3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
2004 North Carolina State Wolfpack Game Preview
written by
FKAGobucks877, daddyphatsacs, Bucklion, osugrad21, and 3yardsandacloud
written by
FKAGobucks877, daddyphatsacs, Bucklion, osugrad21, and 3yardsandacloud
North Carolina State Wolfpack Game Preview
Third on the slate for the Buckeyes is the North Carolina State Wolfpack. This should be the best pre-conference foe OSU will face. The return game will be played at Carter-Finley Field and the Pack is ready for revenge. Coach Chuck Amato also has the luxury of an off week leading up to the game. Chuck probably won't complain about this turn of events like he did the paltry 5,000 tickets NC State received for last seasons game at the Horseshoe. The Pack will need to deal with the loss of 3 players who started every game in their careers at NC State ... quarterback Philip Rivers, punter Austin Herbert and long snapper Danny Young. Additionally the Wolfpack will be breaking in a new coach, former Houston Texans Linebacker Coach (now Defensive Coordinator) Reggie Herring. If this experienced squad, which returns 9 offensive and 8 defensive starters, can overcome the departure of "Mr. Wolfpack", Philip Rivers, the Buckeye will be in for a great game. There is also an interesting back story with former OSU recruits Derek Morris and Richard Washington. What's not to like?
Date and Time
Game time: Saturday, September 18th, 2004
3:30 pm EDT Kick-off at Carter-Finley (Raleigh, NC)
ABC will cover the game
3:30 pm EDT Kick-off at Carter-Finley (Raleigh, NC)
ABC will cover the game
North Carolina State Wolfpack Offensive Preview
Returning starters: 8
Phillip Rivers, Phillip Rivers, Phillip Rivers. Certainly the name will go down in Pack history as one of their best players, and the man who led the team to some of their best seasons in school history. It’s also the name mentioned by those who think this team will significantly downgrade from a year ago. NCSt had one of their best seasons in school history offensively a year ago. They piled up 453.15 net yards a game and piled on nearly 38 a game on the scoreboard. They had a monstrous 352.31 yards/game passing, good enough for tops in the ACC and 3rd nationally, and their total offense (453.15) was good enough for tops in the conference and 13th nationally. Rivers led the nation in passing, with 4,491 yards and a ridiculous 34 TD/7 interception ratio over 483 attempts to give him an efficiency number over 170. On the downside, the Pack was dead last in the conference (107/117 nationally) with only 100.85 yards rushing per game, and dealt with a myriad of injuries to their top runner, T.A. McLendon. Their turnover ratio was a modest +1, but that had more to do with a porous defense than carelessness on offense.
An unsettled QB situation is always dicey, but the Pack returns one of the nation’s finest tailbacks and a battle-tested offensive line. Perhaps the aerial fireworks will be diminished, and the focus will shift more to the running game, but there is no reason to believe NCSt is anywhere near a bare cupboard, and Chuck Amato always seems to have plenty up his sleeve.
Quarterbacks
QB #10 Jay Davis (6-2, 205 JR)
The unenviable task of replacing Rivers goes to Davis, a player who has been around the system (junior) but obviously hasn’t played much (entered in 10 games in 2 seasons). Last season he was 9/10 with one touchdown in mop-up duty. The backup job (for now) goes to Marcus Stone, a big redshirt freshman (6-4, 226) with a howitzer for an arm. He is the future of this team. Sophomore Chris Moore ran the scout team last season, and should have a lock on the number 3 job. Until any of these players get on the field, it is difficult to know who, if any, are ready for the big time.
QB Rating: D
Running Backs
RB #44 T.A. McLendon (5-11, 216 JR)
There’s no argument that T.A. McLendon is loaded to the hilt with talent. Unfortunately, after being 2002 ACC rookie of the year, he’s never been able to avoid the injury bug (608 yards last season). He is arguably the best back in the conference when healthy, and with the unproven QB, it is absolutely essential he stays healthy and has a big year for the pack. His backup is Josh Brown, a change-of-pace jitterbug (5-10, 188) who can be a real pest in the third and fourth quarters when the defense is getting tired. Sophomore Reggie Davis will be the third back. The Pack didn’t “feature” a fullback last season, but returning senior Chance Moyer is a bulldozer when they look to him.
RB Rating: B
Wide Receivers
WR #87 Brian Clark (6-3, 202)
WR #21 Tramain Hall (5-11, 187)
WR #6 Richard Washington (6-0, 172)
WR #5 Sterling Hicks (6-2, 181)
The team lost Jerricho Cotchery, who had a monster year with 86 catches for almost 1400 yards and 10 TDs. Still, the cupboard is far from bare here. Tramian Hall, a HB/SB/WR/flanker/something-or-other who plays a position I’d need Chuck Amato to explain to me, caught 69 balls for 799 yards and 7 TDs, while also carrying the ball 36 times for 142 yards. Obviously he is a versatile threat and a valuable player. Brain Clark also returns after catching 33 passes a season ago, and will play the SE position. Flanker will be manned by a combination of Hicks and Washington. OSU fans may remember Hicks, who played well but tore his ACL in the OhioState game last season. Washington caught 44 passes for 500 yards and 6 scores as his replacement. Off the bench, Lamar Barrett and Chris Hawkins saw limited time last season and should be part of the offense this season. Avery Gibson, at 6-2, 244, may be the backup to Hall (5-11, 187)…now THERE’S a change of pace! Overall, this corps is deep, talented, seasoned, and knows how to find the endzone…now whether someone can get the ball to them is another matter.
WR Rating: B+
Tight Ends
TE #80 T.J. Williams (6-4, 260)
Williams caught 28 passes for 444 yards and 3 scores, good numbers for a TE, leading to him being honorable mention all-ACC a year ago. He could be more involved in the offense this season if the QB doesn’t look downfield as much. He is a valuable safety valve, and a crushing blocker in the running game. John Ritcher is a solid backup and a good blocker in the red zone.
