NC State Defeats Maryland

Sunday, January 8, 2012 marked the first ACC opener win for NC State in 4 or 5 years. NC State defeated Maryland 79-74. The win isn't just a win, but it was a major test for new year coach Mark Gottfried. He told his team, and the media, that they will need to win 11 conference games in order to make it to "The Big Dance". As for me, I believe we can do it if the Pack can keep their focus and determination in the future.

Against Maryland, CJ Leslie put up 20 points, Scott Wood put up 19 points, Lorenzo Brown added 11 points and Richard Howell added 10 points. This is the first balanced WolfPack team that I seen so far, since being at NC State for nearly 2 years (I know it is not a long time). I said it before, and I'll say it again; this team is ten times better than it was last year. We have more structure and they know their positions well. When that happens, each player does their job right and the team will make something happen.

As for Maryland, it is basically a one man team. Terell Stoglin put up 25 points for the Terps. Nearly 1/4 of their total score. Even with our balanced team, they were still a tough team to beat. It will not get easier in the future, so we have to be ready. Side note: Maryland's coach, Mark Turgeon, is also in his first year as head coach for the Terps.

I have no doubt that NC State will continue to improve after each game, looking at what they did wrong and learn from it. With this attitude, NC State will be a team, that no one wants to mess with.

The next game is against Georgia Tech at the RBC Center on Wednesday Jan. 11. 

Go Pack!!!

NC State Basketball, Making A Come Back?

The ACC conference season is just around the corner and NC State has shown that they are much better than they were just a year ago. With new coach, Mark Gottfried aka "The Gott-father", things really have turned out good for the Pack. The most recent win against Delaware State, proved to die-hard fans that nothing is going to hold them back. When NC State went up against Delaware State last season, they had some trouble. NC State ended up winning by just 2 points, 72-70. I am not saying that they aren't a good team, I am saying that we did not have that much trouble defeating them this year. Yes, they might have lost some key players but I am sure that there were some returning players also. Either way, the Pack shows that they have talent.


Another reason that the Pack should not be overlooked, is the fact that they held up against #1 Syracuse and #12 Indiana. Both times, the Pack lead at least 8 points. But they couldn't keep it up around the 8 minute mark in the 2nd half. That proves that the team is continuing to get better after each game. C.J Leslie is getting the experience he needs when he decides to enter the NBA draft his senior year. Scott Wood continues to make the crowd scream after every 3-point shot he makes. Lorenzo Brown is becoming the leader of the Pack by setting the team up right and assisting, like a good PG should. C.J Williams, a senior, is making a statement each and every game. All players are stepping up. Is this because of Mark Gottfried? Or is it another reason? We do know is that this team did not look this good under Sidney Lowe, no doubt about that. I believe a winning season is on the horizon for the WolfPack.


Also, NC State has a top 5 recruiting class in the nation. After 4 terrible previous seasons, Mark Gottfried is truly helping the Pack get the respect that it deserves. I believe under him, NC State will be more than a rival to UNC and Duke. NC State is really making a tremendous come back from back to back losing seasons. History in the making is about to unfold!

If you want stats and more about NC State's Basketball team, please visit www.statefansnation.com.

GO PACK!

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!