Giglio’s Top 25 (Pack at #24)

'09 Football Media Rankings & Lists34

We link to lots of J.P.’s stuff, because he’s interesting and fair in his coverage and analysis. Today, we have another reason to link him, as he has NC State as his pre-season #24 team:

24. N.C. State (6-7): If the Pack can figure out the start, you know Tom O’Brien has the closing kick to win the Atlantic Division. It also helps to have the best QB (Russell Wilson) in the ACC.

I do agree that pre-season rankings aren’t worth a warm bucket of spit (fun historical note: this phrase was first used to describe the Vice Presidency, with “Cactus Jack” Garner actually using the word “piss” – but the media of the time cleaned it up to refer to a less profane bodily fluid). But it’s still nice to see the Pack recognized – and J.P. doesn’t have any other Atlantic Division teams in his Top 25.

Although I think the Pack is really a year away from ACC title contention, Giglio’s logic is solid. When nobody really stands out, bet on the best quarterback (and arguably, State has the two best QBs in the Atlantic Division). This morning’s N&O also singles Wilson out for what I agree is his best trait – impeccable judgment:

“He has a real respect for the value of the football in this game,” said Bible, State’s offensive coordinator. “I think he really appreciates what Coach [O’Brien] preaches, the advantages of not turning the ball over.”

The best might be yet to come. Wilson displayed his remarkable judgment as a first-year player, when he still didn’t understand much about opposing defenses or N.C. State’s offense.

Now he is an established starter with more film study under his belt. He is less likely to be surprised by anything that happens.

“Just slowing everything down, understanding defenses and what this play is trying to accomplish, that’s the main thing,” Wilson said.

That’s why he expects to make even more decisions that would make his father proud.

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.

'09 Football Media Rankings & Lists

34 Responses to Giglio’s Top 25 (Pack at #24)

  1. choppack1 08/23/2009 at 9:44 PM #

    I don’t know whether it’s media bias in general or a subpar effort from our sports marketing department or something being intentionally downplayed by our players and squad, but I can’t get over the lack of coverage Wilson’s play got last year and going into this year.

    I saw the one INT he threw – guess what – it was the quinessential “good interception” – a long downfield throw when we needed a score bad (and I remember thinking at the time, the Clemson DB pushed off).

    I doubt we’ll see anything like that again this year – but last year was friggin’ amazing. What was even more fun was watching Wilson go from a composed, athletic and smart QB – to a composed, athletic, smart and effective QB.

    I remember when a certain school down the road had a mediocre juco transfer QB put half-decent #s, the next year he was getting mentioned as a Heisman candidate.

  2. choppack1 08/23/2009 at 9:47 PM #

    clarification: he became a VERY effective QB.

  3. Wufpacker 08/23/2009 at 9:57 PM #

    BJD, I’m with you; I still believe our window for contending for the ACC Title is likely a year away. Perhaps that belief is more a product of self-preservation and a desire to not get my hopes up and be disappointed yet again, ie my experience as a long time NC State fan.

    But, much like the series of write-ups here on SFN, making the case for any of the other Atlantic Division teams leaves nothing but uncertainty. And I agree with Giglio that all things being equal you go with the best QB.

    My big concern regarding this year is defense.While I’m not worried about the front 4, linebackers and defensive backs concerns me greatly. In order to be even good enough, let alone great, some young players with a low level of experience are going to have to mature quickly. I think we have the skill and athleticism, but the experience factor is the wild card, and its nearly impossibe to predict which, if any, of the young players end up playing above their heads.

    While I still think its prudent not to expect too much, mainly because attrition from injuries and academics have done us in before, and the youth factor almost has to figure into the equation, if we can avoid those sorts of problems from this point on and limit our losses to what have already occurred, and if young defense matures quickly and we get a few breaks to fall our way, I do agree that this COULD be the year. If it does turn out that this is our year, then next year could be that much more special I believe.

    I guess we’ll all just have to wait and see. That’s what makes it so much fun!!

  4. VaWolf82 08/23/2009 at 10:17 PM #

    I’ve seen a season combining the conference’s best QB with one of the worst defenses before. I hope that this year turns out better than that one did.

  5. CStanley 08/23/2009 at 10:19 PM #

    Who have we lost so far (injuries, transfers, etc.)?

    That I know of:

    Nate (LB)
    Ellis (CB)
    Carter (TE)
    Bowens (WR)

    Also, Morgan was rumored to be hurt?

    Who else am I missing? Somebody also transferred from the secondary.

  6. choppack1 08/24/2009 at 8:39 AM #

    VaWolf – Are you talking about Rivers last year here?

    If so, it’s important to remember, that even w/ that bad defense – it was ultimately TOs from our offense that kept us from tying for the league title that year. If our offense doesn’t have key TOs vs. UMd and FSU, we get a share of the title – and I imagine, in no small part due to Rivers and beating the top 2 teams in conference – we get that BCS bid.

    I know one thing – this defense probably won’t be as talented as that one. But I also know that this defense will be more experienced than that one – and I think the offense will take better care of the ball.

    Now, if you’re talking about Barnett’s senior year…well, the offense pretty much collapsed those 2 games too.