TE Rating: B+
Offensive Line
OT #71 Derek Morris (6-6, 340)
OG #76 Ricky Fowler (6-2, 303)
C #53 Jed Paulsen (6-2, 290)
OG #64 Leroy Harris (6-3, 293)
OT #77 John McKeon (6-5, 298)
New Starters:
OT #70 Chris Colmer (6-6, 305)
Nearly the entire line returns, and obviously they all know something about the fine art of pass blocking. LT Colmer, the only player not to start last season because of a rare medical condition, is experienced and may be their best blocker if he can play. The rest of the line returns in tact. The gargantuan Morris mans the other tackle spot, and can bench press 500 pounds…needless to say, he can be a battering ram for the running game. LG Harris garnered some postseason freshman awards last season, and the other guard spot features two players with starting experience in Fowler and McKeon. Jed Paulsen is back to start his third season and is a Remington candidate. The backups include McKeon, who started 11 games last season, James Newby, a versatile and mobile tackle (6-6, 278), Merci Falaise, a JC All-American tackle, and Kalani Heppe, who is gaining valuable experience behind Paulsen at C. Luke Lathan and John Holt, promising underclassmen, could also get a sniff of the field. This unit is talented, deep, strong, and know how to pass-block effectively, and should be moving forward more this season to clear holes for the running game.
OL Rating: A (A- if Colmer can’t play)
Analysis
Well, it is hard to get around the fact that the heart of the offense is gone in Rivers. However, a very solid line and a good corps of receivers will help the new QB break in, as will the underrated TE. The running game will be the key for the Wolfpack this season…they need McLendon to stay healthy, as Brown is more of a change-of-pace guy than a feature back. Depth is good on the line and along the receiving corps, but questionable in the RB and QB situations. If McLendon gets hurt, it doesn’t seem likely any of the QBs can win games by themselves. If Davis and Stone get hurt or are ineffective, then what? This will be an interesting year for Amato and new coordinator Noel Mazzone. This offense could be as good as an A or as low as a D. Remember, a pretty good football team will finish 8th in the revamped ACC…the QB play and the health of McLendon will go a long way towards determining whether that will be NCSt or not.
Overall Offensive Rating: B
Phillip Rivers, Phillip Rivers, Phillip Rivers. Certainly the name will go down in Pack history as one of their best players, and the man who led the team to some of their best seasons in school history. It’s also the name mentioned by those who think this team will significantly downgrade from a year ago. NCSt had one of their best seasons in school history offensively a year ago. They piled up 453.15 net yards a game and piled on nearly 38 a game on the scoreboard. They had a monstrous 352.31 yards/game passing, good enough for tops in the ACC and 3rd nationally, and their total offense (453.15) was good enough for tops in the conference and 13th nationally. Rivers led the nation in passing, with 4,491 yards and a ridiculous 34 TD/7 interception ratio over 483 attempts to give him an efficiency number over 170. On the downside, the Pack was dead last in the conference (107/117 nationally) with only 100.85 yards rushing per game, and dealt with a myriad of injuries to their top runner, T.A. McLendon. Their turnover ratio was a modest +1, but that had more to do with a porous defense than carelessness on offense.
An unsettled QB situation is always dicey, but the Pack returns one of the nation’s finest tailbacks and a battle-tested offensive line. Perhaps the aerial fireworks will be diminished, and the focus will shift more to the running game, but there is no reason to believe NCSt is anywhere near a bare cupboard, and Chuck Amato always seems to have plenty up his sleeve.
Quarterbacks
QB #10 Jay Davis (6-2, 205 JR)
The unenviable task of replacing Rivers goes to Davis, a player who has been around the system (junior) but obviously hasn’t played much (entered in 10 games in 2 seasons). Last season he was 9/10 with one touchdown in mop-up duty. The backup job (for now) goes to Marcus Stone, a big redshirt freshman (6-4, 226) with a howitzer for an arm. He is the future of this team. Sophomore Chris Moore ran the scout team last season, and should have a lock on the number 3 job. Until any of these players get on the field, it is difficult to know who, if any, are ready for the big time.
QB Rating: D
Running Backs
RB #44 T.A. McLendon (5-11, 216 JR)
There’s no argument that T.A. McLendon is loaded to the hilt with talent. Unfortunately, after being 2002 ACC rookie of the year, he’s never been able to avoid the injury bug (608 yards last season). He is arguably the best back in the conference when healthy, and with the unproven QB, it is absolutely essential he stays healthy and has a big year for the pack. His backup is Josh Brown, a change-of-pace jitterbug (5-10, 188) who can be a real pest in the third and fourth quarters when the defense is getting tired. Sophomore Reggie Davis will be the third back. The Pack didn’t “feature” a fullback last season, but returning senior Chance Moyer is a bulldozer when they look to him.
RB Rating: B
Wide Receivers
WR #87 Brian Clark (6-3, 202)
WR #21 Tramain Hall (5-11, 187)
WR #6 Richard Washington (6-0, 172)
WR #5 Sterling Hicks (6-2, 181)
The team lost Jerricho Cotchery, who had a monster year with 86 catches for almost 1400 yards and 10 TDs. Still, the cupboard is far from bare here. Tramian Hall, a HB/SB/WR/flanker/something-or-other who plays a position I’d need Chuck Amato to explain to me, caught 69 balls for 799 yards and 7 TDs, while also carrying the ball 36 times for 142 yards. Obviously he is a versatile threat and a valuable player. Brain Clark also returns after catching 33 passes a season ago, and will play the SE position. Flanker will be manned by a combination of Hicks and Washington. OSU fans may remember Hicks, who played well but tore his ACL in the OhioState game last season. Washington caught 44 passes for 500 yards and 6 scores as his replacement. Off the bench, Lamar Barrett and Chris Hawkins saw limited time last season and should be part of the offense this season. Avery Gibson, at 6-2, 244, may be the backup to Hall (5-11, 187)…now THERE’S a change of pace! Overall, this corps is deep, talented, seasoned, and knows how to find the endzone…now whether someone can get the ball to them is another matter.
