North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpack Is Getting Defensive
10/8/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 8, 2001
By Tony Haynes
When he was introduced as the head football coach at NC State in January of 2000, Chuck Amato made it clear what his top priority would be: "We won't get to where we want to be around here until we can play defense."
It is a phrase he has used hundreds of times since that day. In putting together a memorable 8-4 campaign in Amato's first season at the helm, NC State basically outscored people. And while that formula for success was entertaining, it was dangerous, the Wolfpack was a team that lived on the edge. If on a given Saturday the offense wasn't hitting on all cylinders, as was the case in late season losses to Virginia and Maryland, the Pack's chances for success were greatly diminished.
One year later, however, the personality of NC State football seems to be undergoing a major transformation. Through four games, the Wolfpack (3-1) is being carried by a defensive unit that has limited big plays, forced turnovers and kept opponents out of the end zone.
"Somebody asked me if we were an underachieving team, and I said no," Amato remarked during his weekly press conference on Monday. "Nobody mentions that we're tied with Maryland for first place in the conference in turnover margin (+2.00 per game), which is really big. Knock on wood, I hope that continues to improve because it's so important that you don't turn it over."
NC State and Maryland are actually tied for fourth in the nation in the turnover margin category. In its first four games, the Pack has 11 takeaways compared to only three giveaways.
Defensive end Corey Smith has been a one-man wrecking crew, forcing a remarkable total of six fumbles in four starts. Linebacker Levar Fisher is making a strong bid to lead the nation in tackles for a second straight year. With 20 stops in the Wolfpack's 17-10 win at Wake Forest on Saturday night, the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year now has 41 tackles in his last two games.
In the latest NCAA statistics, the Wolfpack is ranked 17th in the nation in scoring defense (15.5 ppg) and 31st in total defense (313.7 yards per game). Not bad for a unit that yielded an average of 28 points and 375 yards per game last season.
This Saturday, however, Clemson will certainly put those numbers to a test when they visit Carter-Finley Stadium for a 12-noon shootout. Led by all-everything quarterback Woodrow Dantzler, the Tigers are putting up 426 yards per contest. In its thrilling 47-44 win at Georgia Tech on September 29, Clemson piled up 502 yards against a pretty stout defensive unit. Following that game, Dantzler was named National Player of the Week by USA Today.com after piling up 418 of those yards (254 passing and 164 rushing) all by himself.
"Do you call Dantzler a tailback who throws the ball 25 times a game or a quarterback who runs the ball 25 times a game?" Amato asked. "He's a Heisman Trophy candidate and rightfully so. He's dangerous when he runs and dangerous when he throws. But like any defense, you have to stop the run first. If you can stop the run and force a team to throw, then you've got a chance."
Unfortunately, the Wolfpack may be without one of its most athletic defensive linemen this week. Amato said that end Terrence Chapman is doubtful after suffering a high ankle sprain in the first half of Saturday's contest against the Deacons.
Jerricho Cotchery's status is also up in the air this week. The sophomore receiver sustained a slight concussion after being victimized by a frightening facemask foul in the final moments on Saturday.
After watching the tape, Amato stood by his statement after the game when he said he didn't think the Wake Forest player who committed the foul did so intentionally.
Two other NC State players will be nursing injuries this week. Starting left guard William Brown will likely miss some practice time with an ankle sprain, while punter/kicker Austin Herbert is still recovering from an ankle problem that has prevented him from doing the placekicking for two straight games.
Amato said that there's a good chance Adam Kiker will again handle the placekicking chores this Saturday. Barring a setback, Herbert will again do the punting.
