolina 69, Miami (FL) 68, Alabama 66, Oregon State 42, Wake Forest 40, South Florida 28, Arizona State 17, Brigham Young 14, Southern Miss 12, Notre Dame 11, Virginia 7, Clemson 6, Oklahoma State 3, Texas Tech 2, Purdue 1, Houston 1, Kentucky 1, North Carolina State 1.

lol

[Edited on August 18, 2007 at 5:11 PM. Reason : url]

8/18/2007 5:10:33 PM

Cal at 12? ha!

I hope Louisville keeps it undefeated... until we take 'em down

8/18/2007 5:26:02 PM

haha. I guess they decided to give us a vote instead of duke.

8/18/2007 5:39:38 PM

Man it would be sweet to go into the Louisville game at 4-0, which is possible. Gameday might even show up.

8/18/2007 7:18:31 PM

Haha looking now at the stats for my site I see a few people decided to take advantage of the desktop feature.


although I scrolled down a bit

Top 11 of 11 Total Countries
4 429 3.45% 137 3.09% 1172 3.47% US Educational
6 18 0.14% 16 0.36% 149 0.44% US Military
8 8 0.06% 5 0.11% 38 0.11% US Government

errrrr
[/random]

[Edited on August 19, 2007 at 12:49 AM. Reason : ]

8/19/2007 12:47:04 AM

13 days

crazy

8/19/2007 2:51:59 AM

Quote :

"Bad scrimmage concerns O'Brien RALEIGH — Two weeks until his first season at N.C. State kicks off, Tom O'Brien's concerns still outweigh his comforts, especially after his team's third scrimmage. The Wolfpack worked on what O'Brien called "end-of-game situations" in Friday's closed scrimmage, different scenarios for the offense and defense in the final 4 minutes of the game. O'Brien called the performance "bad" at N.C. State's media day today at the Murphy Center. The Pack lacked intensity and intelligence, O'Brien said. "We came in with certain standards in the way we want to play this football game," O'Brien said. "We haven't gotten that. There's sparks, but once they get into some competition, they lose their focus. That's a concern." A lack of effort and urgency, which previously hadn't been a problem, O'Brien said, marked Friday's scrimmage. "We had an abnormal amount of loafs on the football field, which you just can't have," O'Brien said. "That's mental toughness, they're getting tired and they're shutting down." More disconcerting to O'Brien is the team hasn't been playing smart. O'Brien, whose not a screamer or yeller, didn't peel any paint or throw any chairs when meeting with his players after Friday's performance. "Sometimes when you're bad, you don't need to be mad," O'Brien said. "They could figure it out, too. They understood and that's a positive." Aside from Friday's scrimmage, O'Brien said his No. 1 concern is the certainty of the starting lineup. O'Brien said only half of the starters on offense and defense have been set by the coaching staff. "We haven't seen people take control of their position," O'Brien said. "There's a lot of positions that they're not sure about that means you have some work to do." The scrimmage was closed to the public and media and stats were not released. "

hmm...

8/19/2007 11:37:23 AM

^ its refreshing to have that kind of leadership. in recent years we had been getting a lot of kool aid followed by shitty seasons.

8/19/2007 12:47:46 PM

http://www.newsobserver.com/753/story/675559.html

Pressley embraces challenge
Talented Pack senior latest to anchor line

Chip Alexander, Staff Writer

RALEIGH - Though last season probably is best forgotten, N.C. State defensive tackle DeMario Pressley still bears the scars.

There are three around his left wrist. That's where pins were inserted during surgery after his wrist injury in the North Carolina game.

Three scars. As Pressley well knows, and painfully so, that number matches the Wolfpack's wins total last fall.

"I remember how we felt after the Virginia loss, the Maryland loss, the Carolina loss, the East Carolina loss," Pressley said Saturday. "I just don't want to do that, feel like that again.

"I think last year will make us stronger. To be 3-9; ... hopefully, we can make up for that."

It wasn't supposed to be that way when Pressley was recruited out of Greensboro Dudley High in 2003. One recruiting service had him rated the No. 1 defensive tackle in the country, and NCSU, North Carolina, Florida State and others badly wanted him.

Chuck Amato, then the Pack's coach, seemingly had the program rolling and told Pressley, "We really want you, but we'll win with you or without you."

Four years later, State is trying to win without Amato, fired after the 3-9 collapse. As for Pressley, he enters his senior season determined to make it his best one.

For the last few seasons, the Pack's defensive line also has been a line of succession -- to the NFL. Ends Mario Williams and Manny Lawson, and tackle John McCargo were first-round draft choices after the 2005 season. Tackle Tank Tyler, who started after McCargo was injured in the '05 season, was a third-round choice by the Kansas City Chiefs after last season.

