Scattered Post-Game Thoughts

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  • I strongly reiterate what I said after the South Florida beatdown. We are playing with house money this year, and have no right to expect anything positive. You know the old saying about bringing a knife to a gun fight? TOB and staff are bringing a spork.
  • Still, this one hurts, especially knowing that Chuck the Clown got to laugh at us again. Based on his reality-free media blitz last week, it’s clear that he’s not only a delusional narcissist (knew that already), but also a pathological liar. I had a work thing last night and couldn’t attend live, but every time I saw his face on TV, I wanted to punch him in the nose.
  • As noted above, my attention was distracted by my work event, although my wonderful co-workers gave me the seat with the best TV visibility (a few even wore red ties as a show of support for me, which was very cool). I predicted that the late FG in the first half would come back to haunt State, but I had the slightest bit of hope. Then, out of the corner of my eye with the 3rd quarter about to start, I saw the time of possession – and knew the game was over. This feeling did not change when I got in my car, turned on the radio, and heard we had scored to take a 17-13 lead, with FSU facing 3rd and 17. I knew they would make it, and knew they would win. That’s an awful feeling.
  • Anyone who’s surprised Nate Irving re-injured himself hasn’t been a State fan very long. Frankly, I’m surprised he made it through the first quarter in one piece.
  • As I watched the last few minutes at home, the camera focused on a fan in the front row, with his head buried in his hands. It was hard to tell if he was distraught, passed out drunk, or both. Regardless, it was the perfect microcosm of the State fan experience.
  • When Sid was on TV, one of my colleagues (Duke fan, and great guy) asked me what was more likely – State rallying to make a bowl game, or making the NCAAT this year. After a long pause, I chose football, simply due to the fact that ACC football sucks, so theoretically, anything can happen. But both are 30-1 shots, at least (I said this when State was up 10-3). It reminded me of the abject hopelessness of Wolfpack fandom, and how much it sucks to have your team suck at everything. There’s absolutely nothing to look forward to.
  • The only goal for this year is to avoid going 0-for the ACC. In such a weak conference, I’m not sure our program could recover from such a severe psychological blow. We would also set the all-time school record for most losses in a season. Right now, I put our chances at 50/50 – we have already lost our 2 most winnable home games (mediocre to bad opponents, with State having the psychological edge both times). Pray that we get the shitty version of Maryland in eight days – that and our November game at resurgent Duke are our last decent shots.
  • NC State will be at least a 5 point underdog in every remaining game on its schedule.

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About BJD95

1995 NC State graduate, sufferer of Les and MOC during my entire student tenure. An equal-opportunity objective critic and analyst of Wolfpack sports.

'08 Football Tom O'Brien

73 Responses to Scattered Post-Game Thoughts

  1. Classof89 10/17/2008 at 10:11 AM #

    Looks like our best chances for ACC wins are once again in the other division. If we lose out in the Coastal (and we only have Wake and Md left, two teams that have our number), our winless streak in the division will be approaching volleyball team territory…

  2. tvp1 10/17/2008 at 10:16 AM #

    If you want to have hope, and I concede that at this juncture it is difficult, consider that our new starting QB has accounted for 8 TD, 1 INT, and 0 fumbles in the 4 complete games he has played. Our offense has not turned the ball over the past two games. Of course, we still lost both games. But at least we’ve pretty much stopped beating ourselves like we did over and over during the Chuck years. Now the other team just beats us, which is strangely more comforting.

    A play that summed up the game for me: A Ponder option where Leonard had him dead to rights at the line of scrimmage. Leonard steeled himself, launched his body at the QB…and got nothing but air. Ponder just ran right by him and ended up getting 16 yards. Lack. Of. Talent.

    This was really a game of lost opportunities:
    -Williams drops a TD pass, we settle for 3.

    -FSU punt returner recovers a muffed punt on their 6 or 7 (play of the game along with the 3rd and 17 conversion…if we recover that fumble, its 13-3 or 17-3 and who knows what happens)

    -Ponder completes a prayer when his receiver outjumps Koyal George on 3rd down (again, Lack. Of. Talent.), keeping the drive alive where FSU kicked the FG to make it 10-6.

    -The BS personal foul on Byers, turning 3rd and 8 into 1st and 10 for FSU. They score 2 plays later.

    -1st and 10 on the FSU 30, we have a false start and two ineffective plays and wind up punting.

    -7 guys cannot down that punt inside the 5.

    -The 3rd and 17 conversion on the go-ahead drive. Backbreaker.

    -Killer holding penalty negates a long RW run down 23-17. He’s sacked 2 plays later leading to 4th and 14.

    -FSU LB just gets a finger to RW’s pass to Eugene on 4th and 14.

    gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

  3. stategrad82 10/17/2008 at 10:17 AM #

    I hope y’all are right, and the team is making progress, I am not as optimistic. I don’t see this team winning four games this year, and I am not optimistic about four wins next year. The only D1 win was against ECU, and they are showing that they weren’t that great (Virginia stomped ECU in the first half). The N.C. State defense wears out at the end of the game, and the offense cannot sustain a drive. I am sitting here wearing my N.C. State shirt at work today, but it is getting harder every year.

