North Carolina State University Athletics
Tony Haynes: Wolfpack Goes to Work
8/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 5, 2003
By Tony Haynes
Raleigh, N.C.-It's almost inevitable. Moments--make that seconds--after NC State's football team walks off the field following its first practice later today, an engaging reporter will likely ask a player or coach about the upcoming game against Ohio State. Upcoming? The Wolfpack will still have (hopefully) 28 more practices and TWO games to play before it travels to Columbus for its September 13th clash with the defending champs. As a result, don't expect head coach Chuck Amato or his players to say much when the subject of the Buckeyes comes up.
Believe or not, the hyperbole actually started back in May when a special media day designed to show off the sparkling new Murphy Center turned into a question and answer session about the Ohio State game. One day later, on May 6, a local paper featured an in-depth preview of a game that wouldn't be played for better than five months.
By this time next year, we might even see an article looking ahead to the Pack's big contest at Tennessee in 2008.
Seriously folks, before it can even muster a thought about Ohio State, the Wolfpack must concentrate all of its efforts on improving as a football team every single day during the short time allotted for preseason camp. Over the next 25 days, Amato and his staff will have a relatively condensed time frame with which to work. Fortunately, NC State has 14 returning starters who know full well what to expect.
The players are getting a little bit of a break this year thanks to a new NCAA rule that regulates preseason practices. Two-a-days on back-to-back days are no longer allowed, a change that should keep teams fresher through the steamy month of August.
Other than the seven first-year players that were permitted to participate in spring drills following their early high school graduations, NC State's rookies are certainly in for an eye-opening experience this week. Unlike previous years when they had earlier reporting dates, freshmen are required to start practice the same time as the veterans, meaning they'll be even further behind when they go through drills for the first time.
The new practice rules will certainly benefit NC State fans, who are being invited to an open practice as part of the McDonald's Day of Champions festivities this Sunday. Once a day for photos, autographs and relaxation, the day formerly known as Meet the Pack Day will now include an official practice session.
As it begins the preseason, NC State has high expectations that will be tempered by a few concerns on the defensive side of the ball. A defensive line that was deep and productive last year must be completely rebuilt. And how do you replace guys like Dantonio Burnette and Terrence Holt? Burnette, an All-ACC middle linebacker, and Holt, an All-ACC free safety, were more than outstanding players; they were also tremendous leaders who brought 100 percent effort in everything that they did on and off the field.
Of course, the focal point of what should be an explosive offense will be quarterback Philip Rivers, a senior who is poised to break just about every ACC passing record on the books. Almost embarrassed by the extra attention he receives, Rivers is a team-oriented player who would gladly exchange individual honors for team success.
Individual recognition aside, Rivers has dreams that extend beyond the Heisman Trophy and All-America lists; he can only think of one perfect way to end his NC State career.
"Undefeated team and a national championship would be it," Rivers said. "The team doing well would give me ultimate satisfaction. That goal is realistic. Only one team does it every year and somebody's got to do it. Why not us?"
The quest begins today.
