Weak Florist And Da Big Head

General75

What a difference two weeks makes.

After the Southern Miss debacle most of us were writing off the team and slitting our collective football throats. Now we ride high after the team pulls itself together for two huge victories.

And we should be worried sick about the Wake Forest game this weekend.

We’ve been here before, you see. The Pack gets a huge victory – or victories- as the underdog (in fact, we’re the only team in the country to knock off two ranked teams while unranked). Then it falls flat against an opponent supposedly far inferior to the Goliath it whipped like a pizened dog the previous week.

I know, I know. There are cases where this hasn’t happened. But the trend is too obvious to ignore. It’s doubly worrisome when the upcoming game involves the Florists.

Yeah, the Florists haven’t won in Carter-Finley since, well, forever. But in 2004 they nearly did. And as for away games, as if last year’s debacle wasn’t enough, recall the 2003 Winston-Salem horror: shocked Pack fans filled that high school stadium at Wake and watched the Florists dismantle our nationally ranked team. Trust me: suffering the lisp-ridden taunts (“Go Wake THAWEST! State THHHUCKS!”) of Florist fans after that game was absolutely no fun.

No, no. The Florist fan base may have large numbers of those Southern small-town rich kids who take piano lessons and are said to have “tendencies.� The Florist football team, though, is for real. And for State to have any pretensions of success this season, the Florists are one of the teams Chuck Amato’s boys simply must thrash and thrash soundly.

Now on paper, they should do so. The odds-makers are already spouting their nonsense and making us six point favorites. But – cliché alert – the games aren’t played on paper. That’s particularly the case with the Florists; paper football games don’t factor in the absolutely greatest danger facing State, fan and player, as I write this: Da Big Head.

We went to Weak in 2003 with Da Big Head and were beaten senseless. We invited the Florists to Carter-Finely in 2004 with Da Big Head, and had to take it to overtime after being down by 14 points. Even last year, with the Jay Davis saga winding to its agonizing end, Da Big Head chirped subconsciously: good God, I know we stink, but these are the Florists. Come on.

Haven’t you, like me, seen signs that post-FSU-win “Da Big Head” – the feeling that we “shouldn’t lose” to a team like Wake – begins to return? And that, my friends, is a recipe for disaster. We as fans and the players themselves must regard this game with utter seriousness. Win and we are on track to have a special season as well as breaking the Letdown Curse that dogs Wolfpack football like Inspector Javert. Lose and it’s another year of “Go Wake FOWEST! State THUUCKS!â€? Then, they’ll make tractor noises.

Look at is this way: When a guy whose whole contribution (and what a kilderkin it is) to this site is making jokes tells you it’s time to be serious, it probably is. It’s like a leprechaun putting down his beer, staring you in the eye, and saying it’s time to stop all that assing around and pay attention.

Lose Da Big Head. Take this seriously. And let’s give those presumptuous SOB Florists such a beating that they walk from the field knowing that their pretensions of gridiron glory are just that.

General

75 Responses to Weak Florist And Da Big Head

  1. redfred2 10/10/2006 at 9:50 AM #

    I have to agree about the FSU game plan. Evans lit it up down field again at almost every opportunity. I agree as someone commented about a screen package and some quick hitters. I think if we can keep the Deacs secondary rocking on there toes and heels between short and long passes then the running game will burst wide open. From what I saw in the short time I watched their game with Clemson the Deacs LB’s are physical, but not necessarily quick. I look for the RB’s to be open coming out the of backfield and then doing some damage in the secondary.

    This is the most balanced attack we’ve thrown at the Deacs in quite some time. Just to add to the earlier comments about the D picking it up a notch since the installment of Evans and during the BC game, both of those squads are now feeding of one another. No one is over on the sideline begging for the other to just do something or just prevent the other team from scoring anymore. Both offense and defense, they’re all smiling, talking it up, and feeling good about what the other can do out the field now.

  2. GAWolf 10/10/2006 at 11:59 AM #

    ^^^^

    The difference is that the Noles play a lot of man on the corners like we do. Wake typically doesn’t, though I haven’t paid much attention to them this year outside of the Clemson game. Man coverage is easy for a QB to throw the ball up for grabs and hope our taller receiver comes down with it.

    Don’t forget: One of Wake’s (starting?) DB’s will be out of the first half for getting pitched out of the first half of the Clemson game!!!

  3. redfred2 10/10/2006 at 12:51 PM #

    ^That’s right, I forgot about that. Their most experienced guy I think I read somewhere? Jump on em early and don’t let up.

  4. Wolfpack4ever 10/10/2006 at 3:48 PM #

    class of 74, redfred,

    You guys made a strong argument for playing a back-up QB during the first half of a game. Evans played the entire game against FSU. Do you think this was wise? If you have already taken Chuck to task for this, I apologize but I missed seeing it. Also, which back-up QB do you think should get playing time in the first half Saturday against Wake?

  5. redfred2 10/10/2006 at 4:17 PM #

    Once again, another BS scenario.

    I don’t there 4ever, who’s eligible seniority-wise this week?

  6. redfred2 10/10/2006 at 4:46 PM #

    4ever

    Try to answer these questions with a simple yes or no answers.