  4. RickJ 10/17/2008 at 10:25 AM #

    The time off really helped Bradley Pierson. His four kickoffs averaged over 68 yards and he had considerably more height and distance on these kicks than in previous weeks. His punting was also good. I am sure it is difficult to practice kicking & punting and not come up with a dead leg from time to time.

    Here is a stat I would love to know about the other 11 teams in the ACC – When was the last time a conference opponent made a field goal of over 50 yards on your home field? I can remember five in Carter-Finley in recent years – one by UNC in the Bunting years, three in one game by Swank for Wake Forest and of course, last night on a kick that sealed the game after a high snap from center that would have been good from 60 yards.

  5. tcthdi-tgsf-twhwtnc 10/17/2008 at 10:52 AM #

    Great summary tvp1.

  6. TOB 10/17/2008 at 10:54 AM #

    I wondered how long before we started blaming the refs

  7. senez 10/17/2008 at 11:04 AM #

    Man, after reading this assessment, there’s no way we’ll ever compete.

    Stop recruiting now and end the program.

    I’m sure we can sell parts of the stadium off.

  8. Dr. BadgerPack 10/17/2008 at 11:07 AM #

    ^It is not blaming the refs if you are simply pointing out the screw ups– like the absolutely ridiculous helmet-to-helmet call.

    I know, let’s just take 26-17 in a vaccuum. Lost by 9 points. At home. Clearly, FSU is 9 points better than us as it is impossible to point out any mitigating circumstances.

    Nobody was injured.

    No bad calls were made– but heck, even if they were, they had no effect what-so-ever.

    Head in the sand analysis works for some, I prefer to consider all facts in evidence.

  9. Rick 10/17/2008 at 11:09 AM #

    “I wondered how long before we started blaming the refs”

    I am not sure we lost it because of the refs but if you did not see the change in the way the game was called after Bowden ripped into them at half time you are blind.

  10. wufpup76 10/17/2008 at 11:23 AM #

    “I wondered how long before we started blaming the refs”

    Not the point of my post at all … We lost, mostly due to FSU controlling the ball for almost two-thirds of the game and some timely plays that went their way

    That said, there was an obvious swing in the way the game was called in the second half which did have an impact on the game … I don’t see what’s wrong in pointing that out … For more on that aspect, just take a look at how much FSU is penalized per game as opposed to NC State … In the first half, this went true to form; in the second half not so much … We had some penalties, yes, but I’m not sure how NC State winds up w/ more penalties than FSU while watching the game … That’s stated as objective as I know how

  11. Wolf Dog 10/17/2008 at 11:30 AM #

    FSU greatly exposed our weaknesses to win that game last night. They used bubble screens and quick slants to expose our weakness at linebacker all night long. They overloaded the rush to our right side of the line to force Wilson to move to his left and throw the ball. Wilson is not accurate throwing the ball when moving to his left.

    Our weaknesses are clearly from a lack of balanced recruiting in years past and a high rate of players attrition. Not here to knock Amato as with any coach he had his good side and did have success in his earlier years here. Was good to see him and no matter what we must remember he gave us his best effort and loves the school. Nothing wrong with that.

    I was very pleased with Cash’s play. His presense brought back the pass rush. His presence in the middle makes a big difference.

    We played hard last night and stayed in the game. Thought the defense wore down and it showed in 4th. FSU adjusted and dared us to throw the ball in the 2nd half and we got the one big play but didn’t overall do what we needed to do to win.

    We have a young team. It amazes me how many freshman we have playing. We do seem to be getting allot better as the season progresses. I hope that equals more wins. OL is playing 100% better than 4 weeks ago.

  12. packpowerfan 10/17/2008 at 11:30 AM #

    Not to mention Bowden’s little tirade was for all to see on NATIONAL TELEVISION. I know in the NFL if you get caught doing that, it’s a fine.

  13. Oldwolf 10/17/2008 at 11:46 AM #

    does anyone know of a video of his tirade for those of us that were at the game?

    thanks

  14. Octavian 10/17/2008 at 12:03 PM #

    I don’t believe the ACC is that bad…in fact top to bottom it is quite solid, albeit w/out any dominant top 10 tier teams. The SEC and Big 12 are the unquestioned best but Sagarin has us a near third.

  15. Red_Terrors 10/17/2008 at 12:17 PM #

    Maybe we should try something like this…

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/17/sports/football/17offense.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

    Eliminate the offensive line altogether and have potentially all 11 players as eligible receivers. That’s not a crack at our O-Line since last night, I thought they played one heck of a game!

  16. Alpha Wolf 10/17/2008 at 12:36 PM #

    God it was fun to watch our football team rip off 10 yard runs in the first half seemingly at will. I got excited watching that.

    As did I.

    Depth and more talent in certain positions…that’s the two things we need to improve.

