Rivalry Week

Philip Thompson: Just a quick moment of before the before the topic turns to game this weekend. NC State offensive coordinator Dana Bible was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Leukemia, and I would like to people keep him and his family in their thoughts and prayers over this holiday weekend.

Now to the biggie. On a cold November Saturday last November, the Wolfpack marched into the ‘aluminum jungle’ and absolutely pummeled the ranked Tarheels on their senior day. The final score of 41-10 has basically been the answer to any question asked to Wolfpack nation in the last year.

Tarheel- “We just won a NCAA Championship in basketball!”
Wolfpacker- “41-10”

Tarheel – “We are so happy Obama is president”
Wolfpacker – “41-10”

It certainly was a great win, but as of Saturday at about 4:00, all that is about to change.

Can NC State salvage a wasted season and end on a positive note with a win over their hated rival?

Will Butch Davis finally beat Tom O’Brien in his third try?

Will the Pack rally around the missing offensive coordinator while he is away fighting that dreaded disease?

Will Butch Davis be given another million dollar raise for going to the Champs Sports Bowl?

Check back later in the week for predictions and thought before the big game!!

BASKETBALL: NCSU vs. Georgia State

NC State 69
Georgia State 53

Mike Sturdivant: Finally, something other than football. The Wolfpack basketball team opened the 2009-10 season at the RBC Center Thursday night with a 16 point win over the CAA's Georgia State Panthers. The first thing you notice about this year's Wolfpack is that there are a lot of new faces. And no matter how much production the Pack got out of Brandon Costner, Courtney Fells and Ben McCauley, if you have been as hapless as these guys the last 3 years, a lot of new faces is a good thing. Javi Gonzales, CJ Williams, Tracy Smith, Dennis Horner and Jimmy Chitwood (Scott Wood) started for the Pack.

The Pack came out strong and took and early 10 point lead, which they held through most of the first half. The Panthers, who basically start 5 transfers including former Deacon Joe Dukes, came back and pushed the lead to 3 at the half. With this teams' history, I doubt there were many Pack fans in attendance who though this was going to end well. But the new look Pack came back and really picked up the defensive pressure, which led to numerous transition points helping the Pack increase the margin for a comfortable win against a decent opponent.

Javi Gonzalez had a poor shooting night, but had one of his best overall games at point for the Pack, going for 8 pts, 8 boards and 8 assists. Javi is never going to have a good first step, but he is now one of the most experienced point guards in the ACC, and that should help at least a little bit. Tracy Smith looked as advertised, and a few pounds lighter and a step faster than 2008-09. Dennis Horner went for 15, but also continues to be exposed playing defense against bigger players on the block. Freshmen Scott Wood, DeShawn Painter, 7 footer Jordan Vandenburg and unheralded Raleigh native Josh Davis all contributed early, and all showed some signs of promise. The Pack was without Farnold Degand, held our due to grades on a coaches decision, and the highest rated recruit, big man Richard Howell, who is expected to be out another 3-4 weeks after knee surgery.

Considering the last 3 years, and the expectations for this year, a win is always a good thing for this team, and there were certainly things to be encouraged by. The Pack is next in action on Friday afternoon against MAC preseason favorite Akron in the "Glenn Wilkes Classic" in Jacksonville, FL.

North Carolina Tar Heels vs Miami Hurricanes

Lawrence Jordan: Why the Tar Heels will win...

• UNC's defense should be prepared for the talented Jacoby Harris. VT's Taylor and Duke's Lewis are similarly styled QB's so UNC's defense should be prepared.
• The Hurricane's offensive line gives up close to 3 sacks per game, Quinn, Austin, and Sturdivant will be licking their respective chops.
• Ryan Houston, and his 250 pound self, is coming off a career high 164 yard game, and his confidence will be brimming.
• UNC has 3 straight wins over ranked teams.
  
• Miami has an 0-3 all-time records at games in Chapel Hill.

Final Score:
North Carolina 24
Miami 21

Philip ThompsonWhy the Tar Heels will lose . . .

• Miami feels ripped off after last years game literally fell through their finger tips. The contest was ultra competitive and the Canes are certainly looking for revenge.
• Jacoby Harris is much better that TJ Yates. Since last yeas game, Miami ’s quarterback play has improved dramatically while the Tarheels has remained stagnant at best.
• Miami has the athletes took keep up with UNC. Last week against Duke, UNC was the much quicker team. That will not be the case going up against Miami .

