For NC State fans, we wouldn't have even dreamed about winning a bowl game during that 4 game losing streak in the middle of the season. At that point, we all thought it was going to be another win-less ACC journey. Then came our first ACC win, in 2 seasons, against Syracuse. Then wins against Wake Forest and rival UNC. We finally had a turnaround season. You do not know how excited I am about this Wolfpack team. With solid recruits coming in, the talented freshmen we have with now a year under their belt, and the upcoming juniors and seniors, we could be very dangerous next season.
Now, UCF is a GOOD team. I was not expecting a win against a team that went 9-3 and who has a top 5 rushing defense in the country. I couldn't watch the first half of the game but what I could hear from WolfPack radio, we were doing a fair amount of good stuff. UCF has a top ranked rushing defense and we managed to put up over 180 yards of rushing on them. I'd say, we did pretty damn good. Sophomore Matt Dayes and Junior Shadrach Thorton did their jobs and got good runs. Matt Dayes had 2 touchdowns to make the WolfPack pull away from the Knights in the 3rd quarter. The Knights then went on to make 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter scaring us Pack fans. UCF tried to do an onside kick that the Pack quickly grabbed to seal the win.
I feel confident that Coach Doeren will have a successful career at NC State. The only thing we will need to worry about, is keeping him away from big football schools.
