NC State, Belk Bowl Champs!

 I know, I know... this is long over due, but NC State is once again a bowl champion. It was an awesome battle between the Cardinals and the Wolfpack.
Both teams had their own strengths coming into the game, but the Wolfpack figured out a way to pull out a win against them pesky Cardinals. I was one of the lucky ones who were close enough to the field to feel the heat given off the heated benches. The only problem I had with the game was that the Wolfpack had a 21-10 lead at the half and then scored 10 more points in the 3rd quarter making the score 31-17. We did not score at all in the 4th, and they made me worry through the quarter. David Amerson ended his season with 13 interceptions, the most in the FBS. To me, he should've been the MVP, but for some reason, they always give it to the QB. Amerson got 2 interceptions in the game, both solidifying the victory for the Wolfpack. Anyways, the Belk Bowl, was one of the best games that I went to, and I will forever remember it.

NC State Bowl Bound

Today, NC State have played the best I have seen them play in a LONG time. They upset #7 Clemson Tigers in a 37-13 bowl battle. Where was this team at during the whole season? I have came to a conclusion that when NC State really needs to win a game, they most likely win. When they need a win, they play with heart, and they are more focused than ever. This showed up in the win tonight against Clemson and also a win against our in-state rival UNC. NC State has the talent, no question about that, but they need to play with the same heart and determination as they did tonight. There is no telling what they could do if they did. Now all that is left to become bowl eleigble is to win against Maryland.


If the Pack can win next Saturday, the same way they won today, then they are sure to have a post season game. Getting to a  bowl game is not about having enough wins, but how you won during those six games (or more). I believe NC State can do that. There is some doubt though. NC State did lose to Boston College. They were 1-5 before they beat us. I guess we thought we could get an easy win, but Boston College also played with heart to defeat us. Like I said earlier, if you play with heart and determination, there is always a chance to win. The Wolfpack are looking towards Maryland for their final game of the season and a chance to become bowl eligible. Maryland is not having the greatest year, but there is still a chance that they can come out with a win, just like BC did a week ago.

All in all, the game against Maryland is going to be intense. The Wolfpack needs to do EXACTLY the same thing that they did against Clemson tonight. Only then, we can become bowl eligible and a better chance in getting an invitation to a bowl game. Go Wolfpack!!!

The Wolfpack Looking Better

 

The game against Morehead State gave the Wolfpack the extra confidence it needs to keep striving to be a better team than they were last year. Three players stood out the most in this match up, Howell, Painter and Wood. Howell put up a career high of 25 points, Painter also put up a career high of 19 points, and Wood put up 18 points including 5 three point shots While C.J Leslie is out for the first three games, Howell, Painter and C.J Wilson has really stepped up into the game, to prove to Gottfried that they have what it takes to win.

Mark Gottfried should be proud of this team. Last year, the Pack did not look this good all season. Yes, the two teams they played were in the "Mid Major" conferences, but each of them had an appearance in the NCAA tournament last season, while NC State was not a part of. Us Wolfpack fans have (really) high hopes for Gottfried to bring this program around. We aren't looking for a national championship (wouldn't hurt though lol), but we are looking for a winning season that is guaranteed to improve after each season. If he can do that, then he is guaranteed that Pack fans will support him all the way.

Naruto Comic LOL

I don't know about you but I thought this was funny.

No Bowl Game For NC State This Year?

NC State had something to be proud of last week after a 13-0 shutout against UNC. They looked better than ever then. Defense held the Tarheels and the offense put up points. But, against Boston College, they looked like a completely different team. NC State fans would think that, after defeating UNC, the team would have the momentum to win against a 1-5 conference team, now 2-5. They did not play with the heart they had a week ago, which was very disappointing to NC State fans. Now, looking at the next two games for the Wolfpack, a bowl game is out of reach. I am now 50% sure about the Wolfpack winning against Maryland (was 95%, but dropped to 50% after the BC game). Against Clemson...I say about 1.8% chance of winning. If we do beat the Tigers, then GREAT, but I extremely doubt it. All of us NC State fans thought that Boston College would be an easy win, but we were all wrong. I guess us fans would just have to settle for a next season bowl game, hopefully.










