North Carolina State University Athletics
Pack and Noles are Ready for Rematch
9/16/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
The annual in state blood baths with Miami and Florida are traditionally the biggest games on Florida State's schedule. This year, you can add NC State to that list. The Seminoles haven't forgotten about how the Wolfpack nearly sidetracked their national championship plans a year ago. They also haven't forgotten about the lackluster attitude they took to Carter-Finley Stadium.
"Nobody thought we were going to lose to NC State," said FSU wide receiver Peter Warwick. "We had the big head, thinking we were going to beat them to death. We scored on the first play of the game and started thinking it was going to be a long night for them. It ended up being a long night for us."
As it turned out, Warwick's 74-yard touchdown reception on the first play from scrimmage would be Florida State's only score of the game. The Pack then went on to score 24 unanswered points in its improbable victory.
A lot of things will be different this time around. Former NC State receiver Torry Holt, who torched the Seminoles for two straight seasons, is now in the NFL. FSU quarterback Chris Weinke is more polished than he was when he threw six interceptions in last years game. And this years contest will be played in Doak Campbell stadium, where Florida State hasn't lost since 1991.
"Poise will be critical in this game," NC State coach Mike O'Cain said. "It's paramount that we go in there and control our emotions and play relaxed. We don't have any pressure on us. Nobody expects us to beat Florida State."
As was the case in last years game, a lot of things will have to go right for the Wolfpack to put itself in a position to pull off another upset. Limiting Florida State's big plays on offense will be vital for the Pack. Forcing turnovers and making plays in the kicking game are also important. But topping O'Cain's list of 'must-do's' this week is pass protection.
" The things we've done the last two years against Florida State have been directly related to our being able to protect the quarterback," he said. "If you can't protect the quarterback against Florida State, you don't have a chance to win. You're not going to line-up and run the football down after down and beat them. You've got to get big plays in the passing game and you're not going to get big plays in the passing game if you can't protect the quarterback."
NC State has gained a total of 825 yards of total offense and scored 59 points in its last two games against the Seminoles. However, 71% of those points (42) were scored by Holt. In both games, the Pack did a good job of giving quarterback Jamie Barnette time to throw.
It remains to be seen if that trend will continue this weekend. In three games against Texas, South Carolina and William & Mary this season, NC State's pass protection has been spotty at best.
The revenge motive will certainly spur Florida State on, but the Wolfpack can call on the knowledge that has it the ability to stay with the Seminoles if it plays well.
"We really feel like we can win the football game," said NC State cornerback Tony Scott. "We definitely can't give up a lot of big plays and we've got to execute our game plan. But other than that, we feel we have the talent and the coaching to win the football game."