WR Rating: B+
Tight Ends
TE #80 T.J. Williams (6-4, 260)
Williams caught 28 passes for 444 yards and 3 scores, good numbers for a TE, leading to him being honorable mention all-ACC a year ago. He could be more involved in the offense this season if the QB doesn’t look downfield as much. He is a valuable safety valve, and a crushing blocker in the running game. John Ritcher is a solid backup and a good blocker in the red zone.
TE Rating: B+
Offensive Line
OT #71 Derek Morris (6-6, 340)
OG #76 Ricky Fowler (6-2, 303)
C #53 Jed Paulsen (6-2, 290)
OG #64 Leroy Harris (6-3, 293)
OT #77 John McKeon (6-5, 298)
New Starters:
OT #70 Chris Colmer (6-6, 305)
Nearly the entire line returns, and obviously they all know something about the fine art of pass blocking. LT Colmer, the only player not to start last season because of a rare medical condition, is experienced and may be their best blocker if he can play. The rest of the line returns in tact. The gargantuan Morris mans the other tackle spot, and can bench press 500 pounds…needless to say, he can be a battering ram for the running game. LG Harris garnered some postseason freshman awards last season, and the other guard spot features two players with starting experience in Fowler and McKeon. Jed Paulsen is back to start his third season and is a Remington candidate. The backups include McKeon, who started 11 games last season, James Newby, a versatile and mobile tackle (6-6, 278), Merci Falaise, a JC All-American tackle, and Kalani Heppe, who is gaining valuable experience behind Paulsen at C. Luke Lathan and John Holt, promising underclassmen, could also get a sniff of the field. This unit is talented, deep, strong, and know how to pass-block effectively, and should be moving forward more this season to clear holes for the running game.
OL Rating: A (A- if Colmer can’t play)
Analysis
Well, it is hard to get around the fact that the heart of the offense is gone in Rivers. However, a very solid line and a good corps of receivers will help the new QB break in, as will the underrated TE. The running game will be the key for the Wolfpack this season…they need McLendon to stay healthy, as Brown is more of a change-of-pace guy than a feature back. Depth is good on the line and along the receiving corps, but questionable in the RB and QB situations. If McLendon gets hurt, it doesn’t seem likely any of the QBs can win games by themselves. If Davis and Stone get hurt or are ineffective, then what? This will be an interesting year for Amato and new coordinator Noel Mazzone. This offense could be as good as an A or as low as a D. Remember, a pretty good football team will finish 8th in the revamped ACC…the QB play and the health of McLendon will go a long way towards determining whether that will be NCSt or not.
Overall Offensive Rating: B
North Carolina State Wolfpack Defensive Preview
Returning Starters: 9
NC State, fresh off a 42-0 beating of lowly Richmond looks to continue their good defensive start when Ohio State comes to town on Saturday. There is certainly no shortage of talent on this squad, especially along the defensive line and in the secondary. N.C. State could prove to be one of Ohio States biggest defensive tests this season. Not to mention, NC State also picked one hell of a time for a bye week, do you think that it was intentional?
Defensive Line
DE #9 Mario Williams (6-7 265 So.)
DT #90 John McCargo (6-2 289 So.)
DT #72 Demarcus Tyler(6-3 289 So.)
DE #91 Manny Lawson (6-5 220 Jr.)
The defensive line is led by the ultra talented Mario Williams. Williams was selected to the 2003 All-American Freshman team. Williams was listed #40 on Bruce Feldman’s “College football hot 100” list coming into this season. Nicknamed “Super Mario”, Williams is a rare breed, with exceptional speed (sub 4.7 40) and size for (6-7 265) his position. Williams, a potential future top 10 NFL draft pick, will be a bear for the Ohio State line to stop, especially in the hostile Carter-Finley stadium.
The other defensive end position is filled by Manny Lawson. Lawson, an ACC indoor long jump champion is one of the best athletes on the defensive side of the ball. He has tallied up 88 tackles over the last two seasons, but specializes in blocked punts. In fact, Lawson has blocked 5 punts in his career, which is good enough for 4th all time at N.C. State.
Another one to keep your eye on is John McCargo along the defensive line for the Pack. McCargo tallied 14 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in route to honorable mention All-ACC honors during the 2003 season. In addition to these fantastic numbers, he tallied up 52 tackles and was credited for pressuring the opposing Q.B. 16 times during his (RS) freshman season. The other defensive tackle position will be manned down by Demarcus “The Tank” Tyler. After an up and down freshman season, Tyler is looking to solidify his name at the top of the N.C. State depth chart after a down to the wire battle with Dwayne Herndon, a 6-4 288 Jr. in fall practice. Look for Tyler to struggle against the athletic OSU offensive line.
Defensive Line Rating: A-
Linebackers
WLB #52 Pat Thomas (6-2 230 Sr.)
MLB #22 Oliver Hoyte (6-3 232 Jr.)
SLB #31 Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay (6-1 230 Sr.)
The N.C. State linebacking crew returns all three starters from last seasons team. Pat Thomas appears to be the best of the crew. Thomas is coming off a 2nd team All-ACC junior season in which he amassed 8 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 130 tackles respectively. Look for him to be very disruptive off the corner when teamed up with the fantastic defensive ends that N.C. possesses.
On the other side lining up at the Sam spot is senior Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay, who just may be in contention for the longest name on the east coast. A-L (we’ll shorten it down to prevent eye strain) turned up 105 tackles, including a team high 12 tackles vs. our beloved Buckeyes in 2003. Oliver Hoyte, (doesn’t that name sound like a pro boxer, or bobsledder?) gets the nod in the middle for the Wolfpack. Hoyte marvels the spectators with his uncanny ability to lay the wood on the opposing offensive players. Hoyte was credited with 97 tackles during his sophomore season.
Linebacker Rating: B
Secondary
CB #28 Lamont Reid (6-0 205 Sr.)
