LOHD Quick Overview of NC State

Head Coach: Tom O’Brien (3rd year)
Overall Coaching Record: 86-59
2008: 6-7 (4-4 ACC), Tied for 3rd in Atlantic Div
Last Bowl: 2008 PapaJohns.com Bowl, Lost to Rutgers 23-29
Returning Starters: 7 offense, 7 defense

Offensive Outlook: Most of the NCSU success in 2009 depends on All-ACC QB Russell Wilson and his health. We will not lie....Wilson is good and can win some games for NCSU by himself. But if Wilson gets hurt then NCSU is not so much a threat. This season, Pack fans shouldn’t have to fear the worst if/when Wilson gets hurt, thanks to backup Mike Glennon. While the quarterback position will receive the most attention, NC State will have a strong running back tandem with Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene. They have a good WR corp but again most of the offense flows through the arm and legs of Wilson due to his creation ability.

Dear Ellis Johnson --- focus on stopping Wilson from running, contain the guy and teach tacklers not to miss. Thanks.

Defensive Outlook: LB Nate Irving suffered a broken leg and a collapsed lung after a car accident in late June. Along with DT Alan-Michael Cash, and DE Willie Young, Irving was supposed to be part of a defensive turnaround in Raleigh. The Wolfpack may be able to overcome his absence, but the program can’t shake the injury curse. N.C. State ranked 96th nationally in pass defense last season. The permanent losses of cornerback Dominique Ellis and safety Jimmaul Simmons, and the temporary loss of linebacker Nate Irving, do not help that cause.

Dear Steve Spurrier --- QB Garcia, this game is up to you and your ability to connect with receivers down the field. Let's not try to be too fancy the 1st game and just move the ball down the field.

Best Case for NCSU in '09: Wilson completes every game and lives up to the All ACC hype that he currently deserves. They will lose a two to three games and win the Atlantic division. Winning in college football is not brain surgery. Strong QB play directly correlates to successful seasons (pay attention Garcia). I say 9-3.

Worst Case for NCSU in '09: Wilson gets hurt early and Glennon turns out to be another interception waiting to happen. O-line falls apart and with it the season...NCSU finishes 5-7.

thoughts....

Beer of Choice for the '09 Carolina Football season...

Plenty of folks turn their nose up at Pabst Blue Ribbon, but it’s a great utility beer for outdoor events. I think it will be the "beer for the '09 season" to keep me cool in the columbia heat and since I have joined gamecock club at the half scholly (again) and paid a seat fee and paid for a full book...well cheap beer it is! Thanks Mr. Hyman!

Since we’re getting closer to the start of the football season, it also means we’re getting closer to tailgating. So the question is — what’s in the cooler?

Non-conference basketball schedule released today

Nov. 13 - Alabama A&M
Nov. 16 - Georgia Southern
Nov. 19-22 - at Charleston Classic (Charleston, S.C.)
Nov. 27 - Jacksonville
Dec. 2 - Western Kentucky
Dec. 6 - at Clemson (Clemson, S.C.)
Dec. 16 - Richmond
Dec. 19 - at Wofford (Spartanburg, S.C.)
Dec. 21 - Furman
Dec. 30 - at Boston College (Chestnut Hill, Mass.)
Jan. 2 - Baylor
Jan. 5 - Longwood

I would say the addition of BC will help when it comes to tournament time, as last years RPI was pretty high.

Where are they now

Great website that has where all former Heisman trophy winners are now.

Jasper And Sidney doing well in camp

Articles about Sidney Rice and Jasper Brinkley at camp with the Minnesota Vikings. Hopefully both have great seasons and show the NFL that USC does have the potential to put players in the NFL every year.

Gamecock Quote of the Day

Today's quote of the day comes from USC LB Eric Norwood from this article, in it he says this...

"I want this year to be the year. Hopefully, try to establish a tradition there like (Southern Cal's) and Florida's and everyone else," Norwood said. "Once we get a tradition at our school as far as winning, the sky's the limit."

I love the new energy and thoughts coming from our team heading into the NCSU season opener! Go Cocks!

2010 List of Gamecock Commitments

Here is a list of current recruits for 2010 and some thoughts....

• A.J. Cann
• Cody Gibson
• Brandon Golson
• Eric Mack
• Ronald Patrick
• Kelcy Quarles
• Corey Robinson
• Cadarious Sanders
• Connor Shaw
• J.T. Surratt
• Sean Tapley
• Dylan Thompson
• Brison Williams
• Elliot Williams
• Tramell Williams

What I find interesting is the various recruiting rankings...for example -

DL Kelcy Quarles of Greenwood High, a South Carolina commitment. Rivals.com, one of the two largest recruiting services, says Quarles is the No. 38 player in the country. Scout.com, the other big boy, ranks Quarles at No. 242.

The bottom line? Hard to judge exactly what you are getting until they get in the program and learn the system and grow as a football player. Never believe the stars....