GarageGabs

State fought hard again last night vs. West Virginia but was just too thin, falling 71-60. State had pulled within a basket late in the 2nd half when West Virginia switched to a 1-3-1 zone and pulled away as the Pack missed perimeter shots. Last night was a winnable game for State as West Virginia lost much of their offense to graduation. I really think the depth issues are making things very tough for State, who falls to 5-2 overall. Next up for State is a home game vs. Savannah State this Saturday. Hopefully they can get back on track.

PackPride Recap

ESPN Recap

Other news around the NCAA:

Tennessee Stuns Memphis

Duke Sluggish vs. Holy Cross

State pulled a fast one by hiring Boston College Head Coach Tom O’Brien. O’Brien’s name was in the mix, but this move was pretty unexpected. Kudos to NC State Athletic Director, Lee Fowler for keeping this one under wraps. O’Brien has coached the last 10 seasons and Boston College and has led the program to national prominence.

N&O Story

PackPride: Fowler Got It Right This Time

Jim Valvano speaks to the crowd in Reynolds in 1993. This speech preluded his famous ESPY speech but is just as powerful and inspirational. Anyone that has ever dreamed or loved can gain something from what Valvano said that day.

I found this video on this guys channel. He has a lot of videos up with a local flavor to them.

A four part series that has made it up on youtube. NC State stars, David Thompson and Tom Burleson were interviewed the day before facing UCLA in the NCAA Final Four.

Pretty cool videos, check em out before they get lifted. Youtube is removing all copyright material, my account has been suspended.
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Well, that’s one down. I can’t say that I didn’t see this coming. I’m actually quite glad that he went ahead and took his name on the mix. Now maybe people will focus on candidates that are more likely

Cowher Has No Interst In NCSU Job

Also, Norm Chow and David Cutcliffe say they haven’t been approached yet.

A few other names are popping up. As far as I know, Bill Cowher has not turned down the job yet either, so that pretty much blows up Adam Gold’s blog.

Here are the names in the mix currently:

Paul Johnson (Navy)- My pick if we can’t have Cowher.
Bill Cowher (Pittsburgh Steelers) Not happening
Jimbo Fisher (LSU assistant) Possible, but if Alabama wants him, he’s off the board
Norm Chow (Tennessee Titans assistant) Love to have him, but highly unlikely
David Cutcliffe (Tennessee Vol’s assistant) Has shown interest, I’d say his chances are rising.

Steve Logan His name has been “brought up” I can tell you now, NC State fans would NOT be happy with this hire. Not happening.

Now that the business of removing Chuck Amato is over, NC State can begin looking for a replacement.

The first good news in the situation was that NCSU hired Chuck Neinas to act as a consultant during the search. Neinas is the same guy that worked out Butch Davis to UNC. Also, this means that Lee Fowler can have a more “hands off” approach with the matter, especially when it comes to the media. When they ask Lee questions, he can just say “Neinas is working on it.”

The second development is the actual Butch Davis deal. Davis is being payed 1.72 million per year by the Heels. So, in this “monkey see, monkey do” business, the bar has been set.

Now on to a couple of candidates:

1. Bill Cowher- The NCSU pipedream. The hype around Cowher was created because he is an alum of NC State, and he owns a home in Raleigh. Fact is, Cowher isn’t gonna be the next coach at State. Local radio-head Adam Gold has gone as far to state in his blog that Cowher will hold a press conference tomorrow to officially turn down the job. I don’t know what makes Gold an authority, but I happen to agree with him, at least on the final result.

2. Paul Johnson- The current head coach at Navy. A much more likely candidate. Johnson has led Navy back to a respectable level and is known as an offensive minded coach. He aslo has some local ties, and is a Western Carolina graduate. NC State fans seem solid on Johnson as a first candidate after the Cowher discussion turns to reality.

That’s all I know at the moment, I really believe Johnson will be the next coach at State, and to be honest, I’d be happy with that. I’ll try to stay updated on a day to day basis.

The ACC/Big 10 Challenge tipped off tonight in Raleigh NC, as the 4-0 North Carolina State Wolfpack knocked off the 7-0 Michigan Wolverines, 74-67. This was a very impressive win for the Pack as they rallied from an early 14-4 deficit and the loss of starting point gaurd Engin Atsur. State would lead by as much as 21 points in the 2nd half.
As a State fan, the game was beautiful to watch. The Pack played an intense brand of basketball marked by hustling, solid defense, and good passing. State’s already thin lineup was pushed to the limit when Atsur (Senior PG) left the game with what appeared to be a strained hamstring with about 14:26 left to play in the first half and the Pack looking at a 14-4 deficit.

Brandon Costner (17 points, 11 rebounds) and Ben McCauley (19 points 8 rebounds) were magnificent, as were Brian Neiman (8 points, 6 rebounds) and Dennis Horner (5 points 4 rebounds) coming off the bench. This game will obviously raise expectations for Pack fans as this is supposed to be a pretty darn good Michigan team we just knocked off.

The Pack played perfect tonight and will need to play just like this to be competitive in the ACC. State’s next game is December 3rd at Virginia.
ESPN Recap

PackPride Recap

A lot went down in the world of College Football since I’ve been away. Let’s start with the National Picture-

USC topped Notre Dame, 44-34 and has now moved into the #2 spot in the BCS rankings. If USC beats UCLA they’ll probably wrap up a spot in the National Title Game. I’ll have a post up soon from my good friend Mac Deters explaining some alternatives to this screwed up system we’ve got.

Read more

Ok, I know I shouldn’t get excited about wins over Valparaiso, but I am. Looks like the Pack played solid defense again tonight, and got good contribution from Gavin Grant, Brandon Costner, and Courtney Fells.

I honestly expected this thin Pack team to lose one or some of these early season so called mismatches. I guess we’ll find out next week when the Pack hosts Michigan what the real deal is. I couldn’t make tonights game, I was home editing another video, but I’m really wanting to get back in the RBC and see this team play again.

Recap via Pack Pride

Yahoo Boxscore

Other Wolfpack News

Lewandowski Sidelined Indefinately Not a major deal, but I do hate it for the kid. He’s a 7′3″ project.

C.J. Williams Commits to Wolfpack Coach Lowe continues to tear up the recruting trail. Williams is a 6′4″ wing player scheduled to graduate in ‘08.

Amato in Hot Water Ya think?