Final Score
Miami 27
UNC 17

NC State Wolfpack vs Clemson Tigers

Philip Thompson: Why the Wolfpack will win . . .

• It really is now or never. The Pack needs to win out to reach a bowl game for the 2nd year in a row. O’Brien’s teams have closed strong the last two years, and after last weeks game against Maryland , hopefully they will enter the game with a little momentum.
• Russell Wilson and company have proven the last two weeks that the only thing that can stop them is their own selves. Had it not been for stupid turnovers and costly penalties, the margin of victory over Maryland would have been much larger
• It is Clemson. How many times this decade have the Tigers controlled their own destiny and ‘pooped in their pants.’ There is a reason that the Tigers have not won a conference crown in almost two decades. They can’t finish what they started.

Final Score:
NC State 31
Clemson 28

Lawrence Jordan: Why the Wolfpack will lose...

• The Clemson Tigers have hung 38+ points on the scoreboard the past four weeks as they've strung together a 4 game winning streak. The Wolfpack does not have enough defense to slow the Tigers down.
• DeAndre McDaniel has 8 interceptions this season. The ball-hawking McDaniel will have his eyes on Russel Wilson who has thrown 9 interceptions the past 5 games.
• CJ Spiller set a Clemson record with 312 All-Purpose offensive yards last week against FSU. Can he break that record again for the second consecutive week?
• The Clemson Tigers have won 5 straight against the Wolfpack dating back to 2003.

Final Score:
Clemson 42
NC State 24

The Coveted Harrison Barnes

UPDATE: Harrison Barnes has signed a LOI with the Tar Heels. Told Roy Williams over Skype at his press conference in Ames, Iowa.

Lawrence Jordan: If you haven't heard of Harrison Barnes yet, you won't be able to avoid him after 2 pm Friday afternoon. That's when the #1 player in the 2010 high school class will announce his decision on where to attend college - if only for 1 year.

The programs involved? UNC. Duke. UCLA. Kansas. Oklahoma. Iowa State.

Message boards across the internet have been buzzing about Barnes' decision for months. At InsideCarolina.com, the UNC Scout.com affiliate, rumors about "inside knowledge" have been generated by waiters in restaurants, builders on coaches houses, a friend of a friend whose cousin works with the neighbor of Barnes' Sunday School Teacher, etc. I may or may not have made that last reference up, but you get the point.

TheONH reached, Dave Telep, National Recruiting Director for the Scout.com network, via Twitter this past week. Here is what he had to say:

TheONH: @DaveTelep: Waiters, "inside sources," & other inane rumors filling message boards. HB worth the hype? Or is it rivalries showing thru?
DaveTelep: @TheONH: he's the top player in the country. I would think he SHOULD be worth the fight. I believe he is. potential title to who gets him (sic)

For more in depth insight on the escalation of of Barnes' recruitment see Evan Daniels' article for Scout.com: LINK.

The accouncement comes at 4 pm EST. To monitor the jubilation or despair at the lucky school and the "also rans" try these links:

UNC: InsideCarolina.com
Duke: TheDevilsDen.com
Kansas: Phog.net
Oklahoma: SoonersIllustrated.com
Iowa State: CycloneSportsReport.com
UCLA: BruinReportOnline.com

Just in case he's paying attention, which is a 0.0% probability:

BASKETBALL: UNC vs. NCCU

Lawrence Jordan: The Tar Heels out-manned the overwhelmed NCCU Eagles 89-42 at the Dean Dome Wednesday night. The Eagles hung tight for the first 10 minutes but the Tar Heels' talent was just too much as UNC finished the half on a 32-3 run.

Roy Williams went deep into his bench, again, with 16 players getting floor time. No Tar Heel played over 23 minutes and the scoring was evenly dispersed. Marcus Ginyard led the way with 17 points follow by Deon Thompson with 13 and Tyler Zeller with 12.

All five freshmen saw at least 10 minutes of play and were led by Dexter Strickland's 9 points. John Henson almost connected on a Vince Carter-esque alley-oop that would have brought the house down.

