Says he's excited about coming out of the tunnel for the first game, hope he doesn't trip or his players will kill him, thinks it will be a special moment. Recalled how he was out on the golf course with either one or more of his assistant coaches during the spring, and it was in the 70s in Raleigh, while it was in the 30s in Boston, and one assistant turned to him and said, "I love North Carolina!"


Also said they are committed to building this program into the ACC's best.

[Edited on August 20, 2007 at 8:58 PM. Reason : ]

8/20/2007 8:58:04 PM

definitely a good lil' interview, the questions got better towards the end

8/20/2007 9:12:17 PM

One guy on PP typed up a pretty good synopsis, and here are all of them.

Early on Tony tried to get TOB to compare how different it is being here than at Boston (where he had to compete against the professional leagues). TOB said that he wasn't going to say anything bad about Boston, because people up there might shoot darts at his picture. Seriously, he continued that he had 10 great years up there and educated his three children. So, he let Tony know that he wasn't going to get into comparisons in trying to make State look so much better than BC.

Furthermore, he said that players that don't show up for practice won't play. That jersey belongs to NC State not them, individually. Someone called in and said that the best running back in NC State, as well as the entire ACC, history (Ted Brown) was mentioned as a gamer but not someone who practiced well. He wanted TOB to know that while the rule about not practicing well equated to not playing well was 99% accurate, there were exceptions and how would he ensure not to overlook them. TOB said that players that don't show up and give effort won't play, but players will get a chance to show what they can do in a game situation (i.e. scrimmages, spring game, etc...).

With respect to the QBs, he didn't tip his hand at all. They (Tony and TOB) did talk a little about the freshman QB (Wilson). He has a live arm and great speed, I believe were the descriptions. Daniel Evans audio was played talking about his respect for TOB and the encounter they had after the State win over BC last year. No mention of Burke or Beck, so far as I remember.

They talked about the TE position and how difficult it was to lose Ant Hill. However, TOB suggested that now he should be able to earn his degree before going to play professionally, which might be a blessing in disguise considering his mother wants him to get his degree. Tony said that BC liked to play multiple TEs and TOB confirmed that he liked to play 3 in various positions.

No mention of WRs, as far as I know.

TOB said that we'd have one kicker and one punter. Not sure which would do the kickoff duties. No specific names mentioned.

Tomorrow's scrimmage should tell them a lot. Wed they're off because of first day of school. Thurs, Fri, and Sat they'll practice but try to get their legs back under them in preparation for 1st game.

For the life of me I can't remember the name of the first caller. He called into every show and was always first. He and Chuck used to really have a good time. Billy, that's his name. Billy called in almost as enthusiastic as ever. He tried to develop a connection with TOB by saying that he knew George Welch and how Welch tried to get him to come to practice but Billy said that their practices were closed but Welch said not to him. So, Billy was trying to get TOB to welcome him to practice. I guess Billy also talked with Dana [Bible] who Billy said said he could come to practice. Sounding stoic, TOB said maybe he [Billy] could work something out with Bible, for if he said it it had to be true...

Didn't sense the connection between Billy and TOB. Maybe it'll grow. I'm sure Tony had to fill TOB in on Billy before the show, but maybe not.


The PP user statelee provided all of that.

[Edited on August 20, 2007 at 9:20 PM. Reason : ]

8/20/2007 9:17:36 PM

is tomorrows scrimmage open?? are any of them open??

ECU's was and that was very interesting

if so, anyone wanna roll??

we can still go and look at the inside of the murphy center and all if not, and maybeee get a chance to stay around and see the field wink wink

8/20/2007 9:26:37 PM

To continue what Erios posted from Mike Archer said about NC State...

Quote :

"GoPack.com: But it takes a little more than passion and excitement from the fans and from the coaching staff and players, right? Archer: That is why I have been impressed by the commitment to success by Lee Fowler and the administration. And the facilities here are unbelievable. You can win a national championship here with those things."

8/20/2007 11:14:44 PM

http://ncsu1.info/desktop.htm

8/20/2007 11:26:32 PM

Quote :

"we can still go and look at the inside of the murphy center and all if not, and maybeee get a chance to stay around and see the field wink wink "

you can just show up and they'll let you look around inside?

[Edited on August 20, 2007 at 11:53 PM. Reason : ]

8/20/2007 11:47:26 PM

the lobby has a bunch of nc state football history

not sure how far in you can go on your own though

further inside there's a wall with a giant mural of Philip Rivers, i think it's near the weightroom (both of which make you go )

8/20/2007 11:50:54 PM

10 DAYS 22 HOURS TILL FOOTBALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next Monday the car flags get put on the car.


