Technician RED - 2010 Football Preview by NC State Student Media

09.02.10

TECHNICIAN

RED

2010 FOOTBALL PREVIEW

THE TIME IS NOW seeinside

WOLFPACK’S CHANCE TO SILENCE SKEPTICS HAS FINALLY ARRIVED

DBs determined to dispel off-season criticism

Tenuta adds intensity, spark to linebacking corps

See page 3.

See page 10.

‘The perfect storm’ See page 5.

what’sinside:

eakdown

S TOP PLAYERS ON THE FIELD

ffensive Line:

r an in-depth look at the Pack’s ters and backups on the offensive line, to page 6.

ARTERS

70 O 64 47 O Haynes readyO to lead Pack’s ground game 16 53 O O [DOUBLE TRUCK] 29 72 O O 76 O 84 O

Jake Vermiglio

Sr.

Andrew Wallace

So.

Camden Wentz

So.

Zach Allen

So.

Mikel Overgaard

Jr.

Rob Crisp

Fr.

Henry Lawson

Jr.

ACKUPS

13 O

Wayne Crawford

Gary Gregory

Sr.

Sam Jones

Fr.

ght Ends:

Jr.

edshirt junior George Bryan was first-team allerence selection in 2009 and was tabbed an ACC player in preseason polls. While Bryan will working hard to star again in 2010, sophomore t end Asa Watson will be battling him for ing time. Watson proved that he can play the tion well when he led the way for the tight s, with 101 receiving yards during the 2010 Kay Spring Game. With Bryan looking to continue dominance against ACC defenses and Watson ing in the wings, the Pack’s tight ends look ng for the upcoming season.

Positional breakdown COMPILED BY CORY SMITH

ARTER 84

George Bryan

Jr.

Asa Watson

So.

CKUP 82

By the numbers: how Wilson stacks up with Heisman candidates

fter three difficult years with the Pack, now or never time is fast approaching for Tom O’Brien and the football team. Nobody knows better than the players and coaches themselves that an overall record of 16-21, and one bowl berth, a loss to Rutgers in the 2008 PapaJohns.com Bowl, simply doesn’t cut it. But it would be foolish to write off Tom O’Brien’s team now, for a number of reasons. For one thing, if recent history is any indicator, the Pack might be right where O’Brien wants it - backed into a corner. In 2008, State responded from a 2-6 start with four straight wins to finish .500 and bowl-bound. A year ago, State had lost six of seven going into its season finale against the heavily favored Tar Heels. On paper, the Pack had little to play for. But it came out and knocked off the No. 24 Tar Heels 28-27 anyway. And on the field, the Pack’s two most talked about players are poised to enjoy their best seasons

yet. Linebacker Nate Irving finally seems to be back to full speed. With a plethora of talented targets to choose from, star signalcaller Russell Wilson is primed to continue rewriting record books and terrorizing opposing defenses. With strong play from the established veterans, contributions from a few unproven players, and, God-forbid, a fortunate bounce or two, there’s no reason this can’t be the year the Pack produces the first bowl victory since Philip Rivers and Co. won the 2003 Tangerine Bowl.

TECHNICIAN

2010 Football Preview

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 • PAGE 3

DBs determined to dispel off-season criticism Players and coaches have expectations set high for a unit that was an Achilles’ heel last season Taylor Barbour Deputy Sports Editor

A lot went wrong for the 2009 N.C. State football team. The Pack came in with high expectations brought on not only by the team, but by the fans and the media as well. State seemed like the trendy pick of the 2009 season to win the Atlantic Division of the ACC. Then the train derailed for the Wolfpack, which finished the season at 5-7, missing out on a bowl game for the third time in four years. Injuries decimated the team and opponents exploited the defense game in and game out. Countless quarterbacks shredded the Pack secondary, including Duke’s Thaddeus Lewis, who posted a career game in week six when he completed 40 of 50 passes while throwing for 459 yards and five touchdowns. Thus the secondary became one of the many scapegoats for a team that didn’t finish where many people thought it would. But sophomore safety Brandon Bishop said 2010 is a fresh start for a unit that feels it has something to prove to its doubters. “There was no doubt that the secondary was a weak part last year,” Bishop said. “It is a new year and we are excited about what we are doing on defense this year. I think you should look out for some more plays from the

secondary. And hopefully instead of it being a weak link, it will be a strong link for us.” And Bishop may be correct. The unit has room to grow, as three of the four projected starters are sophomores thrust into action last season due to injuries. Junior wide receiver T.J. Graham said it was tough for the young players in the secondary who had to learn on the job last season, but he said he believes the experience they received is going to help the unit greatly improve this season. “You are always skeptical at first about throwing an inexperienced player out there, regardless of whether you are athletic or not,” Graham said. “The time [the secondary] took to play last year, we started a lot of people with little to no experience. That experience they gained has really helped them improve dramatically.” Bishop, along with redshirt sophomore Earl Wolff, redshirt sophomore C.J. Wilson and redshirt junior Justin Byers, are penciled into the starting lineup for the first game of the season. “It feels good to build some chemistry with me, Earl [Wolff], C.J. [Wilson] and Justin [Byers] and some of the other guys and know that that is going to be our core group,” Bishop said. “So throughout the spring we were able to build up some chemistry and feel comfortable communicating with each other and playing with each other.” Byers, who replaced injured sophomore corner back Rashard