Pressley said he tried to take one thing from each of his former teammates that would make him a more complete lineman.

"From Manny, it was his first step," he said. "His first step was so fast.

"With Mario, it was his hand placement and how to use his hands and his strength.

"From John McCargo, it's his moves. He was so good with his feet.

"Tank was all power."

Can Pressley be the next in line to the NFL? He'd like to think so.

"I do feel the pressure," Pressley said. "I'm going to play as hard as I can and try to follow in their footsteps."

At 6 feet 3 and 295 pounds, Pressley has the size and quickness to be a dominant player. He has been on the field for 1,112 career plays, starting his past 23 games, and is a preseason first-team All-ACC selection.

"DeMario is a great athlete," said senior defensive end Martrel Brown, Pressley's roommate. "You watch him at times and think, 'Wow, how can he do that and be so big?' I mean, he can do splits. He's that athletic."

Pressley recovered from the surgery but then missed most of spring practice with a broken toe. That meant the Pack's new coach, Tom O'Brien, and the defensive staff didn't get a good look at one of their most experienced players until preseason camp.

"DeMario can be very special," defensive line coach Keith Willis said. "It's unfortunate he's been hit with this rash of injuries. When he's out there, he's a beast.

"He has the quickness. I just need to get him using his hands a little more effectively."

There's also the motivational part. Willis said he has reminded Pressley that he's following in the line of Williams, Lawson, McCargo, Tyler.

"I've told him, 'You've got to grow up -- you're the leader here now,' " Willis said. "I said, 'You may not be the most vocal, but you have to show by example.' He's up to the challenge."

Pressley has tried to help and encourages the younger linemen, just as Lawson, Williams and others did for him. Defensive tackle Markus Kuhn, a freshman from Germany, said Pressley has become a friend, giving him tips, helping him with his technique.

Kuhn said he recently was in Pressley's room when he spotted a framed jersey. It was from Pressley's appearance in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl after his senior year at Dudley, a showcase for the nation's best high school stars.

"He said he was recruited so high," Kuhn said. "I can see why. He's big, he's talented."

Pressley, 21, has had a solid career at State. He has been a part of some very good defenses. But he has never been All-ACC, never a college All-America.

"I've never felt the pressure that I was rated No. 1 in high school, so I had to play like I'm No. 1," he said. "I've always tried to stay humble. Just work hard and do what I can do."

And this season?

"I do want it be a special," he said. "For the team, for me."

8/19/2007 12:56:08 PM

http://www.wral.com/sports/football/ncaa/story/1718867/

Baker, Brown Offer Wolfpack 1-2 Punch at Running Back
Extended Interview: N.C. State Running Back Tony Baker

By AARON BEARD
AP Sports Writer

Posted: Aug. 18 2:52 p.m.
Updated: Aug. 18 7:56 p.m.

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State is still trying to choose a starting quarterback. At least new Wolfpack coach Tom O'Brien doesn't have that kind of worry when it comes to who will carry the football.

After all, he can't go wrong with Toney Baker and Andre Brown - regardless of who starts.

The tandem offers plenty of stability while O'Brien's first squad plays its way through training camp. And no matter who wins the starting quarterback job, both figure to be a big part of the Wolfpack's offense.

"Nothing's changed from what I thought that they would be and in some cases they're even better than I thought they would be," O'Brien said Saturday during the team's annual preseason media day.

The juniors have each cracked the 1,000-yard mark for their respective careers. The 6-foot, 232-pound Brown burst on the scene with a 248-yard day against Southern Mississippi followed by a 179-yard day against Florida State the following week during his freshman year.

The 5-10, 225-pound Baker took the lead role last year, running for a team-high 688 yards - including 174 in a loss at Clemson late last season - while Brown finished with 658 yards. It's unclear who will take the lead role in 2007, though it's a certainty that both will get the chance.

The duo is splitting practice carries with redshirt sophomore Jamelle Eugene, giving the Wolfpack plenty of depth behind the line.

While Baker and Brown would surely rather get all the carries, both are saying the right things about sharing the workload.

"In this league and in this day in age, it's hard to have just one back (carry the load)," Baker said. "We have two or three talented backs and we're going to rotate and stay fresh."

"I look at it like if I'm getting the ball 30 times a game, that's taking off some of my years," Brown said with a laugh. "If I'm not fresh, (Baker) can come in or if he's not fresh I can come in. It just gives (the defense) a different look and keeps fresh legs in the game."

