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I do think that it can’t be understated just how strong we have become in the trenches – and how unusual that is for NC State football. Back to back 1000 yard runners. I think that says a lot (and only an injury kept that from happening 3 years in a row.
Hey Choppack1 — Great observation about strength in the trenches. In my 60+ years of watching NC State Football, I don’t ever recall Wolfpack teams having much depth. Being able to cycle lineman onto the field throughout the game without a noticeable drop-off speaks volumes about improved recruiting.
Convincing the better players has always been a hard sell for State. Perhaps the value of the NC State “brand” is rising. Sure seems to be a more positive vibe among the high schools about NCSU than in the past. Seems that the new culture is making it an easier sell to sign more and better players.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLI tend to think Roof + Hux will make a good combo, particularly if that means that DD gets away from “coaching” in the games on defense.
As DD matures as a Head Coach my expectation is he would become more confident in the decisions of his Coordinators and Assistants. Kind of like parenting, he holds the veto card but being a “helicopter coach” ain’t healthy.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLI like it! Playing off of your theme, would you consider:
1) Alpha Wolf
2) Alpha Canis
3) Grande Lobo
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLGreywolf, thanks for the feedback. Perhaps culture is one of those words that we overuse, but you hit the proverbial head of the nail. DD can be criticized for losing to ranked teams or not enough overall wins, but instilling a culture of hard work, accountability, and responsibility in order to win will likely be his legacy and probably his biggest achievement.
Chuck Amato is such a beloved figure among former Wolfpack players being a prominent member of the famous white shoes team. I felt for CTC and was sorry his head coaching tenure came to an unhappy end. Conventional wisdom had him practically pulling all the coaching levers while the Assistant Head Coach and DC for Bobby Bowden at 1/2AssU. Expectations may have been unfairly high for Chuck and after a few seasons at NC State, it became clear to me that Ole’ Bobby was more involved with FSU than once believed. However, credit Coach Amato with having the cache in raising the donations needed to fund the C-F renovations/expansion and construction of the Murphy football ops center. Without Chuck as the head coach, I believe the scope of the projects would have been scaled back. Thank you Chuck The Chest!
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLGreywolf, what is your point? Are you just stirring the point to see who will bite? We get that you have a great dislike for Coach Doeren and you don’t miss many opportunities to let StateFans Nation readers know about it. I’m having a hard time understanding expectations. Other than Earle Edwards, Tom O’Brien, and Dave Doren, NC State has never had a football coach stick around long enough to implement a complete college football program. Either the administration and supporters of athletics become inpatient and fire the coach or the coach moves on for one reason or another.
I’m not DD’s agent or cheerleader, have never met the man in person. Frankly, I had never heard of the guy when he was hired and would have pursued other coaches instead of him for our job. I am no longer on campus, don’t live in the Raleigh area and can seldom attend games at Carter-Finley anymore. From my distant view it seems Coach Doeren has worked very hard to install an actual winning program of ongoing improvement, to include — 1) building up a first-class staff, 2) become a real factor in in-state recruiting and signing NCSU’s share of the best talent, 3) install a complete player development program – strength training, conditioning, nutrition, health and last but not least academic support.
Most of the student-athletes appear to be good citizens. Troublemakers either shape up or ship out. The team plays the game with class and they are good representatives of the school. These attributes are good reflections of their coaches and Coach Doeren is a very good representative of the team and the school. I don’t recall any PR snafus except for the Clemson PC’s-On-The-Sideline blowup. The graduation rate is improving or at least making significant strides at completing degrees.
Have the wins been slow to come about? Yes. Is the Wolfpack winning the Division and getting to the Championship Game regularly? No. Are the better bowl games inviting State? No.
All that being said, is the future bright for Wolfpack Football? For this alumnus, Wolfpack Club member and fan, I think so. Should Coach Doeren feel pressure to produce? Most certainly, anyone who has had a job knows they must respond to pressure. He needs to have another 9 to 11 win season. As for Coach Doeren, he appears to be taking the positive steps to meet the challenge. At this juncture, I am not in favor of firing him and cleaning house for a new coaching staff. I don’t think we appreciate how empty the cupboard was and the time needed to really establish a strong footing.
I’m looking forward to kick-off on September 1. Go Pack!
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLI don’t disagree with the plays you point out. What impact do you think not having a reliable place kicker has had on play calling?
State’s Defense has been really good, but why does it seem that every opponent has a player who sets a school/personal record? I’m thinking of BC’s running backs, ND’s running back, and Wake’s pass receiver.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLDear Pack78, You have the gist of the story.