These early blow-outs might seem trivial but they will prove extremely important as Roy Williams figures out the player rotation.

Game Notes:

• Ginyard is looking much more explosive since he dropped 20 pounds over the off season. He is looking quicker and more agile this year...especially on his dunks.
• Three-point shooting is a concern: 5-13 38.5%.
• Turnovers are a concern: 19 turnovers.
• The Heels are sharing the ball well: 29 assists on 35 made baskets.
• The Heels height and defense will be key this year: 9 blocks.
• Vegas oddsmakers are unreal: Line NCCU +46 - Heels win by 47.

Box Score

The Old North Hate Rankings (11/11/09)

Lawrence Jordan: The biggest in-state game last weekend switched the top two teams in the rankings. The Wolfpack found the conference win column, but have much left to prove. ECU lost another tough game to an ACC opponent. The biggest game between NC schools this weekend is in Burlington, NC. Although, Miami & Clemson travel to the Triangle...

1. UNC: The Heels took care of business in Chapel Hill against Duke to claim the top spot. Actually produced some offense on the ground to pair with top notch defense. Will need all weapons functioning as Miami visits Chapel Hill this weekend.
2. Duke: Struggled against the Heels' athletic defense. Host GT this weekend to begin a killer close to their schedule.
3. WFU: Took GT to overtime in Atlanta, but failed to shut down the GT offense when it mattered most. Paul Johnson made one gutsy call.
4. ECU: The good news was the Pirates got National exposure during their Thursday night game with VT. The bad news? It was an ugly game. Still 4-1 in conference and most likely bowl bound.
5. Elon: The Phoenix waxed WCU, and now they await for the Mountaineers in the SoCon game of the year.
6. Appalachian St: The Mountaineers easily disposed of Chattanooga, and now get ready to travel to Elon. If attending the game, stop by Zack's Hotdogs in downtown Burlington. You won't be disappointed...
7. NCSU: The Wolfpack notched the first conference win on their belt against MD. Will it be a building block going into the final 3 weekends, or is it just finally winning a game they should?
8. Gardner Webb: The Bulldogs lost a tough game to Coastal Carolina, and are out now of contention for the Big South Crown. They next host conference leader Liberty.
9. Davidson: The Wildcats enjoyed their West Coast trip and beat SD 34-27. Next up: Marist.

Others receiving votes: WCU (10), NCA&T (11), Campbell (12), NC Central (13)

The State of the Wolfpack

Philip Thompson: This past weekend for the first time since September, the Pack took care of business against Maryland. God knows, they did not make it easy on themselves. In the game, Russell Wilson threw 3 interceptions (one in the red zone and another taken back for a pick 6), special teams gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown, and State over came a brain fart by the coaching staff to pull off the victory.

This weekend the competition gets a lot tougher as Clemson comes to town riding the wheels of their ‘Heisman Trophy’ candidate CJ Spiller. Don’t get me wrong, Spiller is a great player, who will put up video game type numbers against the Pack defense, but he might not even make all-acc 1st team having to go against Ryan Williams, Montell Harris, and Jonathan Dwyer. The fact he is up for the Heisman just goes to show what an uneventful football season this has been. I will have more on this game later in the week.

To keep their slim bowl hopes alive, NC State will have to run the table and defeat Clemson, Virginia Tech, and UNC. I still see almost no chance of this happening, but they did take the first step this past weekend by defeating Maryland.

BASKETBALL: UNC vs FIU

Lawrence Jordan: The Tar Heels opened the '09-'10 basketball season last night in an 88-72 victory over FIU. This game was not the smoothest, most cohesive Tar Heel effort as the young team attempted to learn their roles and adjust to the college game.

The Tar Heels' starting lineup consisted entirely of returning players: Graves, Thompson, Davis, Ginyard and Drew II. Roy Williams liberally rotated his talented bench throughout the game with 16 UNC players getting floor time before the final buzzer sounded. It will be interesting to see how this line-up evolves throughout the season.

It was evident many of the players are still adjusting to the college talent levels and competition. Players were often in each others' passing lanes or tipping balls away from each other on rebounds.