JONATHAN STEPHENS/TECHNICIAN ARCHIVE PHOTO

Sophomore safety Justin Byers picks off a pass for the Wolfpack against Gardner-Webb, Saturday, Sept. 19 2009.

Smith on the depth chart when Smith went down for the season with an injury, has received his fair share of ridicule over the first few seasons in Raleigh, but is now back to playing his natural position, corner, and is 100 percent healthy for the first time in two years. And coach Tom O’Brien said he is expecting big things out of the redshirt junior, as he is the oldest and most experienced player in the secondary. “Corner is his natural position,” O’Brien said. “He is much more comfortable there and it’s a position where we need him right now. He is doing a good job for us.” The one thing that is certain in the secondary is that players

are growing up and becoming more mature, both on and off the field. Both Bishop and Wolff are looking to become leaders in the locker room and playmakers on the field while providing the younger guys with an older player to talk to and learn from. “I just want to step up and emerge as a leader and help the younger guys,” Wolff said. “I want to give them someone to look up to and someone they can talk to, talk football with. And on the field I just want help my team win and when we need to make plays, I want to step up and be that playmaker.” Even if the media and fans remain wary about the secondary’s abilities, the unit definitely has one huge supporter in Graham,

who said this group of players just needed a bit of time, which it got last year, and that the time is now for those players to show their abilities. “It is like night and day compared to how they were,” Graham said. “The defensive backs have gotten so much better since day one. They improve every day. I don’t know how to explain it. You put athletes on the field and they perform. We are not weak anywhere, we are just younger. We have talent, and talent only takes time.”

PAGE 4 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

2010 Football Preview

TECHNICIAN

Haynes ready to lead Pack’s ground game DILLIGENCE KEY TO REDSHIRT FRESHMAN’S RAPID RISE UP DEPTH CHART Tucker Frazier Deputy Sports Editor

BRENT KITCHEN/TECHNICIAN

Redshirt freshman safety Dean Haynes awaits the snap during practice Tuesday, Aug. 3.

When the football team opened up practice on Aug. 3, redshirt freshman Dean Haynes had no idea he would be the starting running back for the Wolfpack’s season opener against Western Carolina Saturday. In fact, the running back position was the last thing on Haynes’ mind after he began preseason camp as a cornerback. “I felt good at cornerback,” Haynes said. “Then again, the coaches know what they’re doing. I was nervous about the running back spot, but now I feel comfortable, so they know what they’re doing and I trust their decision.” Until coach Tom O’Brien released a depth chart Monday, the popular assumption was that redshirt junior Curtis Underwood and sophomore James Washington would serve as the primary ball carriers for the Pack. That all changed, according to O’Brien, when Haynes demonstrated an exceptional ability to pass block, which will play a vital role in keeping quarterback Russell Wilson’s jersey clean. “I like to hit, so blocking has always been fun for me,” Haynes said. “It wasn’t really a hassle to block. I like picking up the linebackers that are coming in, so it was fun.” Although he may be a surprise choice to start at running back, Haynes is no stranger to the backfield. The 5-foot-11inch, 199-pound running back racked up 878 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior in high school. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Terrell Manning knows first-hand how talented Haynes is. “Dean is a great athlete,” Manning said. “He’s one of those guys that you can almost

put anywhere on the field.” With only two weeks to learn the ins and outs of the entire running back playbook, Haynes resorted to making flash cards to ease the learning process and gain a better understanding of the offense. “It was pretty tough,” Haynes said. “I had looked at the playbook some last year just from playing some quarterback. But other than that, I had never seen some of the plays so I was in the playbook a lot. I made flash cards and everything for the plays, but learning everything was pretty tough.” Haynes said he has also relied on his intelligence to learn the playbook. “I’m a smart player,” Haynes said. “I was able to get in the playbook and learn the stuff, and obviously the coaches think that I can play and excel at the position.” Fellow freshman Mustafa Greene, listed as the No. 2 running back on the Pack’s depth chart, will back Haynes up. As a highly touted prospect from Irmo High School in South Carolina, Greene rushed for 1,387 yards and 18 touchdowns in his senior campaign before joining the Pack. “Mustafa is very deceptive,” Manning said. “The first time I saw him run, I actually compared him to [former Clemson running back] C.J. Spiller. They’re both going to be great players.” As thousands of Wolfpack fans pile into Carter-Finley Stadium Saturday, the freshman running back tandem will be eager to put its hard work on display. “They came in and showed they were willing to work,” Manning said. “That’s why they’re both in the position that they are in right now. If they continue to have a level head and work hard, then we will have a really good running back corps.”