What you described is also the first chapter in the CHeats Holy Book – “The Carolina Way”. The Watauga Boys found out that the UNC Greek Panhellenic Society absconded with the money instead of using it to start NC A&M. The money was used to pay for their Fall Rush. Well, you never heard such a ruckus from West Raleigh! The Wataugans gathered on Hillsborough St and howled like a pack of wolves, their eyes turning blood red from the strain. Thus began two of our most cherished traditions even before the first classes were held – our team nickname, the Wolfpack, and our colors, Red & White.
And if you believe that BS, then McCallum is selling naming rights to an international airport on Ocracoke.
On a serious note, a visit to this link at NCSU.edu will “coach-you-up” on State’s beginnings –>https://www.ncsu.edu/about/history-and-tradition/
Try to enjoy the week everyone.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLHey McCallum and Bob-on-the-Beach — This has nothing to do with DD discussion but your comments about the Cheats undermining of ECU’s Med School reminded me of another situation from the past. During my days at State in the mid-70’s of the last century there was much lively discussion between NC A&T – Greensboro and NCSU about who was the most worthy campus for locating a brand new school of veterinary medicine. A&T likely new Raleigh would win out in the end, but there was talk about the lack of racial diversity among the campuses and that objectives should be set for achieving more balance in the student bodies. Building the Vet School became a topic around which A&T was able to get some of the discussion out in the public domain and not just in university board rooms.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLIf the DD Death Watch hadn’t already started it surely has by now after the latest disaster in Greenville. I tend to look at the glass half-full, but it is very difficult at this point. After three seasons we have seen what DD has – a decent family man and coach committed to his craft. However, NC State is so mired up in the ruts of football mediocrity that someone with near super-human capabilities is needed to change the fortunes of the Wolfpack. Coach Doreen’s biggest failing might be never beating a higher rated team. At this point in his career can he improve?
If the decision is to make a change, the questions then become: Who wants the job? Who is offered the job? Who gets the job? Unless there is a move afoot to terminate Ms. Yow’s contract, or the program completely falls off the planet I don’t see Coach Doeren going anywhere until she retires.
Why has it been so difficult to be successful at State? Being a fan and graduate, I am biased about the program and school. How is the NC State brand perceived by high school recruits especially the higher rated players. Are players recruited to a school or to a position coach? Regardless, it appears coaches have had difficulty “selling” the better rated players on coming to Raleigh. Upon Coach Doreen’s hire I believe we were told that recruiting was his strong suit. Recruiting results appear somewhat more successful but only enough to maintain pace, not actually enough to climb into the top tier of the league.
State has tried many strategies on finding a football coach resulting in varying degrees of success. I took a look back at the coaches from Earle Edwards forward:
1) Well-respected assistant from established program – Coaches Edwards, Monte Kiffin, Tom Reed.
2) Promoted from with-in – Al Michaels (perhaps more of a ‘Thank-you’ from Coach Edwards), Mike O’Cain.
3) Former State assistant – Bo Rein
4) Rising Star head coaches from smaller programs – Lou Holtz, Dick Sheridan, Dave Doeren.
5) Prodigal Son Returns – Chuck Amato.
6) Respected Head Coach from established program – Tom O’Brien.I hope DD will figure out the issues and get the team on a long multi-year role. Otherwise, all of us will be grinding over who the next coach will be.
Go Pack!
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLGreetings BJD, Fall is in the air and yet another tropical storm is making aim for Carter-Finley. Good writing about the schedule and outlook on expected outcomes. The team may actually be better this year, but the record won’t show it. Recruiting is the name of the game. Somehow the NC State brand doesn’t sell very well to the 4 and 5 star guys, wish I understood why. With the way the ACC is now unless better players are signed it will sadly remain a record of mediocrity. With regard to your predictions, I would add:
— ECU has a new coach, but they still have a chip on their shoulder about State. Will be a good game, except most of the country could care less.
— Wake always wreaks havoc somehow no matter how bad they may be.
— BC likes to play smash-mouth and I’m not sure State does that very well.
— Is UNC-CHeat over-rated, or is that my Wolfpacker bias coming through? Would be great to stick it to them.
— 1/2FSU is loaded (despite how badly you think Jimbo coaches) Not sure State surprises them anymore.
— Clampsun is on a role. Time for State to beat them again.
— ‘Canes are angry and they have welcomed home their prodigal son Richt, who has been taking names and kicking guys off the team.
— Loovall – That freshman QB is still running around with State guys in full pursuit. Did he go pro? God I hope so…
— SyrupExcuse and State seem to have similar football fortunes, although SYR has a more storied past. In recent years they both have quite a few individual contributors who played on mediocre teams, ending up in 2nd and 3rd tier bowl games. Maybe this could turn into a good series and rivalry.All the best to the players and coaches. For all that they put into the game, I hope at least some of their dreams come true.