    Do you find it remarkable that a team went through three games with almost no offensive production, and then decided to insert an untested back up QB who hadn’t even set foot on the playing surface except for a few downs late in the game the week before, as a starter, in the conference opener, against a nationally ranked and undefeated Boston College team?

    Yes/no

    Do you believe that backup QB Evans, suddenly burst onto the scene and developed all of these skills in the week before the BC game and there was no evidence of them at practice last season or earlier this season. Or when the offense was struggling to gain a yard or two and the defense was keeping us in the games? Two of which resulted in losses because of the lack of offense.

    Yes/no

    Do you think Marcus Stone had been given a fair opportunity and seen enough time at the position to be fairly comfortable?

    Yes/no

    Do you think Daniel Evans has seen enough time to become comfortable at the position?

    Yes/no

    Do you still think your silly question from above is valid?

    Yes/no

    All I expect is a simple, straight forward, five word response there Mr. Clinton.

    I’ll bet there is no way in hell you can do it.

  7. class of 74 10/10/2006 at 5:09 PM #

    Honestly, I could make a case for putting Stone in for a series in the first half.
    Just to keep the rust off so to speak and keep his head in the program. I don’t think our staff agrees with this but I see nothing wrong with the concept. Just don’t let him pass the ball downfield, that’s when I cringe.

  8. redfred2 10/10/2006 at 5:16 PM #

    74

    I jumped too quickly, I don’t know why I didn’t think of that. I totally agree, he needs the show of confidence and really, who knows, sometimes a shake up can bring out the best in a player or person in general.

    I just hope the fans have the good sense to cheer him the next he gets an opportunity.

  9. redfred2 10/10/2006 at 6:01 PM #

    ^I really thought Stone would see at least some time in the BC game.

  10. Wolfpack4ever 10/10/2006 at 6:15 PM #

    redfred,
    I admire your point of view about Stone. Like 74 brought up earlier, I remember the Buckey/Shaw era when Holtz used different QBs based on the situation.

    Stone could save some wear and tear on Evans if we get comfortably ahead of someone. Another scenario would have Stone throwing a jump ball 50 or 60 yards down field on 3rd and long. He does have distance. An interception would be the equivilant to a 50 or 60 yard Quick-kick while giving us a 50/50 chance at a completion based on what I have seen from our tall receivers.

    redfred, I think Evans has and had the skill as does about every QB recruited by a college playing football. I saw the Spring game and no one present that I heard was calling for him to start or get a lot of playing time (except Papa Evans maybe). The SM game gave us a “nothing to lose situation” and Evans got the chance he earned in the Spring and fall over 3 other QBS. I was not at the fall practices and you may be right about his being ready to succeed in college ball then. And he for sure is now!!

    I got annoyed with you over the “Notice to the coaches…” thing which you probably meant in a far different way than I took it. Let’s create some good karma by pulling together for Evans and all the Pack. Peace.

  11. redfred2 10/10/2006 at 7:10 PM #

    Hey, I’m behind 100% Amato, Sidney Lowe, and Trestman has shown me something recently. But I’m not blind. Just because I say something critical doesn’t mean I’m calling them stupid or want to get rid of them.

    The “notice” was a culmination of both basketball and football programs, seeing the team(s) failing to accomplish what they could or should, and watching capable players sit the bench until after negative, and final, results have occurred.

    If I’m wrong, by all means, please let me know.

  12. Wolfpack4ever 10/10/2006 at 8:22 PM #

    redfred,

    Thanks for the explanation of “notice” being a culmination of both BB and FB. I get your frustration. As I pondered your point in that paragraph, I realized how I have stone-walled my feelings about BB. I grew up cheering for Sammy Ranzino, Vic Bubas, Dick Dickey, etc. Then went to school with others like Shavlik (who married a HS classmate of mine) Bob Sietz, Lou Pucillo, Vic Molodet and on through the years. Watched David, Tommy, Monty, Phil, Mo, Timmy etc., from section 14 in Reynolds After Valvano and his great players I kinda hardened my heart to what was happening with Wolfpack BB. I stirred a little with Justin Gainey and the ugliest guy who ever played for us but with a great heart whose name escapes me.

    My spring sport was the same as the one in most of Texas — Spring practice until that got to be closed to the public.

    Well, there’s hope again with Sidney and Monty. Let the good (old) times roll!!

  13. Wolfpack4ever 10/10/2006 at 8:23 PM #

    ^Sorry SFN for this being off thread.

  14. redfred2 10/10/2006 at 9:01 PM #

    4ever

    I guess it too much to ask for the five yes or no answers. Oh well, just as I thought.

    Sorry to point this out, but if you go back, really think as you read, my final explanation there, was contained in that very first “notice” post.

  15. Wolfpack4ever 10/10/2006 at 9:17 PM #

    red,

    Did you really expect me to answer your loaded questions? I can’t even follow what you are saying above.

    “Sorry to point this out, but if you go back, really think as you read, my final explanation there, was contained in that very first “noticeâ€? post.”

    What the hell does that mean? And I read it real slow and thought as I read it.