TECHNICIAN

2010 Football Preview

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 • PAGE 5

‘The perfect storm’ “Once he gets up on you, the next thing you know, he is pulling away from you.” Redshirt senior linebacker Nate Irving

“I haven’t seen anybody go up and get a ball or attack a ball like he does.” Redshirt senior linebacker Nate Irving

“George will catch the ball in traffic, no matter what. I don’t think any linebacker can stop him.” Redshirt sophomore tight end Mario Carter

Owen Spencer Stats: 2009: 30 rec, 765 yards, 6 td Career: 66 rec, 1529 yards, 11 td

Jarvis Williams

George Bryan Stats: 2009: 40 rec, 422 yards, 6 tds Career: 58 rec, 623 yards, 10 tds

Stats: 2009: 45 rec, 547 yards, 11 tds Career: 81 rec, 1051 yards, 15 tds

ACC CAREER ACTIVE LEADERS: Touchdown Receptions 1. Jarvis Williams, Sr., NCS ......................... 15 2. Owen Spencer, Sr., NCS .......................... 11 3. George Bryan, Jr., NCS ............................ 10 4. Donovan Varner, Jr., DU ............................ 9 Leonard Hankerson, Sr., UM ..................... 9 6. Jarrett Boykin, Jr., VT ................................ 7 SOURCE: THEACC.COM

PAGE 6 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

2010 Football Preview

TECHNICIAN

The starters in the trenches: How they got there Offensive Line: The Pack’s five starters on the offensive line started a total of 11 games for the Pack last season. Left Tackle Starter: senior Jake Vermiglio; Backup: freshman Robert Crisp Vermiglio has 20 career starts under his belt, so the coaches likely had little difficulty giving the nod to the veteran left tackle. O’Brien has said he plans to give Crisp reps. Crisp will actually start his career the way Vermiglio did, as a true freshman backup likely to earn playing time sooner than later. Vermiglio was the Pack’s only true freshman to start a game in 2007. Left Guard Starter: redshirt sophomore Andrew Wallace; Backup: redshirt junior Henry Lawson Wallace played in every game his redshirt freshman season, earning the start in the GardnerWebb and Maryland games. The man he beat out, redshirt junior Henry Lawson, has seen action in 25 games, but has never started. Center Starter: sophomore Camden Wentz; Backup: redshirt junior Wayne Crawford Wentz played in five games as a true freshman, logging a careerhigh 35 snaps against Murray State. As a senior in high school, Scout.com ranked him the No. 12 center in the nation. Crawford has played in just seven games in his career. Right Guard Starter: redshirt sophomore Zach Allen; Backup: redshirt senior Gary Gregory Allen was in contention for

a starting spot a year ago, but ended up backing up R.J. Mattes until Mattes went down with a knee injury. Allen, this year’s starter, played in 11 games last season and was on the field for 207 snaps. In four years, Gregory has seen very little game action, a total of 61 snaps to be exact. Right Tackle Starter: redshirt junior Mikel Overgaard; Backup: redshirt freshman Sam Jones Overgaard will get the starting nod in his first ACC contest. Before transferring to State, Overgaard redshirted one season as a tight end at Washington State. He is coming off a season in which he earned all-conference honors as the starting left tackle for Snow College, a junior college in Utah. Jones also took somewhat of a circuitous path to State. He played his high school ball at nearby Fuquay-Varina, spent two years at Hargrave Military Academy, and then enrolled at State last fall. Defensive Line: No starter among this year’s defensive front four started any games for State in 2009. But senior defensive tackle Natanu Mageo played in all 12 games and sophomore tackle Bryan Slay played in 10 last year. Redshirt junior Jeff Rieskamp started two games in 2008 before a hernia kept him off the field in 2009, and redshirt senior David Akinniyi was a three-year starter at Northeastern. Defensive End Starters: redshirt senior David Akinniy and redshirt junior Jeff Rieskamp; Backups: redshirt seniors Audi

Freshman offensive lineman Rob Crisp practices run blocking Monday, August 16.

