2009 NC State Wolfpack Quick Hits

Phillip Thompson (PT):

1. Has there ever been a bigger culture change in a program than NC State from three years ago. The stupid penalties and overall lack of on field discipline have decreased significantly. You are very appreciated Tom O’Brien
2. For the first time in years the Pack appears to have some depth at key positions. With the way the injuries have plagued State in the past, this would be a welcome change
3. Jay Davis, Marcus Stone, Danny Evans, and Harrison Beck. These are the guys who have been under center since Philip Rivers left. They were good people, just not the type to make your team competitive in the ACC
4. Thank the lord for Russell Wilson
5. Look for a huge year from Owen Spencer if he can hang on to the ball this year
6. George Bryan may run like he has a piano on his back, but he catches everything. I foresee him making one of the all-conference teams this season
7. Nate Irving will be missed; however there is talent behind him
8. The defensive line led by Willie Young and Alan-Michael Cash has the potential to be very good and may have to be due to inexperience in the back 7
9. Best of luck to Toney Baker in his return from a two year knee injury
10. One big key for the Pack is their staff continuity. Just ask Frank Beamer how important that is.

Season will be a success if . . . . Get off to a hot start for a change. If they are able to beat South Carolina in the opener and parlay that momentum into some early season wins. They need to enter the second half of the season on a roll as the schedule gets much tougher later in the year. . . . Russell Wilson needs to stay healthy, although it sounds like with Mike Glennon, the backup spot is the best it has been in years. . . . The young secondary and linebackers are able to step up and make plays

Season will be a downer if . . . . Wilson suffers a major injury and Glennon proves to not be ready yet . . . Youth on defense continues to give up big plays and can’t get off the field . . . The offense is not able to establish a running game making them very predictable.

Best Case 10-2

Worst Case 6-6

Prediction 9-3