The resulting turnover total (26) reflects the disjointed flow of the game, but 12 of the turnovers were from freshmen or bench players playing limited minutes. A positive statistic was the assist total, 23 assists on 34 baskets, the result of players looking to make the extra pass. Ten Tar Heel players had at least one assist in the game.

It is very early in the '09-'10 season and these "growing pains" are expected and the team learns to play with one another. Against more talented teams the Tar Heels would have struggled last evening, but the UNC fanbase can take comfort in the obvious talent and effort displayed last night.

Game Notes:

• Larry Drew II played an efficient game last night with 6 assists vs 2 TOs. Drew II is not expected to be Ty Lawson, and positive ast/to ratios should be his goal every game.
• The size and depth of the Tar Heel front court is obvious: 42 rebounds / 8 blocks.
• The overall FG% was great: 55.7%. The 3pt% was not: 30.8%.
• Ginyard showed his experiece and improved shot: 12 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assts, 2 3pms.
• Thompson is relishing his time to shine: 20 pts, 10 rebs, 3 stls.

Box Score

North Carolina vs Duke Game Thoughts (UNC 19-6)

Lawrence Jordan: There is nothing easier and less pressurized than armchair coaching. Reclined position? Check. Food and beverage? Check. The benefit of hindsight? Check...

The UNC coaching staff deserves credit for utilizing the Tar Heels' strengths Saturday afternoon after being questioned on so many decisions earlier this season. The Tar Heels are at their best when they focus and the ground game, control the clock, and use their talented defense to win the field position battles. It's conservative, yes, but it has proven to be a winning strategy with the current personnel.

Ryan Houston shined as the focal running back after Daughn went down with a broken shoulder blade on the first play of the game. Houston's 164 yards on 37 carries is the best rushing performance by a Tar Heel this year.

TJ Yates managed a good game and minimized mistakes by only throwing one interception. Yates stat line, 16/28 for 118 yards, is about what should be expected from the QB. Anytime the Heels need to rely on Yates to win the game, the Tar Heels are in trouble.

Duke entered Chapel Hill with a pass-happy offense that ranked second in the league in yards per game. Duke is capable of scoring quickly and in bunches. Duke managed to score only 6 points on Saturday - none in the second half.

Robert Quinn, Quan Sturdivant, and Marvin Austin led the defense that held the Duke offense to only 125 total yards and a meager 11 first downs. The athletic defense harassed and disrupted Thad Lewis and the Duke receivers into a final total of 113 yards receiving and only allowed 12 yards rushing.

The Tar Heels strength is their defense. If the offense can minimize turnovers and occasionally put together a drive, the defense can and will put them in a position to win the game. Butch Davis and coaching staff deserve credit for implementing and executing a winning game plan against Duke.

NC State Wolfpack vs Maryland Terrapins

Philip Thompson: The Pack heads into tomorrow with their best chance to win an ACC game. Although the team is beat up with injuries, I fully believe that Russell Wilson and company should score enough points to handle the Terps.

Why the Wolfpack will win...

• As bad as the Pack’s defense has been they may have finally met their match. Maryland on the season is giving up over 30 points a game and ranks dead last in the conference. Also, the Terps rank 11th in total offense.
• The Pack offense last week had great balance and should continue the momentum they started against Florida St.
• How will Maryland’s ‘slightly’ overweight coach Ralph Freidgen be able too keep his focus knowing he is in the state home to the best pulled pork bbq in the country?

Final Score:
NC State 38
Maryland 24

Lawrence Jordan: The Wolfpack host the Terps in what is sure to be an interesting game. Not "interesting" because of conference standings or the potential to see premier FBS football, but "interesting" to see who survives. Both schools have a signature wins (Pack/Pitt, Maryland/Clemson), but schools have struggled lately combining for 7 losses in their last 7 games. The Pack desperately need a mark in the conference win column while Maryland looks to tally just their third win of the season. It should be ugly. It should be desperate. It should be interesting.

Why the Wolfpack will lose...

• Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, but MD was able to hold Duke to 17 points last week and has shown improvement in each of the last few weeks. The Pack's loss to Duke was not close. The Pack has given up an average of 41.7 points in its last 5 games.
• The Terps lead the ACC in sacks per game. If they can pressure Wilson they can force turnovers.
• By comparison, the Terps are a healthier team. NCSU has been bitten by the injury bug hard...
• The Terps have won the last 3 meetings with the Wolfpack.