Augustin and Michael Lemon. Lemon, a transfer from Georgia, picked off a pass in last year’s season opener and sealed his team’s victory over the Terrapins with a crucial sack on second down, followed by a quarterback hurry two plays later that essentially won the game on fourth down. Rieskamp played in 12 games in 2008, recording 21 tackles and two starts before sitting out last season due to injury. Like Overgaard, Akinniyi is getting the start in Wolfpack debut. He was a two-time allconference selection who tallied 141 total tackles in three seasons with Northeastern. Augustin has played in 36 games, with one career start. He has made 22 total tackles in 444 career snaps.

Defensive Tackle Starters: sophomore Brian Slay and senior Natanu Mageo; Backups: redshirt juniors Markus Kuhn and J.R. Sweezy. Slay was on the field for 115 snaps in 2009, recording six tackles. The highlight of his season was his performance against Boston College, when he notched three tackles. Kuhn redshirted in 2009 after playing in a total of 24 games in 2007 and 2008. As a sophomore in 2008, he made 23 tackles and recorded a pair of sacks. Last season was Mageo’s first in Raleigh. He played in 12 games and was on the field for 167 plays. He finished the year with an interception, a sack and two tackles for loss. Sweezy has played in

BRENT KITCHEN/TECHNICIAN

14 games, including 12 last year. He got the start in one of those contests and recorded three sacks and five tackles in the backfield on the year.

Positional breakdown A CLOSER LOOK AT WHERE TO FIND THE PACK’S TOP PLAYERS ON THE FIELD

Quarterbacks: After deciding to continue to play both baseball and football, Russell Wilson is the projected starter at quarterback. At 5-11 and 201 pounds, Wilson is an accurate passer and tremendous athlete. Last year he rushed for 260 yards and four touchdowns, going 224-of-378 for 3,027 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 picks through the air. The other quarterback that will be needed to make a significant contribution is redshirt sophomore Mike Glennon, who played in seven games last year, completing 24of-39 for 248 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. COMPILED BY CHRISTINA OWENS

STARTER QB

Russell Wilson

Jr.

BACKUP QB

Mike Glennon

So.

Running Backs: Neither of the halfbacks on the two-deep played a significant role last season. Redshirt freshman Dean Haynes will get the first collegiate handoff of his career Saturday against Western. His backup, freshman Mustafa Greene, starred for Irmo High School in South Carolina. Fans should expect both Greene and Haynes get their touches in the opener.

Offensive Line: For an in-depth look at the Pack’s starters and backups on the offensive line, turn to page 6.

STARTERS LT

Jake Vermiglio

Sr.

Andrew Wallace

So.

Camden Wentz

So.

Zach Allen

So.

Mikel Overgaard

Jr.

BACKUPS LT

Rob Crisp

Fr.

Henry Lawson

Jr.

Wayne Crawford

Jr.

Gary Gregory

Sr.

Sam Jones

Fr.

COMPILED BY TYLER EVERETT

STARTERS HB

Dean Haynes

Fr.

Taylor Gentry

Jr.

BACKUPS HB

Mustafa Greene

Fr.

Donavon Counts

Sr.

Wide Receivers : The Wolfpack returns its top receivers along with emerging new talent. The No.’s 1 and 2 starting wide receivers are Jarvis Williams and Owen Spencer. Redshirt senior Williams started every game last season, leading the team in both receptions, with 45, and touchdowns, with an ACC-leading 11. Spencer leads all active ACC players in career receiving yards and is second behind only Jarvis Williams in career touchdown catches among active players in the ACC, with 11. Another important piece to the receiving corps this year is junior T. J. Graham. COMPILED BY JON GOODMAN

STARTERS WR

Jarvis Williams

Sr.

Owen Spencer

Sr.

BACKUPS WR

Darrell Davis

Sr.

T.J. Graham

Jr.

13 O

Tight Ends: Redshirt junior George Bryan was first-team allconference selection in 2009 and was tabbed an All-ACC player in preseason polls. While Bryan will be working hard to star again in 2010, sophomore tight end Asa Watson will be battling him for playing time. Watson proved that he can play the position well when he led the way for the tight ends, with 101 receiving yards during the 2010 Kay Yow Spring Game. With Bryan looking to continue his dominance against ACC defenses and Watson waiting in the wings, the Pack’s tight ends look strong for the upcoming season.

70 O 64 47 O O 16 53 O O [DOUBLE 29 72 O O 76 O 84 O

COMPILED BY CORY SMITH

STARTER TE

George Bryan

Jr.

Asa Watson

So.

BACKUP TE

28 X

For an in-depth look at the Pack’s starters and backups on the defensive line, turn to page 6.

STARTERS

X 30 97 X X 90 X 56 X E TRUCK] 35

X 99 X 55

27 X 42 X 20 X

Secondary:

Defensive Line:

Jeff Rieskamp

Jr.