CB #14 Dovonte Edwards (6-0 182 Sr.)
Rover #36 Andre Maddox (6-1 200 Sr.)
FS # 1 Marcus Hudson (6-2 186 Jr.) or #27 Troy Graham (6-3 202 Sr.)
The defensive backfield is led by Senior standout Andre Maddox. Maddox, who was named to the Lott Trophy Watch list (honors best defensive impact player) returns for his final season looking to build upon his eye popping 2003 season. Maddox, a 2003 first team all-ACC pick a year ago, led the team in tackles with 145, and tallied up 4 tackles for loss respectively.
The free safety position will feature the two headed monster of Troy Graham and Marcus Hudson. Graham has the most experience of the two at the FS position, including 11 starts last season at FS in which he tallied up 92 tackles. Hudson certainly is not a slouch by any stretch of the imagination, he started 2 years at corner before sitting out last season with “Scholastic issues” (aka bad grades). Over the span of the previous mentioned years Hudson posted 90 tackles and 4 interceptions.
Versatile senior Dovonte Edwards will get the nod at one of the N.C. State corner positions. Edwards, who was a wide receiver until last year, will fill in for the Pack on the boundary. Edwards started 4 games last season and was credited with 26 tackles and a team high 10 broken up passes.
Senior Lamont Reid returns for his 3 year as starter at corner on the other side. Reid had a shoulder problem last season, but still managed 37 tackles, and an interception as a junior. If Reid cannot make it through the game, look for highly praised A.J. Davis to fill in for him. Davis (5-10 176 Soph.), made 28 tackles, 2 interceptions and batted down 9 passes during his freshman campaign.
Secondary Rating: B+
Analysis
If this game is anything like the game that took place last season, you can pretty much bet on the Columbus area cardiac units getting plenty of work (I hope you all have good insurance). N.C. State is a very talented team, and are still tasting the bitter, bitter 2003 triple overtime loss. Look for this defense to play very spirited, and possibly put together a recipe for an upset (yes, an upset) of the mighty Buckeyes. All of the ingredients are coming together for the Wolfpack, and with a home field, bitter feelings, and an OSU team that has struggled on the road playing their first away game, I have a bad feeling about this one. This song has been sung many times, but this game will be won in the trenches, we will find out if OSU is for real this week.
Overall Defensive Rating: B+
Overall Defensive Rating with all the ingredients listed above: A
NC State, fresh off a 42-0 beating of lowly Richmond looks to continue their good defensive start when Ohio State comes to town on Saturday. There is certainly no shortage of talent on this squad, especially along the defensive line and in the secondary. N.C. State could prove to be one of Ohio States biggest defensive tests this season. Not to mention, NC State also picked one hell of a time for a bye week, do you think that it was intentional?
Defensive Line
DE #9 Mario Williams (6-7 265 So.)
DT #90 John McCargo (6-2 289 So.)
DT #72 Demarcus Tyler(6-3 289 So.)
DE #91 Manny Lawson (6-5 220 Jr.)
The defensive line is led by the ultra talented Mario Williams. Williams was selected to the 2003 All-American Freshman team. Williams was listed #40 on Bruce Feldman’s “College football hot 100” list coming into this season. Nicknamed “Super Mario”, Williams is a rare breed, with exceptional speed (sub 4.7 40) and size for (6-7 265) his position. Williams, a potential future top 10 NFL draft pick, will be a bear for the Ohio State line to stop, especially in the hostile Carter-Finley stadium.
The other defensive end position is filled by Manny Lawson. Lawson, an ACC indoor long jump champion is one of the best athletes on the defensive side of the ball. He has tallied up 88 tackles over the last two seasons, but specializes in blocked punts. In fact, Lawson has blocked 5 punts in his career, which is good enough for 4th all time at N.C. State.
Another one to keep your eye on is John McCargo along the defensive line for the Pack. McCargo tallied 14 tackles for loss and 3 sacks in route to honorable mention All-ACC honors during the 2003 season. In addition to these fantastic numbers, he tallied up 52 tackles and was credited for pressuring the opposing Q.B. 16 times during his (RS) freshman season. The other defensive tackle position will be manned down by Demarcus “The Tank” Tyler. After an up and down freshman season, Tyler is looking to solidify his name at the top of the N.C. State depth chart after a down to the wire battle with Dwayne Herndon, a 6-4 288 Jr. in fall practice. Look for Tyler to struggle against the athletic OSU offensive line.
Defensive Line Rating: A-
Linebackers
WLB #52 Pat Thomas (6-2 230 Sr.)
MLB #22 Oliver Hoyte (6-3 232 Jr.)
SLB #31 Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay (6-1 230 Sr.)
The N.C. State linebacking crew returns all three starters from last seasons team. Pat Thomas appears to be the best of the crew. Thomas is coming off a 2nd team All-ACC junior season in which he amassed 8 sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 130 tackles respectively. Look for him to be very disruptive off the corner when teamed up with the fantastic defensive ends that N.C. possesses.
On the other side lining up at the Sam spot is senior Freddie Aughtry-Lindsay, who just may be in contention for the longest name on the east coast. A-L (we’ll shorten it down to prevent eye strain) turned up 105 tackles, including a team high 12 tackles vs. our beloved Buckeyes in 2003. Oliver Hoyte, (doesn’t that name sound like a pro boxer, or bobsledder?) gets the nod in the middle for the Wolfpack. Hoyte marvels the spectators with his uncanny ability to lay the wood on the opposing offensive players. Hoyte was credited with 97 tackles during his sophomore season.
Linebacker Rating: B
Secondary
CB #28 Lamont Reid (6-0 205 Sr.)
CB #14 Dovonte Edwards (6-0 182 Sr.)
Rover #36 Andre Maddox (6-1 200 Sr.)
FS # 1 Marcus Hudson (6-2 186 Jr.) or #27 Troy Graham (6-3 202 Sr.)