Game Score:
Maryland 32
NCSU 30

5th Time's a Charm

Mike Sturdivant: After coming up empty on its first four attempts, the highly rated Pack will make its 5th attempt for its first ACC win on Saturday at 1:00 pm at Carter-Finley Stadium. If you don't have tickets, don't worry, you can still tune in on the internet.

As has been much chronicled on the ONH, as well as by anyone else with eyes, the Pack has the worst defense in North America. These guys scored 42 points in Tallahassee last week - and lost. But the Pack isn't taking on Christian Ponder and Jimbo Fisher's Criminole offense this week, and should have more of a chance of forcing a punt or two against the Terps.

Okay, so as any good State fan does, lets talk ourselves into how this team could still be decent. The Pack had significant personnel changes on defense last week: Jarvis Byrd lost his redshirt and played half the game at corner, and did a formidable job. He should get even more time this week, and should be a step or two faster in his decision making. Duane Maddox moved over to middle linebacker after the injury to Ray Michele. Maddox had about 10 days to learn how to play a position with drastically different reads than on the outside. As always, he was doing a lot more thinking than tackling. He will have twice the experience this week, and against a much weaker offense. Although State would much rather have Michele in the middle right now, having Manning and Maddox on the field at the same time is the future for this defense. So these guys all have a little more experience in their new spots, but one thing I learned when Les Robinson was coaching in Raleigh, if you've got all your guys coming back, and they are all terrible, that's not a good thing.

As we've said all year, State's offense is pretty good, and they're getting better. Russel Wilson threw for 480 and 5 TD's last week, and Toney Baker may have still been the best looking offensive player on the field. The defense should be able to slow down Maryland just enough to allow the offense to get the win. If not, holy crap, the bottom is going to fall out. I know it pretty much already has, but its going to fall a lot farther and harder. That's going to be a real bad situation. After sitting through tonight's exhibition basketball game in Raleigh, I hope that doesn't happen.

UNC Tar Heels vs Duke Blue Devils

Lawrence Jordan: Radio shows are buzzing with callers. Pre-game articles are abundant and insightful. An excitement fills the air in Durham and Chapel Hill as the match-up with the oh-too-familiar arch rival approaches. Did I mention that it's early November and we're talking about the football teams?

Duke marches into Chapel Hill with a 3-1 ACC record and the #1 passing attack in the conference. The Tar Heels counter with the ACC's toughest overall defense (#1 rush defense & #3 pass defense). The elephant in Kenan Stadium is that UNC has played only one pass oriented offense this year, FSU, and their defensive effort was inconsistent.

Which Tar Heel defense will show up Saturday? The defense that only surrendered 6 first half points to FSU? OR the defense that gave up 24 second half points and allowed Ponder to connect for 16 straights completions and 300+ yards?

Why the Tar Heels will win...

• Duke is a one dimensional offensive team. They will attempt to throw the ball all over the field, but do not have much of a rushing attack. Without the threat of the run, the quick and athletic Tar Heels are laterally fast enough to contain the Blue Devils.
• The Tar Heels creatively used its WR's to bolster their running attack of Draughn and Houston. Look for Little, Boyd, and Highsmith to get more rushing touches this week to open up the offense.
• The Tar Heels' offense gained depth with players returning from injury. Zack Pianalto (Yates' favorite target at TE), Jonathan Cooper, and Lowell Dyer are all playing again and are big contributors on the offensive line.
• If the game gets bogged down into a defensive match-up (Duke's defense is statistically in the top third of the ACC), look for the Heels to have an field position advantage. Duke has the lowest rated punting game in the ACC.
• The Tar Heels have won 18 of the last 19 games against Duke.

Game Score:
North Carolina 21
Duke 20

Philip Thompson: Why Duke will Win...

• Who would you take, Thad Lewis or CJ Yates? Lewis has been a one man wrecking crew on his senior campaign, while Yates continues to struggle.
• The game means much more to Duke. Their seniors would love more than anything to win the victory bell for only the 2nd time in nineteen years
• Duke is destiny’s darling. There may not be a better story right now in the country than what is going on in Durham.

