Thanksgiving Saturday 2014

"This is a blue collar school.  This is a work ethic, hands in the dirt school.  It’s an agricultural school, it’s a textile school, it’s an engineering school and it’s founded by tough people. And that’s what this football team will be and that’s what we were today. And I’m very proud of our guys representing NC State and our alumni the right way."

Coach Dave Doeren

Thanksgiving 2014

Thanksgiving with the Newcombs in Southport.

I'll probably stay down till Saturday. Might call my friend Dave in Wilmington and see if he can break away for lunch Friday. Other than that, will just veg out here and watch college football and basketball - same as I'd do at home.

Speaking of College Basketball - State is playing great. We're a young team and we're going to lose some games. But those guys can play well and play together. They are fun to watch. I gave away my tickets to tonight's game - first game I've missed and hopefully the only game I'll miss this season.

Basketball and Wake Forest

Basketball

The lopsided win over a very weak warm up opponent isn't the main take away from last night opening game. What really counts was how well State played as a team. Of course, it's easy to work on team play  in what was basically a practice game. But even still - the Wolfpack looks like the high post point guard driven team that Coach Gottfried has been wanting to put on the floor since he came to State.

Watching this team play - and the great personnel dynamics - I honestly think if these guys will stay together for a couple years - there is no limit to their potential.

We have two 'for sure' future NBA players, Trevor Lacey and Cat Barber. The freshmen Martin twins were awesome. Our team played so well together, they actually over shadowed our top freshman blue chip recruit Malik Abu.

And there are about 3 upper class men, lead by Senior Ralston Turner, that could have a legitimate chance at trying out and playing for NBA teams or in Europe certainly.

While not quite there yet - I'm beginning to think this is what it is like for Dook and Carolina year in and year out. Going to games to watch a team with potential to have great seasons and the possibility of going very deep in the NCAA Tournament.

Maybe not this year - but if these guys stay together (i.e. if Lacey and Barber don't bolt early for the NBA) - NC State will be back in the top ranks of NCAA basketball.

It's been a long time since 1983.

Wake Forest

3 PM game. I'm going to fix country ham biscuits. We also will have mimosas. I hope they have coffee and chocolate at the Stadium - it's freaking cold outside. Still in the low 30's at 10:30.

We (better) should win this game to become bowl eligible. If so - we'll be the worst team in the nation in a post season bowl game.

The requirements really should be upped to no less than a 7 - 5 record to go to the post season.

And every team should be allowed extra practice - bowl game or not.

Finally

Coach Double D finally got an ACC win - against Syracuse. I still have a hard time thinking of Syracuse as an ACC school.

Anyway - it was definitely a "Not At All Pretty" win. But a W is a W - and on the road even.

Our last three games are home vs. Georgia Tech and Wake Forest and at UNCesspool Turkey Day weekend.

Odds are we'll go 1 and 2 and end up being the worst team in the nation to get a bowl bid. I'd sure like to go 2 and 1. Winning all 3 would be - well - beyond words.

We'll see.