  16. redfred2 10/10/2006 at 10:37 PM #

    Loaded questions? Loaded with what, they’re straight forward yes or no questions.

    Hold on. My wife just walked in and she has something to talk about. Of she doesn’t want to answer any questions or to solve the problems, she just wants to continually talk in circles and round and round about it.

    I’ll just tell her I’ve already had my fill for the day on SFN.

    Good Night, Honey

  17. Wolfpack4ever 10/10/2006 at 11:32 PM #

    I’ll answer your 5 if you’ll answer my five. 😉 Come on red, you know that anybody can design five yes or no questions, the answers making whatever point they want to make. I’ll debate you but neither of us are on trial here. I’m just sorry that you got so upset about it. I love to talk/argue football and did not intiend to make it a personal conversation. Make whatever comments you want but standing trial, answering your 5 questions ain’t gonna happen.

  18. Cardiff Giant 10/11/2006 at 7:02 AM #

    I am Question Man!

  19. redfred2 10/11/2006 at 8:27 AM #

    Wolfpack4ever says:

    “I’ll debate you”

    That is, until I get hemmed into a corner and what you’re saying starts to make good sense, then I turn into a drama queen and skip off to another topic.

  20. Wulfpack 10/11/2006 at 9:04 AM #

    “Wake Fan (and their team) see’s us as arrogant and disrespectful of their program.”

    Excellent point. Great FSU analogy. No disrespect to ouyr program, but we can’t overlook anybody. What gets me is people have been knocking them for their “weak” schedule, yet they’ve taken care of business. How did we do against Akron? Or S. Miss? We all have silly games on the schedule, we don’t all win them. And if you watched the Clemson game, we have every reason to be wary. They were wearing the Tigers out until the special teams nix. Momentum turned and talent won out in the end. But make no mistake about it that Wake will whip your ass if you don’t come to play.

    You will never hear me bad mouth Wake. We have entirely way more resources at our disposal as a major state institution.

  21. redfred2 10/11/2006 at 11:01 AM #

    ^WFU, and those in administration there, do about as well as anyone with the resources they have at their disposal. It is very respectable program indeed.

  22. Trout 10/13/2006 at 10:30 AM #

    I think this NC State vs Wake Forest game is the most important game between these 2 longtime rivals in many, many years. For one, since NC State and Wake usually play so early in the season, its more difficult to claim status as “important games” than later in the season when bowl games and titles are on the line. This year, much is on the line. For NC State, clear control of the Atlantic Division and hopefully another climb up from a horrible start. For Wake, bowl eligibility after only 7 games and a chance to stay in the Atlantic Division race. The winner of this game also gets closer to being ranked in the polls.

    However, 2 games, in my opinion, stand out in the Wake/NC State series.

    1979: Wake Forest came into the game 3-0 after defeating App State, upsetting UGA in Athens, and beating ECU. The Jay Venuto led Deacons would finish the season 8-4, including a 42-38 win over #13 Auburn. NC State came into the game also 3-0, having beaten ECU, UVA and West Virginia. Not many knew it this day, but the game would decide the ACC Championship. NC State shut down the high-powered Venuto led offense, and won 17-14. Wake Forest wouldnt lose again until November, and earned a Tangerine Bowl bid. NC State won the ACC title with a 5-1 ACC record, but didnt get a bowl bid.

    1992: Wake Forest came into the game with the longest winning streak in Wake history, 6 wins in a row, including wins over Maryland, Clemson and Ga Tech, and 7-3 overall. NC State came into the game 8-2-1, in this rare, season-ending matchup. NC State won easily, 42-14, finished 2nd in the ACC, earned a bid to the Gator Bowl and lost to Florida. Wake earned a Independence Bowl bid and beat Oregon.

    Any other Wake Forest vs NC State games that standout?

  23. WolfpackerClass83 10/13/2006 at 12:15 PM #

    Ah Yes – the fog bowl of ’92. Most miserable bowl trip/New Years Eve ever – played the Gators in their second home city of J’ville. The locals would have just as well as spit on you as sell you that $6 beer at the Riverfront. Sweetest thing was erasing that memory 10 years later by punking out Notre Dame.

    I for one am focused on Wake game (always have taken it seriously) – hope the boys on the field are too. Da Big Head is always an issue with an Amato coached squad (extreme ups and downs). Hopefully Evans will keep the focus which will overflow to the rest of the team.

    Big game – I feel it in my belly which means my optimism has returned…..which is a tough place to be as a Pack fan.

  24. bTHEredterror 10/13/2006 at 11:20 PM #

    Woof Wulf:
    While you’re giving credit to Tank (which I applaud) there is another player, who did not play in either loss, yet hasn’t lost when he has played. Because AJ Davis has played so well, he is rarely mentioned during the game, but his impact is just as large. And on offense the young receivers have stepped up along with Evans, Hill too. The staff shook up the depth charts and hit some home runs, and now we get to see what else they can do when the Deacs try to take away some of what they’ve seen.

    WolfpackerClass83: A tough place indeed. Past letdowns haunt us. This ought to be a great game, biggest in N.C. for some time, and I would love to see us sittin on our division rivals heads for another week.

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