Final Score:
Duke 27
UNC 23

The Marketable Tyler Hanbrough

Lawrence Jordan: We've all seen Hansborough's commercial debut as the AT&T puppy finding hero:


Now they give him a speaking part:


WOW! It's Tyler Hansbough's world, we just live in it. Do not miss his '09/'10 NBA debut this Friday when the the Pacers take on the Wizards. (LINK) WOW!

The Old North Hate Rankings

Lawrence Jordan: If there is finally enough information for the BCS mathmatical system to start ranking teams, the unmathmeticians here at The ONH can certainly rank the NC based football teams. So...without further ado I bring you the initial 2009 rankings, subject for debate.

1. Duke: Standing with a 3-1 conference record and a 3 game win streak, the Blue Devils own the top spot in NC. Saturday's game in Chapel Hill actually means something for the first time in years. Richmond and Kansas are snickering...
2. UNC: The Heels are coming off the biggest win of any NC school with their victory in Blacksburg. Duke handling UVA in Charlottesville proves they are on a roll - not to mention UNC has not achieved that in 28 years. The game this weekend gives rise to a seldom seen phenomenon, UNC/Duke banter in November.
3. ECU: Standing at 4-1 in Conf. USA and 5-3 overall, the Pirates have a victory over App. St and a loss to UNC. They are catching VT in a down swing, can they take advantage this weekend?
4. WFU: Standing with a 2-3 conference record but a 3 game losing streak, the Deacs are struggling right now. Playing GT in Atlanta this week is not going to help.
5. Elon: Elon is 7-1 with the only blemish being a loss to WFU. They are also 5-0 in the SoCon. After a match-up with a struggling WCU this weekend, a date in Burlington with Appalachian St awates.
6. Appalachian St: After opening the season with 2 tough losses, the Mountaineers have won 6 straight and are 5-0 in the SoCon heading into Chattanooga this weekend, a team they've dominated since 2004.
7. NCSU: Standing with an 0-4 conference record, the Wolfpack have had some knocks this season. The big losses to WFU, Duke and BC were tough to handle, but the offense looked good last week against FSU. Hapless MD rolls into Raleigh giving NCSU a good chance to scratch the win column this weekend.
8. Gardner Webb: The Bulldogs are 5-3 overall and in the hunt for the Big South title.
9. Davidson: The Wildcats are 2-4 in the Pioneer Conference and 2-6 overall. They make the long trip to San Diego for a battle for a coveted 3rd conference win.

Others receiving votes: WCU (10), Campbell (11), NC Central (12).

Weekend Thoughts

Yankees vs Phillies:
PT: This series is as good as ever. I really dislike both of those teams. I am more interestd in the rumor of two paintings A-Roid has that is his upper body with the lower section of a horse.
LJ: After starting the series 0 for 8 with 6 K's, A-Roid was been clutch in Philadelphia. I hated typing that sentence.

Iowa or Oregon :
PT: No question, it has to be Oregon. They absolutely destroyed USC. Also, let’s wait to have this argument in 2 weeks after the Hawkeye’s play Ohio St.
LJ: Let's think about this...who would you rank higher?
1. A team that's defeated Northern Iowa and Arkansas State by a total of 4 points but is undefeated?
2. A team that blasted a Top 5 conference opponent by 27 points and has 1 loss?

JJ Redick Rap Album?
PT: What does he have to rap about? The hard life of growing up home schooled? Pulling splinters out of his rear from sitting on the bench so much for three years?
LJ: It's a hard knock life when you try to play pro ball after suckling from the Coach K teet. Album sales will be bolstered by mockery more than musical taste. Speaking of taste...

Duke Basketball Team Photos: (LINK)
LJ: This is obviously some kind of planned and orchestrated effort, but what is the point? I think it ultimately shows the inherent dorkiness of the University of New Jersey at Durham. What, couldn't find any females to invite to your semi-formal? This could only be thought up by a leader who happens to coach.

Julius Pepper’s Interception:
PT: Unreal. The game he played yesterday is why fans love him but also get so frustrated by him. More efforts like yesterday and he would be considered one of the game's best.
LJ: I would argue he's already considered one the game's best, but really separates himself as elite when he gives constant effort. Only a select few can match his raw athleticism. It's a joy to watch when put to good use.