WOLF!

8/21/2007 7:40:38 PM

hell yes, i added that countdown to my desktop!

8/21/2007 7:51:27 PM

I think Jerricho Cotchery is on FSN right now doing fantasy football selections. Check it out. Channel 50 in Raleigh (iirc) and Channel 40 in Charlotte. Rivers was just taken at 45th overall.


http://www.wral.com/sports/blogpost/1721941/

David Glenn's ACC Journal

NCSU Football: Five Questions

Posted: Aug. 20, 2007

After decades of trying other avenues, N.C. State finally landed in Tom O'Brien something that had escaped the school for the first 54 years of ACC football: a proven head coach from a major conference.

Earle Edwards (1954-70) was an assistant at Michigan State when he was hired to coach the Wolfpack. Al Michaels (1971) was promoted from Edwards' staff. Lou Holtz (1972-75) came from William & Mary, which now has a Division I-AA program. (In 1972, college football had not yet split into Divisions I-A and I-AA.) Bo Rein (1976-79) was promoted from Holtz's NCSU staff. Monte Kiffin (1980-82) came from Holtz's Arkansas staff. Tom Reed (1983-85) had been the head coach at Miami-Ohio. Dick Sheridan (1986-92) came from I-AA Furman. Mike O'Cain (1993-99) was promoted from Sheridan's staff. Chuck Amato (2000-06), another former Holtz assistant, had been a long-time aide at Florida State.

O'Brien is not merely a proven head coach from a major conference. He's the winningest coach (75-45) in the history of Boston College football. He also has an impeccable track record in terms of on-field consistency (eight straight winning seasons), postseason success (seven straight bowl victories) and graduation rates (eight AFCA honors).

Now it's time to see how well his tried-and-true blueprint works in Raleigh.

Five Questions:

1. When will the coaching change work?

The O'Brien track record is crystal-clear: Over time, most of his players get better, they become physically and mentally tough, they keep stupid mistakes to a minimum, and they develop high football IQs. Under Amato, Wolfpack players typically scored much better in the first two categories than they did in the latter two. N.C. State fans are excited to see what might happen when talent and discipline collide. That will be a process, though, as will learning new systems on offense, defense and special teams. The most extreme changes will come on defense, where the returning players must adjust from playing mostly man-to-man under Amato to executing a zone approach as much as 80 percent of the time.

2. Will a quality quarterback emerge?

O'Brien has reminded reporters that the starting quarterback job is merely "one of 22" on the team, but the coach knows as well as anyone that QB production is one of the most important factors for every team every year. He recently stated that there continues to be "no separation" among junior Daniel Evans, sophomore transfer Harrison Beck and redshirt freshman Justin Burke. That could be a smokescreen — the staff has mentioned the competitive advantages (motivating players, confusing opening-day foe Central Florida, etc.) of keeping quiet about the depth chart — but at this point there's no reason to believe that any of the QB candidates has been exceptional. Evans has the most experience but also seven consecutive losses on his resume. Beck has the best arm but also makes the most mistakes. O'Brien has said that "decision-making" will be the most important factor in his decision, which likely puts Evans back in the driver's seat.

3. How brightly will the stars shine?

The Wolfpack could have an odd combination of strengths and weaknesses this fall. Toney Baker and Andre Brown are outstanding tailbacks, but they'll be running behind a questionable line. John Dunlap, Darrell Blackman and Donald Bowens lead a strong receiving corps, but they'll be working with an unproven quarterback. End Martrel Brown and tackle DeMario Pressley are excellent defensive linemen, but they may get frustrated if they don't get more help from the rest of the front seven. Another of the Pack's best players, tight end Anthony Hill, will miss the season with a knee injury.

4. Where are the blockers/backers?

Boston College maintained its reputation as "O-Line U." during the 10-year O'Brien era, but the coach inherited an enormous challenge on the offensive line in Raleigh. The Wolfpack has high hopes for some of its younger blockers (especially left tackle Julian Williams), but the only guy with an above-average track record in the trenches is massive junior guard Curtis Crouch, and the new staff has said that Crouch is a poor fit right now for many of its pulling-guard running plays. At linebacker, the Pack has three seniors (LeRue Rumph, Ernest Jones, James Martin) and three high-motor backups (Nate Irving, Ray Michel, John Ware), but nobody who has proven himself as anything close to an All-ACC candidate.

5. Are the kickers really ready?

When O'Brien was asked recently about constructing a winning football team, the first three positions he mentioned were quarterback, punter and kicker. Because the latter two spots at N.C. State will be manned by newcomers this year, it's difficult for anyone — including the coaches — to know if they will develop into positions of strength or weakness over the next few months. John Deraney handled punts, placements and kickoffs for the Wolfpack as a senior in 2006. Redshirt freshman Josh Czajkowski looks to be the frontrunner at kicker this year, and junior college transfer Jeff Ruiz (a late pickup on the recruiting trail) appears to have the inside track on the punting job.