Natanu Mageo

Sr.

Brian Slay

So.

David Akinniyi

Sr.

Easily the most maligned position group in 2009, the players in the secondary will have chips on their shoulders after an offseason spent listening to people talk about how they can’t get it done. Redshirt junior corner Justin Byers is the starter at the boundary corner position. Earl Wolff and Brandan Bishop will start at safety, with redshirt sophomore C.J. Wilson rounding out the secondary as the starter at field corner. Three of the four backups are true freshmen, in safeties Dontae Johnson and D.J. Green and corner David Amerson. COMPILED BY TYLER EVERETT

STARTERS

BACKUPS

C.J. Wilson

So.

Michael Lemon

Sr.

J.R. Sweezy

Jr.

Brandan Bishop

So.

Earl Wolff

So.

Justin Byers

Jr.

David Amerson

Fr.

Markus Kuhn

Jr.

Audi Augustin

Sr.

BACKUPS FC

D.J. Green

Fr.

Dontae Johnson

Fr.

Jordan Monk

Jr.

STARTERS

Linebackers: Dynamic senior linebacker Nate Irving is healthy and poised to lead a defense loaded with fresh faces. With no starters returning on the defensive line and relative inexperience in the secondary, the linebacker corps has the major challenge of improving the second-worst defense in the ACC last season (31.2 ppg against). Juniors Dwayne Maddox (43 tackles, 1 sack), Sterling Lucas (39 tackles, 1.5 TFL), and Audie Cole (team-high 71 tackles, one forced fumble, three sacks) all return after getting significant playing time last season. Redshirt sophomore Terrell Manning looks to back up an impressive freshman year (42 tackles, 1 INT) and is the starter on the weak side. The defense gets one break heading into the 2010 campaign - not one opponent on this year’s schedule ranked in the top 25 for total offense last season.

SLB

Audie Cole

Jr.

MLB

Nate Irving

Sr.

WLB

Terrell Manning

So.

BACKUPS SLB

Asanté Cureton

Sr.

MLB

Sterling Lucas

Jr.

WLB

Dwayne Maddox

Jr.

COMPILED BY SEAN FAIRHOLM

KICKING GAME The kickers this season will be very familiar to most fans. Redshirt senior Josh Czajkowski will once again be RETURN GAME reponsible for kickoffs, field goals The return games this year will and extra points. While he has been depend on how well junior wide receiver T.J. Graham returns, literally. solid kicking it through the uprights, his work on kickoffs wasn’t consistent Though he was lost for half of the in last year’s campaign, as the team season after an injury in the BC didn’t have a touchback the whole game, Graham still led the team in season. Punting the ball will be punt and kick return yardage with redshirt senior Jeff Ruiz. Ruiz is known 574 yards and a touchdown on kickoff returns. The return game will for his rugby style punts, which are typically low line drives that take have the ability to put the offense several bounces. Both Czajkowski and in a good spot on the field every Ruiz have worked over the offseason time out. COMPILED BY CORY SMITH and look to have very promising senior seasons for the Pack.

Special Teams:

COMPILED BY ELY YARBROUGH

STARTERS PK

Josh Czajkowski

Sr.

Jeff Ruiz

Sr.

Corey Tedder

Sr.

Corey Tedder

Sr.

KOR

T.J. Graham

Jr.

T.J. Graham

Jr.

Michael Maurer

Gr.

BACKUPS LS

MLB

Sterling Lucas

Jr.

WLB

Dwayne Maddox

Jr.

PAGE 10 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

2010 Football Preview

TECHNICIAN

Tenuta adds intensity, spark to linebacking corps Coach looking to lead an experienced group in first season with Wolfpack Tucker Frazier Deputy Sports Editor

Only one season removed from surrendering 31.2 points per game, the second-worst mark in the ACC, the defense heads into its season-opener Saturday against Western Carolina looking to disprove question marks surrounding the unit. The backbone of State’s defense will undoubtedly be the

linebacker position. The Wolfpack welcomes five returning linebackers with starting experience, as well as a fresh face to the program. Coach Jon Tenuta, a 30-year veteran in the college coaching ranks, fills the void left by former linebacker coach Andy McCollum. “He’s a very smart coach,” redshirt sophomore Terrell Manning said. “Right now we’re just trying to get inside his head and also learn about the other team as well. It’s been very beneficial having him out here with us.” Tenuta, a three-year letterwin-