Now, as for Tom O'Brien, will the AD put up with this kind of performance? I would hope not. I believe that after 5 years, we would be better than this. This is my prediction...no bowl game...then no more Tom O'Brien. I hate to say it, but College Football is still a "business." If you can't win, then there will be no fans, and if there are no fans, then there will be no ticket sales, and if there are no ticket sales, then there will be no revenue for the university; seeing as most BCS teams consider their football program as a top revenue machine. You see? It is a business no matter what you say. So lets hope for two wins and a bowl game!

NC State's "Talented" Three

Coach Mark Gottfried

This year NC State stuns the nation again with top recruits coming in for the 2012 season. Currently ranked 3rd in the nation in the number of top recruits coming in. It is amazing how we get top notch recruits last season, but couldn't do anything with them. Yes, these recruits do have talent, but talent alone can only go so far. To put it all together, you need a good coach and coaching staff. Last season, Sidney Lowe couldn't do anything with his ranked recruits that he brought in. This is because he was not a good coach at all. He had the talent, be he lacked the coaching ability to get his team a winning season. Now, Wolfpack fans are looking up to Mark Gottfried to bring the Wolfpack to (at least) a winning season. Yes, it takes time for a team with a new coach to get a running start, but if he can "wow" Wolfpack fans, then he is sure going to have a good year at NC State.

Left: Rodney Purvis. Middle: Tyler Lewis. Right: TJ Warren

Currently, NC State has three top recruits coming in for the 2012-2013 season; Tyler Lewis, Rodney Purvis, and T.J. Warren. So far, this recruiting class is ranked 3rd in the nation. There is one more recruit that Gottfried is trying to get, so I will not name him unless he signs. If he does sign with the Wolpack, then NC State will most likely have the #1 recruiting class in the country.

Wolfpack fans are dying to see what this team can do this season and next season. Since this is Mark Gottfried's first year at NC State, I wonder what he can do with the players that we already have.

Persistance...Can Sometimes Lead To Success!

One of my personal favorites among the Super Effective comics. Pretty funny, if I do say so myself!

WOOT WOOT!!

Comics came from here -->  Super Effective Comics

Pokéballs

Never leave home without them... ?;^)

UNC vs. NC State

 North Carolina State University vs. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

WRAL Image

Some people know what I am talking about when I mention the UNC/NC State game. Whether it is a basketball game or football. Either way, this rivalry is INTENSE. As a student of NC State and a fan, my feelings towards UNC athletics are the same as every other NC State fan. I have no problem with the actual institution, but I bleed Wolfpack Red.


A little history of the rivalry between these two universities can be traced back over a hundred years. The first time these schools played against each other was in 1894. For a decade or so UNC over powered NC State because they were an already established university for a long time, while NC State was just established in 1887. But as years went on, NC State got better and the games have gotten more intense.


For us NC State fans, UNC is our main rival in basketball and football, while UNC considers Duke as their main rival, mainly in basketball. But, both schools have that "sibling" rivalry between them, like older brother and little brother, no matter what sport it is.

Left: Coach Tom O' Brien. Right: Interim Coach Everett Withers

This past weekend marked the 5th consecutive win in football for NC State over UNC. This time, NC State had the heart and passion to win. UNC thought they could just come into the stadium and just win, not the case on November 5, 2011. After all that trash talking between the coaches, UNC coach instigated it, NC State had even more reason to win, and they did. They shut out UNC with a 13-0 victory. I am proud of my team and I know we can have a winning season this year. If they put their hearts into, like in the UNC game, then there is NO reason for them to lose.

College Football Or Pro-Football? Which Is Better?

Many football fans, both college and pro fans, always ask this question at least once. But, which is better exactly? Well, I am going to go through three different aspects that football fans look for.