    And TOB has said as much, and has been forthright about it.

    Looking at the bright side, we have a good QB, and a potentially great one in a redshirt.

    The last good QB’s number hangs near the west-side scoreboard.

  17. the big takeover 10/17/2008 at 12:59 PM #

    A positive: Willie Young in the 1st half. Held on EVERY play, but still getting to the QB.

  18. packalum44 10/17/2008 at 1:12 PM #

    I for one am very proud of this team. I am proud of our players, I am proud of our coaches, I am proud of our fans, and I am genuinely excited about our future. Our youngs guys are growing up fast. We continue to improve. That’s all I ask. We don’t seem to regress as many of Amato’s teams did. The games are fun to watch.

    I think Russell Wilson has special leadership qualities that I have not come across in some time. Did you see him pull his big linemen away from that first quarter skirmish? What a superb young man. He is so well-spoken too.

    I know I sound like an idealist, but this is my favorite football team ever and I can’t believe how hard our young men have played and how much heart and pride they have when they wear that red jersey. I feel like a proud father who is watching his son grow up and fight through adversity. Regardless of what these kids do in the future, they certainly will not lack a special character that only comes from overcoming adversity. Don’t count these kids out. Regardless of our record, we have some good kids on this team.

    Go Pack!

    Did anyone see Favor or John Wall at the game??? Anyone know of any other recruits there? I hope the atmosphere was as great in person as it seemed on TV!

  19. burnbarn 10/17/2008 at 1:19 PM #

    I saw Wall, Leslie and 3-4 others that I did not recognize. I told them welcome to the Wolfpack.
    Favors is not coming in until today as I have been told. They will be at the practice tomorrow.

  20. packalum44 10/17/2008 at 1:36 PM #

    Was it just me or was Coach Lowe stoned on something last night during that interview???

  21. stormin norman 10/17/2008 at 1:47 PM #

    What do Andre, Jamelle, Russell, Willie, Alan Michael Cash, Ant. Hill, Owen Spencer, Jarvis Williams, George Bryan, DeAndre, have in common? Chuck recruits. Enough with the pile on and excuses. Last night, we gave up 26 points. As of now, we are 2-5 and have given up at least 24 points in every game. Until we played better D, we are at best in a toss-up game.

  22. SEAT.5.F.2 10/17/2008 at 2:09 PM #

    What’s a toss up game? Is that like pick up stix?

    I like the comment above about being a fan with some heart and seeing the fight still left in this team. Your right, we are 2-5, but that means nothing except we have to be 3-5.

    I don’t care what folks say about Chuck honestly. I for one have been impressed by alot of things he’s accomplished so I say “thanks, see whenever”.

    But I can see why people take swipes at him and he takes swipes at us (publicly). It’s a family thing, and people tend to let down their innabitions, take the gloves off a little more with family.

  23. T-FIC 10/17/2008 at 2:09 PM #

    And the refs last night, that sure was nice for FSU to fly them up for the game.

  24. SEAT.5.F.2 10/17/2008 at 2:21 PM #

    just to lighten everyones mood a little. Who needs comprehensive stats to tell you how much your defense is struggling. Just look at a good old box score and see the our 4th highest game tackler was our long snapper with 5 tackles. Leading Pack tackler was non other the the most famous walk on corner back, turned safety, turned LB Robbie Leonard with 8.

    I thought Koyal George didn’t hurt us too bad while he was in there. Someone said Morgan didn’t start because he was being lit up but that was bogus. Coachs thought FSU might lean on the jump ball more and thought George could help out there.

    I only mention it because it gives us hope that we will keep the consecutive games of starting former walk ons going into next year, George for Leonard.

  25. b 10/17/2008 at 2:22 PM #

    This team will be better next year, and they are actually getting better this year. They blew a chance last night, and I chalk it up to a good second half by FSU and RW having a subpar game.

    Yes the helmet to helmet call was bad, and they missed a PI on third and short soon thereafter. But that wasn’t why the game was lost. FSU shored up their run D and pass pro in the second half, and RW missed some plays he has been making. He’d been playing remarkable well for a spell, and he had a setback, its to be expected of a RS freshman. Maddox played better as well.

    Our boys are just young and green in a lot of places this year, and with no depth to exacerbate things. The old adage is you lose a game for every freshman starter, and we have four right now. There’s a host of RS’s coming to fill the ranks a little better NY and the recruiting season is still young. This year of heartaches will be repaid next year with a bowl run and the following year with a divison title run. Believe it.

    Call it delusional if you like, but I see improvement from week to week and understand that football is a game where depth and experience are vital and the lack thereof cannot be hidden. The coaching staff is improving the team’s fundamentals and they are hanging around in ball games where they should be blown out early based on the talent disparity. Four of the next five are winnable games, and even the Wake game could be close since its in Raleigh.

    Heads up and keep supporting the team, the crowd was great last night and surely provided a boost to the team’s effort! There’s light at the end of the tunnel and I swear its not a train coming down the tracks, step back from the ledge!

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