[Edited on August 21, 2007 at 7:54 PM. Reason : ]

8/21/2007 7:53:01 PM

thread coming up~!


because im ready damn it

[Edited on August 21, 2007 at 10:30 PM. Reason : im debating: all caps thread title?]

8/21/2007 10:29:14 PM

go for it . . . be daring . . . make it "official"

8/21/2007 10:55:55 PM

aha

[Edited on August 21, 2007 at 10:57 PM. Reason : i refuse to put ************ on it though]

[Edited on August 21, 2007 at 10:57 PM. Reason : ]

8/21/2007 10:57:14 PM

ttt

[Edited on August 22, 2007 at 12:20 PM. Reason : t]

8/22/2007 12:20:31 PM

Just inside of 10 days till TOB puts fear into George O'Leary and every other coach on the schedule.

8/22/2007 6:24:43 PM

god I fucking hope so

8/22/2007 6:25:44 PM

8/22/2007 6:28:59 PM

100 Years of NC State Football Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2ceGHEhPBM

100 Years of NC State Football Part 2 (has the Erik Kramer Hail Mary pass to beat South Carolina, and the 56 yard field goal to beat UNC in Chapel Hill)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6zDkDT1Lx0

8/22/2007 7:19:23 PM

Soon there will be cars all over the place and the smell of barbeque and baked beans (as well as Bojangles' tailgate packages) will fill the air.

8/22/2007 9:24:23 PM

wish you could get a picture when it is a game day overhead like that...

8/22/2007 9:27:23 PM

yeah a night game especially.

8/22/2007 9:35:11 PM

i wish you could just get a picture more recent than three years ago like that.

8/22/2007 9:40:22 PM

^ I got it off of the NC DOT website.





[Edited on August 22, 2007 at 9:41 PM. Reason : ]

[Edited on August 22, 2007 at 9:56 PM. Reason : ]

8/22/2007 9:41:26 PM

i meant the royal you. i know that they're hard to find recent.

8/22/2007 9:43:39 PM

Oh I was just saying where I got it from, if anyone wanted to know. Yeah it sucks that they are so hard to find. Doing an advanced image search for large size pics of Carter-Finley doesn't work out too well. Maybe if TOB brings us to prominence then we will have more professional photographers taking pictures of our stadium.

8/22/2007 9:54:38 PM

NINE DAYS

WE DOWN TO SINGLE DIGITS

8/23/2007 7:00:58 AM

Also (and as far as the tickets schedule states) the request period begins tomorrow. Don't forget (as if you would)!

https://ticketreturn.solidspace.com/ncsu/

8/23/2007 7:16:32 AM

so when the heck does it begin?!

just kidding. midnight tonight i see.

[Edited on August 23, 2007 at 10:33 AM. Reason : ]

8/23/2007 10:30:52 AM

Is there any way to definitively know which games will / won't offer guest tickets at this point?

If not, when will we know?

8/23/2007 12:21:07 PM

go to that link ^^^ and click on the left where it says "2007 Football Request/Claim Schedule"

it opens a PDF of a spreadsheet w/all the request & claim period times, and on the right it has guest tickets quantity (if available) and price

8/23/2007 12:42:23 PM

the VA game and the UNC game [i think] will not have guest tickets

8/23/2007 12:49:47 PM

sweet, thanks

8/23/2007 12:51:17 PM

from the interview with tight ends coach Jim Bridge:

Quote :

"GoPack.com: I saw your daughter running around at Meet the Pack Day in her NC State cheerleader uniform. She has obviously made the transition easily. Bridge: That was one of the deals when we got here – we had to buy her a new cheerleader outfit, because as soon as the season starts she will be out there screaming her head off for the Wolfpack. She also has already learned that there are certain schools that we don’t like very much. And she knows who those schools are."

8/23/2007 3:22:13 PM

9 Days!!!

#9 Marcus Stone.....could be a big key to our season now that he is starting and taking over at TE.

I like his catching/playmaking ability. As long as he works on his blocking this could be ok.

8/23/2007 4:34:41 PM

someone find the picture of Marcus Stone flying in looking like he's about to lay a karate kick on two defenders.

also Mario Williams wore #9.

























[Edited on August 23, 2007 at 6:26 PM. Reason : ]

8/23/2007 6:07:00 PM

Ah, the old karate kick photo. That was some matrix shit, right there.

