North Carolina State University Athletics
Pack Resets, Refocuses
11/7/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Note: TV has declared its final six-day options for the Pack's November 19 home contest agianst Clemson. The gametime for that contest will be determined this Sunday.
Nov. 7, 2011
RALEIGH, N.C. - Two days after adding a fifth-straight win over rival North Carolina, NC State head coach Tom O'Brien spent much of Monday's press conference underlining his team's need to reset and prepare for a difficult road test at Boston College.
Though the Wolfpack's recent win caused an understandably lighter atmosphere at the Murphy Center, O'Brien quickly pointed out the reactionary mood that a college football season can create.
"We played pretty well against Virginia and we ran into pretty dang good football team in Florida State," said O'Brien. "I think Florida State can do that to you if you're not humming on all cylinders, that's why you forget about it and move on right away. You can't spend a lot of time worried about them when you have to move on and play the next one.
"When we leave the field and walk up the tunnel, that game's over with. From that point on everything has to be about the next game coming up. It's difficult because of the people outside of the stadium, because [our players] are hearing how good they are after Virginia, then how they were such dogs against Florida State, and now they're back to being good again. We have to be able to grow up. A more senior, experienced team would do a better job of that, but younger kids can be more susceptible."
NC State's win over North Carolina did give Wolfpack fans cause for celebration however, as the much-improved Pack defense shut out the Tar Heels for the first time since 1960. O'Brien pointed to his returning starters and the continuity they provided as the reason for his squad's strong performance.
"I think our defense has been getting better from the second half of Central Michigan on," said O'Brien. "Certainly, getting a couple of guys back into the rotation helps things.
"Thomas Teal played 15 plays the first game and then hadn't played since then. As a redshirt freshman he's still not a good, fundamental player right now, but he's getting in there and playing. [J.R.] Sweezy hasn't played the way he did before he got hurt, you just don't come back at top-level, you have to get back in the swing of things and knock the rust off."
This week's conference battle with Boston College will represent a homecoming for O'Brien, and his previous experience in Chestnut Hill tells him that the Eagles present a challenge not to be taken lightly.
"I know they were a little sore and tired on Sunday," said O'Brien. "They have to get rested. That's what I have to do this week, make sure they're ready to play this football game. Boston College has a nice home field advantage up there. Hopefully we'll get a nice day, and it won't be too cold, and we'll play well. "
NC State kicks off against Boston College at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in Chestnut Hill. Television coverage for Saturday's game will be provided by the ACC Network.