  7. PackMan97 08/24/2009 at 9:04 AM #

    “choppack1 said:
    I can’t get over the lack of coverage Wilson’s play got last year and going into this year. ”

    I don’t feel that it was a lack of effort on sports marketing. It wasn’t until half way through the season that we even had a GLIMPSE of what Wilson could be. Of our first 5 games, he effectively missed three and we started out 2-6. Good luck getting any media hype on any player with that kinda record.

    After we thumped UNC-CH and then demolished Miami there was no problem at all telling his story and the media did. Even then, he had enough coverage (and little enough competition) to be named All-ACC QB as a freshman for the first time in ACC history.

    I’ve thought the off-season coverage has been great!

    Your complaint is not an example of poor media coverage of bias, it’s just the way Wilson and NC State started the season.

  8. bradleyb123 08/24/2009 at 10:07 AM #

    About our defense, isn’t there talk about them playing better than expected in the practices and scrimmages? Granted, they probably know the offense’s playbook, and that helped them some. But maybe it won’t be all doom and gloom on defense.

    If we’re any good on defense, I think there’s no question that we contend for the division, and maybe the conference title.

  9. choppack1 08/24/2009 at 10:14 AM #

    Packman97 – I agree that part of the problem was how we started the season last year…but why do I think if a QB down the road had this kind of season, more people would know about it.

    Like I said, he’s getting some credit – but it’s almost as if the #s were so good, it’s being dismissed.

  10. VaWolf82 08/24/2009 at 10:43 AM #

    If you put Wilson’s numbers in a national context, then they’re really nothing to get all that excited about. But after four years of truly horrible QB play, Wilson’s numbers look fantastic to State fans. Overall I think that Wilson’s press coverage from within the region to be pretty well done.

  11. bradleyb123 08/24/2009 at 11:06 AM #

    ^^^ “If you put Wilson’s numbers in a national context, then they’re really nothing to get all that excited about. But after four years of truly horrible QB play, Wilson’s numbers look fantastic to State fans.”

    Wolf, your post sounds like someone trying to rain on a parade. This sounds like a big-time slight against State fans, so let me respond:

    Who’s excited about Wilson’s numbers? I think we’re excited about WILSON, not his “numbers”. There is plenty to be excited about other than what is written on his stat sheet. Unless being chosen as the first-team ALL ACC QB as a freshman is not impressive to you. (In other words, he’s impressing more than just State fans…) And how do you put a number on leadership, or confidence that he instills in the team, or decision-making? Yes, Wilson is great by comparison to most of our recent QBs. He is also great, period.

    He’s a solid quarterback, arguably the best in the conference. (Have you ever heard Bobby Bowden’s take on Russell?) Freshman year “numbers” be darned. That’s what I think we’re thrilled about.

  12. VaWolf82 08/24/2009 at 11:18 AM #

    This sounds like a big-time slight against State fans

    I don’t know how you got that.

  13. bradleyb123 08/24/2009 at 11:35 AM #

    ^^^ “I don’t know how you got that.”

    You wrote that his numbers “look fantastic to State fans”, and implied that his numbers really aren’t great. Like we WANT him to be great, but his numbers simply don’t support the assertion that he is. I don’t know how that could possibly be perceived as anything BUT a slight against State fans. You made the general fan appear to be blinded by their desires for a great QB, but unable to see the reality that his numbers don’t support them on that.

    All that aside, I don’t really know anyone talking about his numbers anyway. Because his numbers aren’t what makes him a great QB. He was learning last year. He also missed games last year. Of course his numbers aren’t going to be so great. But whoever said they were? He brings so much to the table beyond gaudy statistics.

  14. BJD95 08/24/2009 at 11:53 AM #

    I think what VaWolf is saying (and I agree) is that by comparison to what we’re used to, the numbers look HOF-caliber. The only raw number that’s nationally relevant is the incredible TD/INT ratio.

  15. Greywolf 08/24/2009 at 11:54 AM #

    The old saying, “The best defense is a good offense” may not apply here but from what I read, our offense will be good enough to keep our defense off the field some. Most of us aren’t concerned with the D-line. When our D-line can keep pressure on the QB, our D-backs will have a better time of it.

    I like the sounds of our LBs. Sure Irving is missing but that doesn’t make our LBs terrible, just not as good. We aren’t the only team that doesn’t have Irving at LB.

    I have no expectations but I do have a quite optimism.

  16. bradleyb123 08/24/2009 at 12:10 PM #

    But I think VaWolf has presented a strawman here. No one is questioning that RW’s numbers aren’t so great, especially on the national stage. They are only great when you compare them to our recent QBs. I’ll go along with that, sure.

    I just don’t know any State fan talking up RW’s numbers. If we were, he might have a valid point. We love Russell, not necessarily his numbers. I trust that whenever RW takes the field, he’ll know when to throw it, when to run with it, and when to unload it into the sidelines. The only stat I have committed to memory is “1”, the number of interceptions he threw. I even dismiss that a little bit (just a little) because RW was fortunate that a few of his uncaught throws landed harmlessly on the turf.

