Opinion: Pre-Season Wolfpack Football

September 3, 2010

By: William Hinkle

The following is an opinion piece written before the beginning of the 2010 North Carolina State football season:

Since the academic scandal at UNC surfaced, I have been serenaded by phone calls and text messages from family and friends asking me some form of “How happy are you?” Unlike anything I can remember recently, the Tar Heels’ off-field woes this summer have united non-Carolina Tobacco Road and ACC fans to delight in what is obviously a joyous occasion for all outside of Chapel Hill. With that said, I have a confession to make – I take no joy in this, and quite frankly, don’t care. When it comes to my fanhood, the source of my pride and happiness is the accomplishments of my school. While I certainly won’t feel sorry for what any athletic program suffers if proven guilty of the types of things UNC is being investigated for, my current excitement revolves around the potential that always accompanies a new football season, not the trials and tribulations of our rivals.

It doesn’t take the most perceptive person to recognize the excitement surrounding the upcoming season is probably the lowest it has been this century - four straight losing seasons have obviously taken their toll. As evidenced throughout the annals of history, however, pre-season hype, or lack thereof, doesn’t dictate a team’s fortunes. So, before the 2010 Wolfpack gets a chance to take the field and show their stuff, I think it’s important for fans to try to focus on the positives entering the season. As fans, we have the luxury of allowing coaches to shore up the team’s weaknesses on the practice field. Our primary job, on the other hand, is to support and believe in the team; that is the only way we can help them. With that said, I give you a few things I’m excited about for the 2010 Wolfpack:

• The secondary – Arguably the team’s weakest position last season, I’m cautiously optimistic about the potential of this very young group. With the experience many of them gained last season, they should make fewer mental errors and be accustomed to the speed of college football. In addition, the influx of three talented freshmen with high ceilings gives the coaches more options. Finally, it must be a good sign that the coaches were confident enough in this group’s ability they moved a guy who was competing for a job to another position.
• The schedule – While difficult, there is no one team on the schedule that the Pack cannot beat. Does this mean the team will be undefeated? Of course not. But any win or combination of wins from this group would not surprise me.
• The “Perfect Storm” – The returning All-ACC tight end, the ACC’s active career touchdown receptions leader, and the ACC’s active career receiving yards leader should be the best WR/TE combination in the ACC. Depth at both positions is solid as well, with both proven experience and young talent. The offensive line, while replacing four starters and often cited as concern by Coach O’Brien during camp, has loads of potential especially since they are being coached up by widely recognized offensive line gurus. It will be interesting to see who emerges at running back, as there isn’t a lack of options. And did I mention Russell Wilson? I will never count the Pack out as long as the football is in his hands. Don’t forget number sixteen’s back-up either – most programs would die to have him.
• Nate Irving – Even if he isn’t the same old Nasty Nate, he’ll still be pretty darn good as his football instincts are unparalleled on this team. More importantly, however, will be his contributions to the mental aspect of the game. With his leadership, I predict the defense will play with more swagger this season. That should be a welcome sight, as playing with swagger entails being able to back it up.
• The fans – Despite a disappointing 12-10 home record during the Tom O’Brien era, it’s only a matter of time before teams rarely leave “The Carter” with a win.