The defensive backfield is led by Senior standout Andre Maddox. Maddox, who was named to the Lott Trophy Watch list (honors best defensive impact player) returns for his final season looking to build upon his eye popping 2003 season. Maddox, a 2003 first team all-ACC pick a year ago, led the team in tackles with 145, and tallied up 4 tackles for loss respectively.
The free safety position will feature the two headed monster of Troy Graham and Marcus Hudson. Graham has the most experience of the two at the FS position, including 11 starts last season at FS in which he tallied up 92 tackles. Hudson certainly is not a slouch by any stretch of the imagination, he started 2 years at corner before sitting out last season with “Scholastic issues” (aka bad grades). Over the span of the previous mentioned years Hudson posted 90 tackles and 4 interceptions.
Versatile senior Dovonte Edwards will get the nod at one of the N.C. State corner positions. Edwards, who was a wide receiver until last year, will fill in for the Pack on the boundary. Edwards started 4 games last season and was credited with 26 tackles and a team high 10 broken up passes.
Senior Lamont Reid returns for his 3 year as starter at corner on the other side. Reid had a shoulder problem last season, but still managed 37 tackles, and an interception as a junior. If Reid cannot make it through the game, look for highly praised A.J. Davis to fill in for him. Davis (5-10 176 Soph.), made 28 tackles, 2 interceptions and batted down 9 passes during his freshman campaign.
Secondary Rating: B+
Analysis
If this game is anything like the game that took place last season, you can pretty much bet on the Columbus area cardiac units getting plenty of work (I hope you all have good insurance). N.C. State is a very talented team, and are still tasting the bitter, bitter 2003 triple overtime loss. Look for this defense to play very spirited, and possibly put together a recipe for an upset (yes, an upset) of the mighty Buckeyes. All of the ingredients are coming together for the Wolfpack, and with a home field, bitter feelings, and an OSU team that has struggled on the road playing their first away game, I have a bad feeling about this one. This song has been sung many times, but this game will be won in the trenches, we will find out if OSU is for real this week.
Overall Defensive Rating: B+
Overall Defensive Rating with all the ingredients listed above: A
North Carolina State Wolfpack Special Teams Preview
Returning Starters: 0
The Wolfpack special teams will likely be a mixed bag this season. Only time will tell if the coverage teams can make an improvement from last season's weak effort. You'd also think that with no returning starters in the kicking positions N.C. State would be in a bit of trouble. Although word from North Carolina State seems to be very positive on the replacements. The return game seems to be the only solid portion of special teams for N.C. State leading into this year.
Special Teams
PK #12 John Deraney (6-4 208 So.)
PK #35 Tucker King (6-1 191 Jr.)
P #12 John Deraney (6-4 208 So.)
PR #21 Tremain Hall (5-11 183 So.)
KR #28 Lamont Reid (6-0 190 Jr.)
KR #3 A.J. Davis (5-10 176 So.)
LS #85 William Lee (6-2 198 So.)
LS #59 Cory Bass (6-0 240 Fr.)
H #13 Chris Young (5-11 186 Jr.)
N.C. State's just might have a good one in kicker John Deraney. The sophomore has a big leg and as a freshman 40 of his 75 kickoffs went for touchbacks (he added 4 more in last weeks game against Richmond). Deraney will have a tough job replacing the departed Adam Kiker who was one of the best kickers in N.C. State history. While Deraney had no FG opportunities last season, he was a perfect 5 for 5 in PATs and is off to a fast start this season. In the game versus Richmond, John went 4 for 4 in PAT attempts and 2 for 2 in FG tries (22 and 24 yards). John also boomed 3 punts for an average of 50.3 yards (long of 62), and 2 were downed inside the 20. Looks like the Pack won't be missing Austin Herbert, the best punter in school history, as much as they thought.
Should Deraney falter, junior Tucker King and freshman Tyler Lewis will be waiting for their shot. Lewis in particular had an outstanding prep career, where he was a Parade All-American, was named to the 2003 EA Sports High School All-American Team, played in the NC/SC Shrine Bowl and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. In addition to a 58 yard field goal in his state championship game, Tyler was 82 of 87 for the year on PATs, averaged 44.2 yards per punt and had touchbacks on 97% of his kickoffs. Looks like N.C. State will be just fine in the kicking department for the foreseeable future.
Tremain Hall showed was strong as a punt returner last season taking 2 the distance. Tremain had a lackluster first game versus the Spiders, with 3 returns totaling 17 yards.
Lamont Reid was also solid as a kick returner last season, averaging a 4th best in school history, 24.9 yards per return. And A.J. Davis was strong in limited duty, amassing 108 of 5 returns in their bowl game versus Kansas. Little is known about this season though, as there was only 1 kick return versus Richmond (0 yards)
The coverage teams will need to improve on very poor performances last season. They are off to a slow start again this year giving up an average of 23.3 yards on 3 kick returns and 6.0 yards on 2 punt returns.
Possibly the biggest loss to the special teams will be Danny Young, who was the long snapper for every game of the Chuck Amato era at N.C. State.
Analysis
N.C. State's game against Richmond tells us little about the N.C. State coverage and return teams. But it looks as though the Wolfpack has replaced kicker Adam Kiker and punter Austin Herbert with the strong leg of John Deraney. The return game should be OK again this season with returning lettermen Tremain Hall and Lamont Reid. If the coverage teams can improve throughout the season, this could be a very good Special Teams unit.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
The Wolfpack special teams will likely be a mixed bag this season. Only time will tell if the coverage teams can make an improvement from last season's weak effort. You'd also think that with no returning starters in the kicking positions N.C. State would be in a bit of trouble. Although word from North Carolina State seems to be very positive on the replacements. The return game seems to be the only solid portion of special teams for N.C. State leading into this year.
Special Teams
PK #12 John Deraney (6-4 208 So.)
PK #35 Tucker King (6-1 191 Jr.)
P #12 John Deraney (6-4 208 So.)