NCSU vs. FSU Game Thoughts

Philip Thompson: The Wolfpack are now the official ‘Turd in the Punchbowl’ team for 2009. Nothing can go right for them. Even when taking the lead with just over 3 minutes left on Saturday, I was convinced there was no way they pull out a win. Our defense can not stop anyone. This season is snowballing out of control, and if they are not able to defeat Maryland this weekend, I believe they will finish the season by going 0 for October and November.

Lawrence Jordan: It takes a special fan-base to evolve from championing a divisional crown in the preseason to predicting a defeated conference schedule. The Pack's weakness from the start was their defense.

Saturday's game against the 'Noles was simply a game of positioning. The team that positioned themselves to have the ball last had the advantage, because neither team could muster a defensive stop. The Pack had their shot with 1:36 remaining, but couldn't sustain a drive into field goal range. In a game where the teams combined for over 1000 yards for ofense and 87 points, the game was decided by FSU's defense pressuring and sacking Wilson in the final minutes.

Panthers' Game Notes

Philip Thompson: What a great game. Carolina dominated in every facet of the game. It also helped that Kurt Warner was channeling his inner Jake Delhomme. However, there was a frustrating aspect form yesterday’s game for Panther fans. How on earth does a team lose to Buffalo at home one weekend, and then follow that up by dominating the Super Bowl runner up on the road the following game. This is what drives us crazy as fans. They are amazingly inconsistent.

On the positive side Williams and Stewart look like the perfect compliment to each other. Also, I have no idea what Jon Beason said to Julius Peppers a few weeks ago, but it seemed to work

Lawrence Jordan: It took awhile but the Panthers finally played to their potential. They returned 20 of 22 starters from last season, and played up to their potential this weekend. Peppers was a beast and has been for the past four weeks. He even gave the press a sound bite after the game. We know it's a special week when that happens.

The coaching staff were finally able to play the game according to the team personnel, running the ball 75% of the game. Jake did not put the team in an early hole and was able to effectively manage the game. This team is built on defense and running the ball. Anytime the Panthers are in a position where they must throw the ball, they are in a losing situation.

Thank goodness for the sizeable halftime lead, because the conservative play calling in the second half led to only six points. John Fox's tendancy to sit on leads worked this week, but over the course of a season it costs him more than a win or two.

NC State v Florida State: (FSU 45-42)

Mike Sturdivant: As expected, the N.C. State offense showed up in Tallahasse on Saturday. Playing more consistent and disciplined, they were almost unstoppable. Russell Wilson threw for 349 yards and 5 touchdowns, and Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene combined for 153 on the ground. Also as expected, the NCSU defense was so horrific, that it wasn't enough to get its first ACC win.

In a game that featured 1093 yards of total offense and 87 points, the Pack can point to two specific times where the game slipped away:

1. With 33 second left in the first half, the Pack had just crossed midfield and was tackled in bounds with the clock running. Instead of using one of its 3 remaining timeouts, the Pack wasted 25 seconds trying to get lined up, and then committed a false start. All of the sudden they had 5 seconds remaining and one shot at a hail mary. Three timeouts and 33 seconds would have given the Pack plenty of time to move in for at least a field goal the way the offense was moving. Put this one on Dana Bible and TOB. Those three points were obviously the difference in the game.

2. Late in the 3rd quarter, Nate Mageo picked off Christian Ponder and returned the ball to the FSU 12 yardline. As he was falling down at the end of the return, Mageo fumbled and gave the ball back to FSU. FSU ended up getting a field goal out of that possession. The way the State offense was moving, the Pack could have cruised the 12 yards into the end zone. Thats a 10 point (or at worst 6 point) swing in the wrong direction.

Again, enough for the difference in the game. While the Noles don't bring the same swagger to the field as they did in the 90's, any trip to Tallahasse requires any ACC team to step up its play to come out with a win. The Wolfpack, who has beaten FSU more than any other league team in its ACC tenure, showed up with its A game, but only on one side of the ball. No matter how spectacular Russell Wilson and company look, the Pack isn't going to win any games until their defense stops playing like the Campbell Camels.

The ridiculousness of N.C. State's defense is hard to describe, but probably not as hard to describe as the overall state on the Pack's football and men's basketball programs as of November 1, 2009.