ner at defensive back for Virginia, knows the ins and outs of the ACC as well as anyone, having both played and coached in t he c on fe re nc e t h roug hout h i s 30-year career. In addition to coaching for conference rivals North Carolina and Georgia Tech, Tenuta has served on defensive staffs of highprofile programs LUIS ZAPATA/TECHNICIAN such as Oklahoma, Ohio State a nd New linebackers coach Jon Tenuta poses for a picture with his three starting m o s t r e c e n t l y, linebackers, Nate Irving, Terrell Manning and Audie Cole, in fron of the Murphy Center. Notre Dame. The Pack’s new linebacker coach said he hopes and Sterling Lucas fulfilling valu- Audie Cole, an older Terrell Manning, Dwayne Maddox and Sterto pass along the know-how and able roles as back-ups. “The starting three lineback- ling Lucas, so he’s got some kids insight he has gained from his well-traveled career to his expe- ers are pretty good with Audie that have been in some games. I Cole, Nate Irving and Terrell think that’s a plus for him and a rienced corps of linebackers. “I’ve learned a lot since he’s Manning,” Tenuta said. “Those plus for us because he is such a been here,” redshirt junior Aud- three guys are pretty darn good great teacher.” Even the Wolfpack offense is ie Cole said. “He’s fixed a lot of linebackers, and in my opinion, things that I realized I’ve been may be the best in the conference. excited to see what kind of spark doing wrong. That goes for all the The guys playing behind them— Tenuta will add to the defense as linebackers and a lot of people on Asante Cureton, Sterling Lucas the kick-off for the 2010 season and Dwayne Maddox—are ob- approaches. Junior running back the defense.” Tenuta will have the opportu- viously not the starters, but they Curtis Underwood said he is eanity to command an experienced work hard everyday in practice.” ger to see the linebacking corps Coach Tom O’Brien praised perform this season. quintet of linebackers in his first season with the Pack. Senior Tenuta for his abilities to com“There’s a different pep in their captain Nate Irving, who missed municate and teach his players step this year,” Underwood said. the entire 2009 season following fundamental techniques. “Tenuta’s an intense coach, I can “[Tenuta] is a good commu- tell you that much. They’re paya near-fatal car accident, is the heart and soul of State’s defense. nicator, a good teacher and a ing attention to detail and flowIrving is joined by fellow starting good coach,” O’Brien said. “He’s ing to the ball. I can’t wait to see linebackers Cole and Manning, excited about the opportunity those guys get on the field and with juniors Dwayne Maddox to coach Nate. He gets an older tear it up.”

TECHNICIAN

2010 Football Preview

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 • PAGE 11

Contrasting perspectives on ACC rivals TECHNICIAN’S TYLER EVERETT AND SEAN KLEMM HANDICAP THE ACC COMPETITION Sept. 25 at Georgia Tech

“Why we’ll win”

“Why we’ll lose”

Sean Klemm

Tyler Everett

Deputy Sports Editor

Sports Editor

Why we’ll win Georgia Tech is a good football team. They won the ACC Championship last year. This will not be easy, but the key to this game will be preparation. They run a very effective spread option offense, led by potential Heisman Trophy Candidate Josh Nesbitt. However, the Pack can stop it, if players put in the practice time. Why we’ll lose The visit to the defending ACC champs will easily be the Pack’s toughest test of September. Paul Johnson and the Yellow Jackets’ triple-option offense is one of the nation’s best running games, and with 2009 All-ACC quarterback Josh Nesbitt at the helm, it probably won’t miss a beat without departed running back Jonathan Dwyer. Georgia Tech’s option ran roughshod over defenses that look a lot better on paper than State’s does, and if last year’s performances against players like BC’s Montel Harris are any indication, Sept. 25 might be one of the longest days of the season.

Oct. 9 vs. Boston College Why we’ll win The reasons for the Pack to bring its best against BC are obvious. Regardless of whether he’ll say as much, beating the Golden Eagles is undoubtedly among O’Brien’s top priorities every season. And if the players on the defensive side of the ball have so much as a shred of pride about themselves, they’ll be salivating over the opportunity to punish BC tailback Montel Harris, who absolutely humiliated State last season when he gashed the Pack for 264 yards and five touchdowns. With so much to play for, look for N.C. State to come out fired up, if nothing else. Why we’ll lose O’Brien’s former team thoroughly humiliated State in Chestnut Hill last October. Golden Eagles running back Montel Harris enjoyed a spectacular coming out party and career afternoon against the Pack last season, and will look to see if he can once again fit three or four games worth of yardage and touchdowns into one outing. And since O’Brien has come to State, he has been unable to take down his former team.