PR #21 Tremain Hall (5-11 183 So.)
KR #28 Lamont Reid (6-0 190 Jr.)
KR #3 A.J. Davis (5-10 176 So.)
LS #85 William Lee (6-2 198 So.)
LS #59 Cory Bass (6-0 240 Fr.)
H #13 Chris Young (5-11 186 Jr.)
N.C. State's just might have a good one in kicker John Deraney. The sophomore has a big leg and as a freshman 40 of his 75 kickoffs went for touchbacks (he added 4 more in last weeks game against Richmond). Deraney will have a tough job replacing the departed Adam Kiker who was one of the best kickers in N.C. State history. While Deraney had no FG opportunities last season, he was a perfect 5 for 5 in PATs and is off to a fast start this season. In the game versus Richmond, John went 4 for 4 in PAT attempts and 2 for 2 in FG tries (22 and 24 yards). John also boomed 3 punts for an average of 50.3 yards (long of 62), and 2 were downed inside the 20. Looks like the Pack won't be missing Austin Herbert, the best punter in school history, as much as they thought.
Should Deraney falter, junior Tucker King and freshman Tyler Lewis will be waiting for their shot. Lewis in particular had an outstanding prep career, where he was a Parade All-American, was named to the 2003 EA Sports High School All-American Team, played in the NC/SC Shrine Bowl and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. In addition to a 58 yard field goal in his state championship game, Tyler was 82 of 87 for the year on PATs, averaged 44.2 yards per punt and had touchbacks on 97% of his kickoffs. Looks like N.C. State will be just fine in the kicking department for the foreseeable future.
Tremain Hall showed was strong as a punt returner last season taking 2 the distance. Tremain had a lackluster first game versus the Spiders, with 3 returns totaling 17 yards.
Lamont Reid was also solid as a kick returner last season, averaging a 4th best in school history, 24.9 yards per return. And A.J. Davis was strong in limited duty, amassing 108 of 5 returns in their bowl game versus Kansas. Little is known about this season though, as there was only 1 kick return versus Richmond (0 yards)
The coverage teams will need to improve on very poor performances last season. They are off to a slow start again this year giving up an average of 23.3 yards on 3 kick returns and 6.0 yards on 2 punt returns.
Possibly the biggest loss to the special teams will be Danny Young, who was the long snapper for every game of the Chuck Amato era at N.C. State.
Analysis
N.C. State's game against Richmond tells us little about the N.C. State coverage and return teams. But it looks as though the Wolfpack has replaced kicker Adam Kiker and punter Austin Herbert with the strong leg of John Deraney. The return game should be OK again this season with returning lettermen Tremain Hall and Lamont Reid. If the coverage teams can improve throughout the season, this could be a very good Special Teams unit.
Overall Special Teams Rating: B
Predictions
FKAGobucks877's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 27-24, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 24-22, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 31-28, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 21-17, Ohio State
daddyphatsac's prediction: 27-24, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 24-22, Ohio State
3yardsandacloud's prediction: 31-28, Ohio State
osugrad21's prediction: 21-17, Ohio State
Additional Information
Rebuild or Reload
Starters Returning: 17 (Offense 8, Defense 9, Special Teams 0)
Letterman Returning: 41 (Offense 18, Defense 21, Special Teams 2)
Letterman Lost: 18
Incoming Recruits:
DeMario Pressley (6-4 290 DL Greensboro, N.C. Dudley HS)
Andre Brown (6-1 210 RB Greenville, N.C. Rose HS)
Merci Falaise (6-6 315 OL Washington, Ga. Georgia Military Coll./Wilkes HS)
John Bedics (6-6 245 DL Bethlehem, Pa. Bethlehem Catholic)
Darrell Blackman (6-1 200 RB Williamsport, Pa. Hargrave Milt/William Area HS)
Raymond Brooks (6-4 240 DL Williamsport, Pa. Williamsport Area HS)
Octavius Darby (6-4 224 TE Hollywood, Fla. Chaminade-Madonna)
John Dunlap (6-3 225 WR Hollywood, Fla. Chaminade-Madonna)
Daniel Evans (6-3 170 QB Raleigh, N.C. Broughton HS)
Jeremy Gray (6-3 185 CB Opelika, Ala. Opelika HS)
Anthony Hill (6-6 260 TE Houston, Texas Hargrave Mil/Clear Brook HS)
Tyler Lewis (6-2 230 K/P Albemarle, N.C. Albemarle HS)
LaMarte McGhee (6-6 260 DL Roxboro, N.C. Person HS)
Gerard Miller (6-3 270 DL Craven, N.C. West Craven HS)
DaJuan Morgan (6-1 190 ATH Riviera Beach, Fla. Suncoast HS)
Miguel Scott (6-1 180 CB Miami, Fla. Killian HS)
Brandon Setzer (6-5 275 DL Thomasville, N.C. Hargrave Mil/Thomasville HS)
Willie Young (6-5 215 DL Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Palm Beach Gardens HS)
Summary: Of the 17 returning starters, only 6 are seniors. This is as deep and as talented as NC State has been under Chuck Amato. If some of the younger guys can step into leadership roles AND (a very big and) if someone can fill the void left by Philip Rivers, NC State might be a contender for the ACC Title.