Go Pack!
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLMost telling comment from one of the TV guys was “NC State looks a little disinterested on defense…”
Is it just me, hasn’t that been the case all year?
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLThanks for putting this group of signees in perspective. We all want Top 25 instantly, but building up State’s cache takes time. Despite what a great place us fans and alumni think about NC State and the experience of going to college in Raleigh, high school kids today, especially the young men playing football have other ideas.
IMHO, Mike O’Cain was a good guy and coach but facilities had fallen way behind others in the conference and not sure what kind of budget he had to work with. Chuck Amato got the money raised for all the improvements and could recruit (too bad many of them couldn’t find a classroom or stay out of trouble). Unfortunately, we found out his in-game coaching ability left much to be desired (Maybe B Bowden was doing more than we thought.). Tom O’Brien was the only coach I know of who wasn’t using State as a spring-board for another job. He did a good job for the most part, won some games. Biggest issue was he quit recruiting. Dave Doren has a good shot at making it – good facilities; reasonable budget; University in general cresting on a big wave of positive publicity. Lets hope this years recruits can contribute like previous classes have.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLRegarding the poll question about scheduling UNCheat – My preference would be to have State’s games with Clemson, Wake, and UNCheat be on the same week of the schedule year after year. I think the conference should do more to promote the traditions of each rivalry to point out the unique qualities of each. For example:
1) Clemson – Known as the Textile Bowl – Highlighting the two major schools in the South that have Textile Schools. Play in late September.
2) Wake – Played continuously since 1910 (longest streak in ACC), series began in 1896. There are many rivalries whose first game was earlier, but none with a longer streak. Play in late October.
3) UNCheat – Another old rival, having played since 1894. Lot of hate going both ways. Heels claim State isn’t a rivalry game for them, pointing to their Duke game. Certainly in B-Ball State has not been much competition since Valvano. Football W’s and L’s are pretty even over the last several years. I would play them in November, but not make it the last game.
This breaks the schedule up so that there is at least 3 big games to point to.JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLShows you how much the talking heads really pay attention.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLI hope The Pack can keep it going. Can’t expect to hold The Cheats the entire game. Must stay aggressive. We will be cooked, if DD starts playing not to lose instead on playing to win.
Go Pack!
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLI sure hope Coach DD can keep the team thinking positive and playing hard for Wake and UNCheat. Wake is having a bad season, but they have been playing better and State has had trouble beating the Deacs. Isn’t it the oldest college game in the state? It may not rank up there with some of the other rivalry games, but I know Wake takes it seriously. Most of the games have been hard fought, with close scores.
State can’t give up pick-6’s and allow long runs up the middle by untouched running backs.
A bowl game of any sort would put smiles on a lot of faces. And lord knows they need the extra practice days.
Go Pack, beat those Demonic Baptists!
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLBJD95, I’m not complaining about DD. Given what he stepped into, he’s done a good job. Doubt he realized the true condition of the team in terms of talent and players at all positions. N Ill looks pretty good comparatively. As you say, TOB quit recruiting and I never understood his approach anyway. It is like he assumed the NC State brand had no value, essentially took the path of least resistance and seldom tried to sell Raleigh on the top tier high school players. Which is my point, TOB talked more than any other coach I can remember about “building the program”. In the end, he probably did the least, and may have eroded the value of the NCSU brand. As time goes by, I dislike his coaching performance more and more. I’m pulling for DD to make us forget all of that.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLI’m with you BJD95. I know Jacoby doesn’t have that much game experience, but what is there to gain with him in there now with Tech reserves in there just trying to make a Sports Center moment for themselves.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLThe posters to this blog are all long-time fans and have the scar tissue to prove it. We’ve all heard the same coach-speak about the process of “building a program”. BTW, I’m so sick of that phrase. It is really insulting when the opposing coach puts in the reserves before the 3rd period is even over. Why can’t State have more of a “program” by now, regardless of who the coach is? This is ridiculous to see how far behind State is at even competing against the upper tier of the conference much less winning.
I’ll die a Wolfpacker, but it would be nice to have a decent team before the head stone goes up.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLWhen Tech’s running QB comes in why wouldn’t a LB or DB be assigned to him? Obviously, I’m no coach. Just asking, not complaining.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FLWhat a shame about Brown #7. Hope he is not hurt too badly, but the replay looks like a blown out knee. You could hear him screaming in pain over TV. Probably a season ender in garbage time.
JaxPackMan
NCSU class of '76
Jacksonville, FL