Nov. 6 at Clemson Why we’ll win As of late, Clemson has, for lack of a better term, run the Pack ragged in the Textile Bowl. However, without their freak-of-nature running back C.J. Spiller, the Tigers ground game will not be nearly as prolific. The defense lost five starters to graduation, but should still be very solid. It is never easy to travel to Death Valley and come out with a win. The Pack will have to put together a very good performance on both sides of the ball. Why we’ll lose Clemson is another team that has given State fits in recent years. The Tigers lose C.J. Spiller, who led the way when Clemson won 43-23 last season, but the Tigers have outscored the Pack 112-52 in O’Brien’s three years in Raleigh and are the preseason pick to finish second in the Atlantic. Clemson’s offense is anchored by preseason all-conference offensive tackle Chris Hairston and the Tigers also have a pair of all-conference selections on defense in tackle Jarvis Jenkins and star safety DeAndre McDaniel.

Oct. 2 vs. Virginia Tech Why we’ll win Like I said, football is a crazy game. Anything can happen. Upsets happen every year. Virginia Tech is supposed to be the best team in the ACC, but who knows what can happen over the course of two months. This could be a completely different team. I don’t think it will, but it could be. That being said, the Pack will have to put together a near perfect performance. If the defense can force turnovers and the offense can capitalize, who knows. To quote the cute little kid from Angels in the Outfield, “Hey! It could happen.” Why we’ll lose Speaking of long days, last season’s 38-10 drubbing at the hands of the Hokies will hopefully be remembered as one of the worst of O’Brien’s tenure with the Wolfpack. And in terrifying news for Wolfpack Nation, the Hokies appear to be every bit as good as they were last season, if not better. Running back Ryan Williams and quarterback Tyrod Taylor have the VT faithful expecting one of the school’s most potent offenses since the Mike Vick days.

Oct. 28 vs. Florida State Why we’ll win This is another Thursday night game, and the atmosphere should again be something absolutely electric. I’m expecting to see people out at the game dressed as T.O.B., Chuck the Chest or even Sidney Lowe. Florida State is talented; there is no doubting that. Quarterback Christian Ponder is among the best in the ACC. But if the defensive line can apply pressure in the backfield and the secondary holds up, it could be a wild night in rough Raleigh. Why we’ll lose FSU boasts one of several high-caliber ACC quarterbacks in Christian Ponder, who picked the Pack’s defense apart a year ago. The Seminoles have had State’s number over the past few years, as O’Brien is 0-3 against the Noles. The last two matchups with FSU have been close, but Florida State appears poised for one of its best seasons in recent memory, as the Noles were picked to win the Atlantic at the ACC Football Kickoff in July.

SCHEDULE continued page 15

TECHNICIAN

2010 Football Preview

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 • PAGE 13

By the numbers: Wilson vs. Heisman candidates Jake Locker – Washington 2009: Passer rating:129.75, 2800 yards, 21 touchdowns, 11 picks. 230/395 58.2% accuracy Career (after three years): 5374 yards, 36 touchdowns, 26 picks 435/816 53.3% accuracy 6.59 yards per attempt Terrelle Pryor – Ohio State 2009 : Passer rating: 128.91, 2,094 yards, 18 touchdowns, 11 picks 167/295 56.6 % accuracy Career: 3405 yards, 30 touchdowns, 15 picks 267/460 58% 7.40 yards per attempt Kellen Moore – Boise State 2009: Passer rating: 161.65, 3536 yards, 39 touchdowns, 3 picks 277/431 64.3 % Career: 7,022 yards, 64 touchdowns, 13 picks 558/836 66.7% accuracy 8.4 yards per attempt Christian Ponder – Florida State 2009: Passer rating: 147.70, 2717 yards, 14 touchdowns, 7 picks 227/330 68.8 % accuracy Career: 4828 yards, 29 tds, 22 picks 412/666 61.8% 7.25 yards per attempt

Russell Wilson

2009: Passer rating:147.77, 3027 yards, 31 tds, 11 picks 224/378 59.2% accuracy Career (after two years): 4982 yards, 48 touchdowns, 12 picks 374/653 57.2% accuracy 7.63 yards per attempt

PAGE 14 • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010

2010 Football Preview

TECHNICIAN

COMMENTARY

Senior explains how to tailgate Taylor Barbour Deputy Sports Editor

As everyone knows, the N.C. State tailgate is legendary. It is almost as much a part of the football season as the actual games are and here at State, students, fans and alumni tailgate harder and better than anyone in North Carolina, bar none. But whether this is your first football game or

you’re just looking to take your tailgate to the next level, here are a few ways to have an afternoon you will never forget. Or maybe you’ll act irresponsibly, consume a little excessively and have trouble recalling the exact details. But that’s up to you. Any of the tips that describe drinking alcoholic beverages and/ or playing games that involve alcohol consumption are

only directed at those who are at or above the legal age to drink alcoholic beverages, which is 21 in the state of North Carolina. For underage readers, such tips can be put into use using soda pop, water or tea. Tip 1: Be prepared Okay, so everyone has done it. They put everything off until the last minute and end up out at the tailgate with a case of beer and a