Letterman Returning: 41 (Offense 18, Defense 21, Special Teams 2)
Letterman Lost: 18
Incoming Recruits:
DeMario Pressley (6-4 290 DL Greensboro, N.C. Dudley HS)
Andre Brown (6-1 210 RB Greenville, N.C. Rose HS)
Merci Falaise (6-6 315 OL Washington, Ga. Georgia Military Coll./Wilkes HS)
John Bedics (6-6 245 DL Bethlehem, Pa. Bethlehem Catholic)
Darrell Blackman (6-1 200 RB Williamsport, Pa. Hargrave Milt/William Area HS)
Raymond Brooks (6-4 240 DL Williamsport, Pa. Williamsport Area HS)
Octavius Darby (6-4 224 TE Hollywood, Fla. Chaminade-Madonna)
John Dunlap (6-3 225 WR Hollywood, Fla. Chaminade-Madonna)
Daniel Evans (6-3 170 QB Raleigh, N.C. Broughton HS)
Jeremy Gray (6-3 185 CB Opelika, Ala. Opelika HS)
Anthony Hill (6-6 260 TE Houston, Texas Hargrave Mil/Clear Brook HS)
Tyler Lewis (6-2 230 K/P Albemarle, N.C. Albemarle HS)
LaMarte McGhee (6-6 260 DL Roxboro, N.C. Person HS)
Gerard Miller (6-3 270 DL Craven, N.C. West Craven HS)
DaJuan Morgan (6-1 190 ATH Riviera Beach, Fla. Suncoast HS)
Miguel Scott (6-1 180 CB Miami, Fla. Killian HS)
Brandon Setzer (6-5 275 DL Thomasville, N.C. Hargrave Mil/Thomasville HS)
Willie Young (6-5 215 DL Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Palm Beach Gardens HS)
Awards & Recognition
Preseason-Conference
2004 ACC Football Media Preseason Poll
1. Florida State (49).....925 pts.
2 Miami (36).................913
3. Virginia (2)...............697
4. Clemson (1).............664
5. Maryland..................653
6. Virginia Tech.............511
7. NC State...................509
8. Georgia Tech............365
9 Wake Forest..............273
10. North Carolina.........184
11. Duke.......................114
Preseason-National
Bronko Nagurski Watch List
LB - Pat Thomas, N.C. State
Thorpe Watch List
S - Andre Maddox, N.C. State
Maxwell Watch List
RB - T.A. McLendon, N.C. State
Bednarik Watch List
DB - Andre Maddox, N.C. State
Lombardi Trophy Watch List
LB - Pat Thomas, N.C. State
Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List
RB - Tramain Hall, N.C. State
(Not T.A. Mclendon ... are you kidding?)
Butkus Award Watch List
LB - Pat Thomas, N.C. State
2004 Rimington Watch List
C - Jed Paulsen, N.C. State
2004 Heisman Watch List
RB - T.A. McLendon, N.C. State
2004 Doak Walker Award Watch List
RB - T.A. McLendon, N.C. State
2004 ACC Football Media Preseason Poll
1. Florida State (49).....925 pts.
2 Miami (36).................913
3. Virginia (2)...............697
4. Clemson (1).............664
5. Maryland..................653
6. Virginia Tech.............511
7. NC State...................509
8. Georgia Tech............365
9 Wake Forest..............273
10. North Carolina.........184
11. Duke.......................114
Preseason-National
Bronko Nagurski Watch List
LB - Pat Thomas, N.C. State
Thorpe Watch List
S - Andre Maddox, N.C. State
Maxwell Watch List
RB - T.A. McLendon, N.C. State
Bednarik Watch List
DB - Andre Maddox, N.C. State
Lombardi Trophy Watch List
LB - Pat Thomas, N.C. State
Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List
RB - Tramain Hall, N.C. State
(Not T.A. Mclendon ... are you kidding?)
Butkus Award Watch List
LB - Pat Thomas, N.C. State
2004 Rimington Watch List
C - Jed Paulsen, N.C. State
2004 Heisman Watch List
RB - T.A. McLendon, N.C. State
2004 Doak Walker Award Watch List
RB - T.A. McLendon, N.C. State
Historical Data
North Carolina State Wolfpack (Raleigh, North Carolina) Founded in 1887
Football 1st Season: 1892
Stadium: Carter-Finley - 1966 (51,500)
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (since 1953)
Colors: Red & White
Mascot: Wolf (Mr. and Mrs. Wuf)
College Classification: NC State has played as a D-IA (or equivalent) since 1940. They were classified small conference from 1937-1939
Conference Championships: 11 total, 7 since joining ACC, 1957, 63*, 64, 65*, 68, 73 & 79 (* = shared)
Head Coach: Chuch Amato (58 years old) is 34-17-0 at NC State (.667). Chuck is the the 32nd Head Coach at NC State. Chuck has the first 11 win season of any coach at NC State and took his first 4 teams to bowl games (something only 4 coaches in the ACC have done). Amato came to NC State only 2 days after his former team (Florida State) won the National Championship (1999 season). Two years after graduating from NC State (assistant coach for Easton Area High School), Chuck began a nine-year stint as an assistant with the Wolfpack, working under Al Michaels, Lou Holtz and Bo Rein. He went on to coach the linebackers at Arizona for 2 years and then on to Florida State for 18 years (14 as assistant head coach). Chuck Amato has been a part of 11 ACC championships, one as a player at NC State (1965), two as an assistant coach for the Wolfpack (1973, 1979), and eight consecutive at Florida State (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999). A good athlete, Chuck lettered 3 years each in football and wrestling (earning 2 ACC wrestling titles) at NC State.
Consensus All-Americans: 7
College Hall-of-Famers: 3 players, 1 coach
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 0
Award Winners: 1 Outland, 1 Groza, 1 Dodd (coach)
National Championships: 0
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-11 years, Coaches-10 years
Stadium: Carter-Finley - 1966 (51,500)
Conference: Atlantic Coast Conference (since 1953)
Colors: Red & White
Mascot: Wolf (Mr. and Mrs. Wuf)
College Classification: NC State has played as a D-IA (or equivalent) since 1940. They were classified small conference from 1937-1939
Conference Championships: 11 total, 7 since joining ACC, 1957, 63*, 64, 65*, 68, 73 & 79 (* = shared)
Head Coach: Chuch Amato (58 years old) is 34-17-0 at NC State (.667). Chuck is the the 32nd Head Coach at NC State. Chuck has the first 11 win season of any coach at NC State and took his first 4 teams to bowl games (something only 4 coaches in the ACC have done). Amato came to NC State only 2 days after his former team (Florida State) won the National Championship (1999 season). Two years after graduating from NC State (assistant coach for Easton Area High School), Chuck began a nine-year stint as an assistant with the Wolfpack, working under Al Michaels, Lou Holtz and Bo Rein. He went on to coach the linebackers at Arizona for 2 years and then on to Florida State for 18 years (14 as assistant head coach). Chuck Amato has been a part of 11 ACC championships, one as a player at NC State (1965), two as an assistant coach for the Wolfpack (1973, 1979), and eight consecutive at Florida State (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999). A good athlete, Chuck lettered 3 years each in football and wrestling (earning 2 ACC wrestling titles) at NC State.