    I just thought Wolf’s comment had an air of condescension to the general State fan. Like we’re too blind to see the truth behind Russell or something. It just seemed like a baseless assertion to make.

  17. rtpack24 08/24/2009 at 12:17 PM #

    I do not know of another QB that I would rather have on my team than RW. If Owen Spencer did not drop every other ball thrown to him plus the overall lack of experience with all of our receivers RW did a super job. I hope he shows everyone this year just how good he is, of course with our SID dept he will be best kept secret in USA.

  18. haze 08/24/2009 at 12:22 PM #

    Versus our last time with a good O and lousy D (PR’s Sr. year), there are some pretty big differences. Not least is that we need to see a lot more of Russell (and Glennon) before “best in the ACC” becomes an earnest “comparable to Rivers”.

    Still, the one thing in this team’s favor is that the supposedly weak D is actually quite strong, deep and experienced in the trenches. This is the rough opposite of the Manny/Mario freshman DL that had talent but little depth or experience. If the DL does well (i.e. contains the run and generates a solid pass rush), the D will be fine.

    Personally, I think the limiting reagent on this team (per BJD’s inference) is the development of the OL. Things are starting to look good up there but I don’t think they’re likely to be dominant this year. Until you can really line-up and run reliably, there is going to be offensive inconsistency. I’d love to see them really click in but I think it’s a year or two away.

  19. McPete 08/24/2009 at 12:39 PM #

    They have got to be able to run the ball this year. If so, they can string together some long drives to keep that defense off the field. IIRC, Rivers’ senior year was a quick strike offense that put the D right back on the field.

    About Wilson’s #s, I know he led the ACC in QB efficiency at a # somewhere around 133. But that ranked like 40th or so nationally. I don’t know if there many QBs in college football i’d trade Wilson for right now (keep in mind Tebow, McCoy, and Bradford are all gone after this year), but some of his numbers were modest nationally. We get so excited based on his potential to be even better.

    and after Jay ‘Pick Six’ Davis and Daniel ‘Pick Twelve’ Evans, 1 int all year makes us very excited!

  20. VaWolf82 08/24/2009 at 12:43 PM #

    No one is questioning that RW’s numbers aren’t so great, especially on the national stage. They are only great when you compare them to our recent QBs. I’ll go along with that, sure.

    If you agree with me, then why are you complaining?

    If you want to complain about something I wrote, then concentrate on what I wrote instead of reading stuff into my words. My original post was addressing the amount of media coverage that RW has rec’d. Chop thought that he was receiving too little attention and I thought it was about right.

    That would have been the end of the story until you decided that I was trying to insult State fans on a State blog. Why I would insult our readers is hard for me to understand. But then again, many of your posts are hard for me to understand.

  21. choppack1 08/24/2009 at 12:50 PM #

    “If you put Wilson’s numbers in a national context, then they’re really nothing to get all that excited about.”

    That’s true – if you look at his QB rating, it is modest 41st out of 100 QBs.

    However, if you look at TD to INT ratio – no one was even close. If you have a QB who has the best TD/INT ratio in the country – I’d argue that this is something to get excited about.

    If you have a QB who goes from someone who takes care of the ball to being a real threat w/ the ball – it’s something to be excited about.

    I can assure you, there isn’t a fanbase in the country that wouldn’t be excited about what they saw from Russell Wilson. (Actually, there may be 2 – USC and Florida – but I think the rest would be pretty juiced up about it.)

  22. TheCOWDOG 08/24/2009 at 1:13 PM #

    Wilson was a game manager extraordinaire last year, oh… with a “little bit” of talent too.

    Nothing more (what more would one want?)and certainly nothing less.

    On another note, looks like the Gamecocks are in mid-season form.

    http://www.thestate.com/gogamecocks/football/story/913445.html

  23. Wufpacker 08/24/2009 at 2:15 PM #

    ^I’ll make no comment, other than to say can you imagine the scene with 2 or 3 cops trying to detain and cuff the 6’8″ 281 pound Geathers? “We got one cuff on him, and EVENTUALLY moved on to the other”

  24. tjfoose1 08/24/2009 at 2:20 PM #

    Wilson got plenty of coverage for a half-season of great play… if he continues performing at that level, more national recognition and accolades will follow. Our SID isn’t top notch, but can’t fault them here.

    From what I have seen, our LB’s and DB’s will be better – I think much better – than expected. They will surprise. A healthy Cole will challenge for the All-freshman team, maybe even get some All-ACC consideration (If they still post 3rd team and honorable mention).

    Given a game or two and the normal steep learning curve for talented, first time starters, our defense should be just fine by the start of conference play (same w/ our O line). One caveat – we will need Clem Johnson to stay healthy, at least for the first half of the year.

  25. tjfoose1 08/24/2009 at 2:25 PM #

    choppack1 – Let’s not get too crazy… Off the top of my head, you need to include Texas and Baylor (at least) in there with Florida and USC.

    Actually… you might want to remove USC from that list, since none of their QB’s have any real game experience. If RW was in their camp, with last year’s performance and experience under his belt, he would definitely be in the running to win the job. He would be 2nd string, at best, at Texas, Baylor, and Florida.

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