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cooler, but no ice. Or you have the hotdogs and the grill, but no gas. It happens. But it can be fixed. Just prepare. Why not start getting ready a few days in advance and assign everyone something to bring? Nothing can ruin a tailgate quicker than a forgotten necessity. There is a simple fix — just plan ahead. Here is a quick checklist to run through every night before a game: 1. Beer 2. Food 3. Ice 4. Cooler 5. Cooking equipment 6. Condiments 7. More beer Tip 2: Get there early. No good tailgate can happen in less than two hours, much less five. But some things are out of your control, so get there as early as possible and get to work. Remember, between losing 30 minutes due to setting up and having to clean up and leave an hour before game time, you only have three and a half hours, so every second is crucial. You may say getting up at 6:30 in the morning to get out to the tailgate at 7 a.m. is dumb and preposterous, but grow up. We can all sacrifice a good night ‘s sleep for a chance at cracking open a fresh beverage of choice before the rooster crows. Tip 3: Bring a crowd It seems obvious, but the best tailgates are those that have a large amount of people and you only know a handful or them. This enables you to cut loose with the knowledge you will more than likely never see these people again. Tip 4: Bring something to do

Yes, there is always that group of tailgaters that enjoys sitting around a car chatting before a game while munching on a little Bojangles. But let ‘s be real, that can only be fun for about what ... five minutes? Come on, this isn’t a time to sing Kumbaya, it ‘s a time to get rowdy and pumped up for a game centered around hard hitting and violence. So bring out those games everyone loves — corn hole, ladder ball, beer pong and flip cup. And if you don’t have a set of corn hole or a beer pong table, make one. And if you can’t, go down Centennial and pay any random engineering student to make one for you. And if you plan on playing any of these games, add these things to your Friday (or Wednesday) night check list; ping-pong balls, corn hole bags, water and solo cups. Tip 5: Relax, go nuts and be loud When else do you get a chance to actually have a valid reason to eat as much food as possible, drink as much beer (or soda) as you like and yell and scream for no reason at all? This is a time to have fun and let everything out, so do it. You only get six homes games a year. Since the games are scarce, every last one of them must be enjoyed just as thoroughly as the previous one.

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TECHNICIAN

2010 Football Preview

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 • PAGE 15

SCHEDULE continued from page 11

Nov. 13 vs. Wake Forest

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Why we’ll win The Demon Deacons will have a tough time replacing four-year starting quarterback Riley Skinner, as none of their returning quarterbacks have thrown a pass at the NCAA level. State should be able to take advantage of the inexperience at the quarterback position. Why we’ll lose The past two showdowns with the Demon Deacons have been extremely closely contested and this year should prove no different. Wake will miss quarterback Riley Skinner and will have several other holes to fill. Few expect much from Jim Grobe and Co., but that might be how he prefers it. Wake Forest has played some of its best football in seasons when nobody gave them a chance, like in 2006, when the Deacs were picked to finish 11th in the 12-team ACC and ended up representing the conference in the BCS Orange Bowl.

Nov. 20 at North Carolina Why we’ll win Forget all the shenanigans and controversy surrounding the Tarholes’ football program. Stud defensive tackle Marvin Austin has already bit the dust. But even if all their players under fire are cleared by the NCAA — which I’m confident they won’t be — it doesn’t matter. Under the Tom O’Brien reign, we own Carolina. Wilson has absolutely dominated the Heels in his two years as a starter and there is no reason why he will not continue this trend. Why we’ll lose The Heels have been favored in each of the past three meetings with State and have lost each time. Few tasks are harder to pull off than four straight victories over a hated rival, so the Pack can count on having its hands full when it travels to Chapel Hill. Carolina is loaded on defense, with NFL talent and first-team all conference selections — five to be exact — all over the field. Granted, many of those players may not be with the team in November, but if they are, the yards and points will be hard to come by for Russell Wilson and Co.

Nov. 27 at Maryland Why we’ll win Replacing Forrest Moog-lookalike Chris Turner at quarterback will be no easy task. Junior Jamarr Robinson is athletic and has a strong arm, but has only two starts to his name. State got the better of Maryland last year, so look for a similar result in this year’s finale. Why we’ll lose Ralph Friedgen and the Terps find themselves in a predicament similar to the Wolfpack’s. Maryland has turned in several disappointing seasons in a row, and the Terrapins understand their coach’s job might be on the line. There’s nothing more dangerous than a team playing with its coach’s job security in jeopardy, and that might very well be what’s at stake when Maryland and star linebacker Alex Wujciak welcome the Pack to College Park for the season finale.

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