Wolfpack Fan Here

[WolfpackFan]

Hello Bulls fans.  I posted on this board way back when our teams met in that thrilling  : Meineke Bowl back in '05.  Just wanted to drop back in since our teams are facing off again this weekend.  I must say that I was impressed with your fanbase back then in terms of their knowledge of the game, and even more impressed with the progression on the field you guys have made since we met back in '05. 

I was at that bowl game in Charlotte, and I'm sad to say that NC State's offense hasn't progressed much (if at all) since that game.  We did score 30 in an OT win vs. East Carolina today, but it has not been pretty for much of the season.  Our defense no longer has a Mario Williams on it, so needless to say we're in a re-building process right now.  The East Carolina wins gives us some hope, but USF will undoubtedly come in as the favored team.

I haven't been able to watch any Bulls games this season, so I was wondering if someone could give me a summary of what to expect in Raleigh next Saturday.  Thanks and looking forward to a good game.

[flsportsfan83]

Great win today.

[GoBulls84]

I wasn't around here back then, but welcome back to the board. Good win against ECU today, we'll be looking for some payback for the only shutout ever put up against us.

[cmhatter]

expect a good team who doesn't play all that great on the road... we will surely be favorites but we will need to bring our A game.

[Bull Dozer]

Offense

When we played back in Charlotte we ran more of a power running game type of offense where Andre Hall would dictate our success.  We now are a spread offense which routinely puts  4 and 5 WR's on the field and is pretty balanced as far as play calling.  Grothe is worlds better than the QB we had when we previously faced off and is very mobile and can do big things with his feet or through the air but can make some boneheaded plays from time to time (forcing the ball, trying to do too much and taking a big sack).  We use a RBBC with each back having pretty unique skill sets and they are constantly subbed in and out.  The offensive line is better than average but not great.  We have a stable of play making WR's who will be a big test for your nickle and dime packages since Matt doesn't seem to play favorites but rather shares the wealth with the whole recieving core.  A big X-factor for our O is TE Cedric Hill who can create a lot of match up problems for defenses.  

Defense

Speed, speed, speed, and more speed.  We are bigger at DT than we have ever been and have been very stout against the run so far this season.  George Selvie is a monster and will need to be at least doubled every play but even with that he will still cause havoc in your backfield all day long.  The LBs are solid and lead by one of the best in the country in Tyrone the tackling machine Mckenzie.  You will hear T-Macs name all day long and he will dish out one or two slobber knockers.  Our secondary didn't look good in their only real test so far (KU) but Reesing and company make defensive backfields look very bad week in and week out.  There is a lot of experience back there but the two corners are first year starters.  Our Safeties are very solid and Nate "The Great" Allen is one of the best in the countries at FS and does nothing but make big plays.  

Special Teams

We really haven't shown much so far as big play ability in the return game and have given up a couple big returns while on coverage.  Alvarado is a very solid punter, Teachey is great as a kick off specialist, and Bonani is a true freshman kicker who has done the job so far (got his first start last week against KU) but is still unproven over a full season.

[mutt]

I can't wait to beat a team that's worth a ****...

[WolfpackFan]

Thanks for the reply Bull Dozer, and I'm not even going to ask what's going on in your sig line photo. 

I remember a few USF fans posting over on NC State's board back before the Meineke Bowl, but if anyone has interest here is the link.

http://packpride.com

[SilverBull]

I was at that Muffler Bowl game as well.  It was a great trip except for the fact that our offense didn't show up for the game.  Unfortunately, I suspect we ended up  loser that day than we will be next week.   You say you haven't progressed but I think we may be in reverse.    I've been impressed with your defense, particularly Irving (although I saw he got a little dinged today).  Also, your QB Wilson and running game also both appeared to make strides since the start of the year.  I might expect next week's game to be a bit ugly, as your team is coming off an extremely emotional win and we appear physically beat up and generally lacking focus on offense and defense.   I think a hard fall is coming soon and next week may be the start.  Hope I am wrong but, hey, that's why they play the games.

[WolfpackFan]

I've been impressed with your defense, particularly Irving (although I saw he got a little dinged today).  Also, your QB Wilson and running game also both appeared to make strides since the start of the year.  I might expect next week's game to be a bit ugly, as your team is coming off an extremely emotional win and we appear physically beat up and generally lacking focus on offense and defense.

Nate Irving has been our best player this season at the LB position.  He got hurt and I honestly haven't heard if he's okay to go next week.  At any rate, I think your prediction of an ugly game is probably accurate.  NC State doesn't have many game breakers on offense, but did nice vs. ECU as a unit.  The defense has been opportunistic.  A couple goal line stands to save the game against ECU today, plus we are 2nd in the nation right now in takeaways. 

I know you guys have a pretty fast defense, so our sub-par offensive line will have to pass block and make holes in the running game for NC State to have any chance.

[Rocky Style]

I watched that NC State game today. Fun stuff!  Ah I remember the Car Care game like it was yesterday...