8/23/2007 6:34:38 PM

http://www.wral.com/sports/story/1736930/

Quote :

"Three Captains Essential to O'Brien's Plan N.C. State Sports Logo By Langdon Morris Posted: Today at 7:35 p.m. Raleigh — As Coach Tom O’Brien tweaks his depth chart in preparation for next Friday’s season opener against Central Florida, many questions begged to be answered in regard to his lineup. One decision, however, has been made for him, as the team voted on their captains for the 2007 season at a meeting on Aug. 2. Seniors Marcus Stone, Martrel Brown, and John Dunlap were selected to serve as the leaders of this year’s squad, a job O’Brien said the three deserve. "I think it speaks to their leadership, [and] I think it speaks to their dedication to the program,” O'Brien said. TE Marcus Stone With the injury to standout tight end Anthony Hill, the starting job, unlike that of quarterback, is now set in Stone. Overall, Stone posted a 6-3 record as a starting quarterback, but moved to TE last year after consecutive losses to Akron and Southern Miss. Though his ability at tight end is somewhat of an unknown (4 catches for 68 yards last season), he has shown flashes of brilliance in pre-season scrimmages, collecting three touchdowns in spring scrimmages. Junior quarterback Daniel Evans claims Stone has the size and hands of a professional tight end, though he is still learning and growing in the new role. According to O’Brien, it is Stone’s selfless attitude in changing positions that embodies what he wants from his program. “I’ve talked before about Marcus’ selflessness, and the things that we want this team to stand for,” O’Brien said. “So, I think it’s good that the football team recognizes those traits and wants those three guys to be their leaders this year.” DE Martrel Brown Brown proved his ability to his teammates last year as he collected a team-high seven sacks (sixth in the ACC). His success last season was particularly notable in filling in for departed stars Mario Williams, Manny Lawson and John McCargo. “I feel like I learned a lot from them, just by taking the stepping stones that they took,” Brown said. “I mean, looking at those guys, you have three first-round draft picks, that can’t do anything but motivate you as a defensive linemen and as an N.C. State football player.” Brown said he never viewed himself as a leader before, but sees his election as captain as a sign to lead his teammates to great things this season. “It’s a great honor for me because I didn’t know so many guys looked up to me as being a leader,” Brown said. “I feel I have to contribute to the team and lead them to great wins this year and lead them towards positive things, and that’s my role.” WR John Dunlap John Dunlap is probably best known for pulling in Daniel Evan’s 34 yard, game-winning end-zone heave against BC last season. This season, Dunlap returns as one of the most experienced offensive weapons, as he participated in 656 plays from scrimmage last season, second-highest on the team. Dunlap started 10 games, and was the second-leading receiver with 392 yards on 30 catches, four of which were touchdowns. O’Brien and the Pack will look for him to bring his energy and explosiveness not only as a receiver, but as a leader. Tom O’Brien has made it clear that he respects these three young men as chosen leaders of his team. He has also made it clear that he doesn’t care who’s the designated leader, as long as someone steps up (ideally at quarterback). “Leadership can come from anywhere on the football team,” O’Brien said. “You don’t have to be the captain and you don’t have to be a senior. Captains take it upon themselves to take that upon themselves and get things going in the right direction.”"

8/23/2007 8:53:59 PM

this Sunday at 7pm on Sports South is their season preview show for us...Duke and Carolina before us...Wake and lots of others afterwards

8/23/2007 10:18:06 PM

request tickets is now open

8/24/2007 12:27:25 AM

mmmm

8/24/2007 8:15:19 PM

One week till students are stumbling out of bed, and alumni are driving back to Raleigh. Football time in West Raleigh is almost here.

8/25/2007 10:14:54 AM

whoo hoo 6 days. let's get crazy.

8/26/2007 9:26:53 AM

saturday can't get here fast enough.

8/26/2007 9:34:39 AM

Is anyone else having trouble claiming their tickets?

8/26/2007 9:40:17 AM

yeah, I'm getting "Error Processing Request. Please try again later." At least the claim ticket link is there now though unlike earlier.

8/26/2007 9:42:02 AM

I was just about to ask if anyone else is having trouble claiming their tickets too. I keep getting a processing error.

8/26/2007 9:45:33 AM

hah yeah. The ticket website screwing up is the one guaranteed thing during football season.

[Edited on August 26, 2007 at 10:02 AM. Reason : seems to be working now. Just claimed ticket.]

8/26/2007 9:49:38 AM

i get a "Invalid MerchantIDWebKlix" error when trying to enter credit card info for guest tickets

8/26/2007 11:02:27 AM

so no lottery, just claim tickets. nice

8/26/2007 11:55:22 AM