That could be an even bigger priority this year as the Wolfpack tries to sort out its uncertain situation at quarterback. O'Brien said there's still no separation between junior Daniel Evans - who started nine games last year - redshirt freshman Justin Burke and Harrison Beck, a sophomore who transferred from Nebraska.

No matter who gets the start, it's clear that a big part of their job will be getting it to the running backs.

"I don't know if I could say which is better than the other," Evans said. "It's exciting to be in the backfield with them, to know all I have to do is turn around and hand it off and we can score a touchdown in five seconds."

8/19/2007 1:43:51 PM

someone post that article from thewolfpacker on media day

i wanna know what TOB said about the friday scrimmage

jk maybe this is the same thing

http://www.gopack.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=1153751

[Edited on August 20, 2007 at 1:29 AM. Reason : fr]

8/20/2007 1:22:54 AM

Quote :

"I didn’t see what I was hoping to see. This was their first experience doing it like this. It’s the type of scrimmage that you have to have before you play your first game. You have to be able to substitute with ease, understand situations, know when you’re supposed to stay inbounds, know when you’re supposed to get out of bounds, know when you’re supposed to keep them inbounds, know when you’re supposed to get them out of bounds and those situations.” Noting that the effort level and intensity wasn’t what he had hoped for during the scrimmage, O’Brien conceded that the recent heat wave has probably taken its toll. When asked if this team plays hard, O’Brien said, “They did until last night.” Does this team play smart? “No,” he said. "

damn....harsh / but hey...we knew we didnt play smart last year..i was hoping that we had gotten over that but maybe this is just coach speak?

8/20/2007 10:35:37 AM

I'm curious, how does a team play smart. I mean, does a coach teach a team to play smart. Could the kids that will be on the team for the next few years become a "smart"team because of TOB? Do the kind of kids you recruit help to build that kind of team, or is it just a team mentality that you have to eliminate through some other means?

Ive always been interested in the deeper "workings" of how coaching a football team works, how the coach matters, the assistants matter, how much control the actual players have over what kind of team they have.

Anyone have any suggested reading or articles worth looking at that might talk about this kind of stuff?

8/20/2007 12:08:28 PM

its probably the mindset of the kids as far as playing smart.

such as focusing on the matter at hand and really really thinking about what may happen next and not just going through the routine every play. Actually using every play for its best and most useful yardage.


as for readings about that, i would suggest some of the books that some past NFL coaches have put out. I know the tuna had one awhile back that was actually good I read cant remember the name of it though.


and alot of playing smart is getting the kids to learn and trust your system and know they have to do it every play. some of that is recruiting smart kids some of it is gettin the kids now to buy in.

8/20/2007 12:29:00 PM

and to build on what he said...playing smart also means focusing
not doing stupid things and being a responsible teammate and player

8/20/2007 12:31:50 PM

please just be coach speak

8/20/2007 12:33:06 PM

Quote :

"I'm curious, how does a team play smart."

By not spitting on opponents.
By not shoving a guy that's already out of bounds 10 more yards into the ground.
By not running into a kicker to extend a team's drive.

That's just for starters.

8/20/2007 12:47:39 PM

by not lining up offsides

8/20/2007 12:51:35 PM

http://www.gopack.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=41956&SPID=3730&DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=1153960

Quote :

"GoPack.com: After almost eight months on the job, what are your impressions about being part of the NC State program? Archer: The number one thing is the passion of the fans. Having been to a number of functions throughout the state through the Wolfpack Club meetings and seeing the people, I know how important football is here. Having been at Virginia in the ACC and in the SEC for so long, your immediate perception of the ACC is that it is a basketball conference. Coming here, my perception has changed. This is a football school. Yes, we still play basketball in this league and everyone loves it. But, from what I have seen, fans can’t wait until September and they can’t wait for those seven or eight home football games. That reminds me of the SEC, which is football 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Coming here, I sense the same kind of passion. That’s exciting."

[Edited on August 20, 2007 at 12:55 PM. Reason : jhk]

8/20/2007 12:52:17 PM

^Someone need to inform him that we just like football b/c its outside and we can drink before, during, and after. We want to be good at Football and are passionate but we are and always will be a Basketball school.

Florida just went back to back in Basketball but will always be a football school...you are what you are...and we are a Bball school.

8/20/2007 1:36:58 PM

But we cant fill the RBC center and always fill CF.

Mmmmmm beer

8/20/2007 4:00:51 PM

^ completely different. If we only had 8 home bball games, then every one would be standing room only.