Consensus All-Americans: 7
College Hall-of-Famers: 3 players, 1 coach
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 0
Award Winners: 1 Outland, 1 Groza, 1 Dodd (coach)
National Championships: 0
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-11 years, Coaches-10 years
Records
All Time: 503-486-55 (.508)
478-465-46 (.507) at the D1A level since joining that class in 1940
Home 272-171-25 (.608), Away 165-257-16 (.395), Neutral 41-37-5 (.524)
Bowl Games: 11-10-1 (.523), most recently a win against Kansas (2003) in the Tangerine Bowl
All Time vs the BigTen: 12-24-1 (.338)
9-5-1 (.633) at the D1A level since joining that class in 1940
All Time vs the Ohio State: 0-1-0 (.000) The only meeting was last season at Ohio Stadium, a 38-44 loss for NC State in a triple overtime thriller. The longest game in OSU history.
Last Season: NC State finished 8-5-0 (.615)
W - Western Carolina (NC)
L - Wake Forest (NC)
L - Ohio St.
W - Texas Tech
W - North Carolina
L - Georgia Tech
W - Connecticut
W - Clemson (SC)
W - Duke (NC)
W - Virginia
L - Florida St.
L - Maryland
W - Kansas (Tangerine Bowl)
Last 5 Years: 40-23-0 (.635)
Last 10 Years: 68-52-0 (.567)
478-465-46 (.507) at the D1A level since joining that class in 1940
Home 272-171-25 (.608), Away 165-257-16 (.395), Neutral 41-37-5 (.524)
Bowl Games: 11-10-1 (.523), most recently a win against Kansas (2003) in the Tangerine Bowl
All Time vs the BigTen: 12-24-1 (.338)
9-5-1 (.633) at the D1A level since joining that class in 1940
All Time vs the Ohio State: 0-1-0 (.000) The only meeting was last season at Ohio Stadium, a 38-44 loss for NC State in a triple overtime thriller. The longest game in OSU history.
Last Season: NC State finished 8-5-0 (.615)
W - Western Carolina (NC)
L - Wake Forest (NC)
L - Ohio St.
W - Texas Tech
W - North Carolina
L - Georgia Tech
W - Connecticut
W - Clemson (SC)
W - Duke (NC)
W - Virginia
L - Florida St.
L - Maryland
W - Kansas (Tangerine Bowl)
Last 5 Years: 40-23-0 (.635)
Last 10 Years: 68-52-0 (.567)
Links
Official Sites:
Official Athletic Site - Go Pack
2004 Roster & Coaching Staff - Go Pack
Carter-Finley Stadium Information - Go Pack
Carter-Finley Seating Map - Go Pack
Accomodations:
Raleigh Area Hotels - Go Pack
Previews/Breakdowns:
Wolfpack Learning To Cope With Life After Rivers (ACC preview) - The ACC
NC State 2004 Spring Outlook (PDF) - Go Pack
Wolfpack Ready Hunt Wins (Preview) - The O-Zone
No. 31 NC State (Preview) - Athlon Sports
NCAA Football Preview - North Carolina State Wolfpack - Sports Network
Pigskin Preview - Ohio State at North Carolina State - September 18th, 2004 - CFN
NC State 2004 Preview - CFN
NC State 2004 Offensive Preview - CFN
NC State 2004 Defensive Preview - CFN
NC State 2004 Inside Scoop - CFN
NC State 2004 Player Profile (Andre Maddox) - CFN
Prospectus:
NC State Football Prospectus: Quarterback - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Running Back - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Offensive Line - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: WR & TE - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Defensive Line - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Linebackers - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Secondary - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Special Teams - Go Pack
Message Boards:
Message Boards - (Insiders)
Message Boards - (Rivals)
Local News Sources:
Durham Herald Sun - Local News
Official Athletic Site - Go Pack
2004 Roster & Coaching Staff - Go Pack
Carter-Finley Stadium Information - Go Pack
Carter-Finley Seating Map - Go Pack
Accomodations:
Raleigh Area Hotels - Go Pack
Previews/Breakdowns:
Wolfpack Learning To Cope With Life After Rivers (ACC preview) - The ACC
NC State 2004 Spring Outlook (PDF) - Go Pack
Wolfpack Ready Hunt Wins (Preview) - The O-Zone
No. 31 NC State (Preview) - Athlon Sports
NCAA Football Preview - North Carolina State Wolfpack - Sports Network
Pigskin Preview - Ohio State at North Carolina State - September 18th, 2004 - CFN
NC State 2004 Preview - CFN
NC State 2004 Offensive Preview - CFN
NC State 2004 Defensive Preview - CFN
NC State 2004 Inside Scoop - CFN
NC State 2004 Player Profile (Andre Maddox) - CFN
Prospectus:
NC State Football Prospectus: Quarterback - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Running Back - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Offensive Line - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: WR & TE - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Defensive Line - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Linebackers - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Secondary - Go Pack
NC State Football Prospectus: Special Teams - Go Pack
Message Boards:
Message Boards - (Insiders)
Message Boards - (Rivals)
Local News Sources:
Durham Herald Sun - Local News
Notes of interest
• Alumni of note include athletes Philip Rivers, Torry Holt and Roman Gabriel. Musician (?!?) John Tesh.
• NC State University holds approximately 350 patents
• NC State University holds approximately 350 patents
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
Two Cousins College Football Emporium - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