#1: Competitiveness

NFL

The competitiveness of each is almost the same. But there is one thing that separates them completely. That is money. Yes, some college players do receive something, but it can not be anything other than a scholarship. The pros receive millions of dollars to play, and most are doing it because of the money. On the other hand, college players do it because of the game and the chance to show their school what they can do. They do it for the love of the game. That, is what college football fans love.


# 2: The Teams

ACC Conference

There are only 32 teams in the NFL, but there are almost 120 teams in College Football.  There are always going to be schools that are gonna be ranked almost every year, but every college team has a chance to win the championship. With the NFL, you might see the same thing for a few years, then something different. In college football, every year is different. With seniors graduating, or students transferring, every year brings a surprise.


And lastly....

# 3: The Rivalries

NCSU and UNC

FSU and Miami

Every school has that one rival that they are destined to beat every year, no matter how bad of a season they have. Also, the history behind the rivalries is very interesting. Another good reason why more fans love college football. That is the kind of passion that college football fans have. The alumni and students all share this passion also. It is just part of the spirit that goes along with rooting for their team and school. NFL fans just do not have that kind of spirit.


These explanations are all opinionated, but very thought through. And yes, I am a college football fan!

NC State Falls, While Wisconsin Soars!

Well, Russell Wilson led the Badgers to a 48-17 victory over #8 Nebraska. Wilson let the whole nation know that it doesn't matter whether it is a Top 10 team or an un-ranked team, they are coming full force, holding nothing back. I retract what I said in my previous post, Russell Wilson can make many things happen where ever he goes, and Wisconsin is lucky and proud that he is making it happen in Madison.

As for NC State, #21 Georgia Tech rallies past the Wolfpack with a 45-35 victory. One has to wonder now if Tom O' Brien made a good decision or not. So far, it hasn't been. Yes, the Wolfpack did get two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but it was a little to late. NC State fans, including myself, have to accept that even with Mike Glennon, we are definitely not the same team as last season. It now looks like one of the worst seasons for the Wolfpack under Tom O' Brien. I'm pretty sure NCSU's AD is not going to be pleased with this season's outcome. She might do the same thing she did with our previous head basketball coach Sidney Lowe. Only time will tell, and hope and faith are the only things keeping Pack fans from completely giving up.

I still have faith in my school's team. It doesn't matter if we win or lose, if we give it our all and left with a dent in the opponents expectations of us. Go Wolfpack!

NC State and Wisconsin, Glennon and Wilson

Okay, so the whole nation knows that Russell Wilson was released from NC State before summer started, and then went on to play his last year over at Wisconsin. But, is playing schools that aren't in conferences that have automatic bowl bids a foundation to Russell Wilson's excellent start as a quarterback? Well, today will be the big test when #7 Wisconsin hosts #8 Nebraska. If he is as good as the media says he is, then he will do great in this game. I have no doubts that Russell Wilson has the talent and drive to lead a team to victory, but I believe the true test rests in this game.

As for NC State, they have been terrible this season without, the now famous, Russell Wilson. Even with a quarterback that was in the top 5 out of high school, they still haven't found their groove. The loss against a 2010 3-9 record Wake Forest should have woken them up, but it didn't when they played an embarrassing game against Cincinnati. Many of you do not know that Glennon was going to be the starting quarterback three years ago, but after the first game, he got injured and Wilson stepped up to the plate. Ever since then, Tom O'Brien started with Wilson in every game and he did wonders, while Glennon watched on the sidelines. Now that Glennon has his chance (four chances actually) he continues to not be the leader of the team. Once he establishes that and communicates well, he will become a very good quarterback. But from the last four games, it is still the same, with little improvement. Today, against #21 Georgia Tech, it will show Glennon's true colors and his true talent as a quarterback. This will also be a chance for Tom O' Brien to back up his decision to let Wilson go.

As a student and fan of NCSU, I will support my WOLFPACK through thick and thin. I will root for Wisconsin because one of our own is leading their team. GO WOLFPACK and Badgers!