Anyway it sounds like we sucked big balls in the last scrimmage. I'm betting that the QBs each threw about 3 picks.

8/20/2007 4:37:53 PM

The first Tom O'Brien radio show is tonight at 8 pm. Be sure to tune in.

8/20/2007 5:56:15 PM

sorry if i missed it, but what station?

8/20/2007 6:13:25 PM

Quote :

"The Wolfpack Sports Network will be welcoming a new Triangle area affiliate for the coaches shows. WCMC-FM, 99.9 will be the new home for the Wolfpack radio shows on Monday nights. Game broadcasts will air on new flagship, WRAL FM Mix 101.5."

http://www.gopack.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=9200&ATCLID=1153561

8/20/2007 6:15:19 PM

You can listen online here...

http://www.999genuinecountry.com/Article.asp?id=191468

8/20/2007 6:28:20 PM

On now.

8/20/2007 8:00:28 PM

link dont work

8/20/2007 8:07:37 PM

stream not avaliable

8/20/2007 8:10:03 PM

help!

8/20/2007 8:10:10 PM

yeah, i'm having to use my clock radio. stupid thing kept wanting to screw up when i walked away from it, so i tried the online broadcast, but it didn't work. ended up missing the opening as a result. finally got the clock radio in the happy medium it needed. why couldn't it have stayed on 95.7 in Charlotte.

8/20/2007 8:11:26 PM

TOB says that this week is crucial in terms of filling out the remaining starting spots. Said no one own on the team owns the jersey, that North Carolina State University owns the jersey. Talking about the QB position some, said Russell Wilson has a nice arm and could be a good QB, but still seems overwhelmed like a lot of freshmen. Also said he can move around in the pocket pretty well.

8/20/2007 8:15:23 PM

no he didnt. you are making that up

8/20/2007 8:15:52 PM

I'm typing as he speaks. Luke Lathan, in a recorded response, basically says that he's impressed with Don Horton, the O-line coach.

8/20/2007 8:18:39 PM

I kid, I kid. Had to use my alarm clock radio

8/20/2007 8:20:26 PM

Oh I know you were just kidding, just stating so for the n00bs that may take things to seriously. Oh WTF, it just went to a commercial when Tony Haynes was asking a question!

Did that happen for you all that are not in Charlotte?

[Edited on August 20, 2007 at 8:23 PM. Reason : ]

8/20/2007 8:22:35 PM

that happened to me! I hope they arnt spilling the beans without us knowing!!!!1

8/20/2007 8:23:53 PM

sounds like Wilson may be moving up in his eyes

I wouldnt mind seeing that actually, could fool alot of people and alot of teams

interesting.



please clarify on the jersey comments

8/20/2007 8:30:03 PM

One guy asked how they decide on a starter, like do they have a scoring system, etc. TOB said they grade them on all their practices, and share them with the players. Said competition is good for a lot of players, b/c college players are sometimes hard to motivate. TOB was asked what kind of athlete he was, said he was a late bloomer, but is in his HS HOF, which he was amazed at. Said he didn't think he was exceptional, but worked hard.

^ basically they have to work to earn the right to wear the jersey.

[Edited on August 20, 2007 at 8:33 PM. Reason : ]

8/20/2007 8:30:40 PM

He praised Grobe in regards to coaching "uphill", much like how he had to learn to do so at Navy, Virginia while just starting out, and I can't remember if he mentioned BC. You get the picture though, getting the most out of your players kind of comment.

8/20/2007 8:35:21 PM

Asking about how he will handle getting Andre Brown and Toney Baker in a rhythm. May put both in the backfield at the same time. May have to handle it like the BC staff handled L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callendar.

8/20/2007 8:43:25 PM

hell yes


thank God, I wanna see them together pleaseeeeee

and Wilson at QB...that has an interesting ring to it.

8/20/2007 8:49:38 PM

Says they'll name a kicker here shortly. Will have one kicker and one punter. No one will be pulling double duty. Will have a players entrance similar to the Walk of Champions, but will be on the other side at the Wolfpack Fanzone around 2 hours before the game, and the players will walk around the concourse to the Murphy Center, but the stadium will of course still be closed at that time. Didn't say what it will be called. Asked about the high school talent in NC. Said that it's great and comparable to other states. Said that just b/c some states (i.e. Florida, Texas, California, etc.) have a bigger population, that doesn't mean that the talent is that much greater as a whole. Those states just have a bigger pool of players, so there will be more D-I prospects from those states.

8/20/2007 8:54:52 PM

Russell Wilson for QB. Why the hell not.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JH1d0m9nYRw

8/20/2007 8:55:57 PM