TCY Groupthink - North Carolina State Wolfpack

[Balldog]

Yeah, we will open it up a little bit.

[gstelmack]

Wolfpack Dominate First Game
Greg Stelmack, Staff Writer
ATHENS, OH - The NC State Wolfpack won their opening game on the road in convincing fashion with a 45-7 thrashing of Ohio University. Kenny Spragan had a huge day, throwing for 336 yards and 5 TDs. The Wolfpack defense was dominant, holding Ohio to just 7 first downs and 127 yards of total offense.

All was not roses, however. With a 31-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter and a suffocating defense (Ohio's only points came on a long kickoff return), the Wolfpack kept Spragan in the game and continued to throw the ball, with Spragan getting 2 of his TD passes in the final stanza.

"The football gods do not look kindly on teams that run up the score like that." noted Thelonius M. Quarters, popular NFL columnist. "Revenge is likely to be exacted soon upon the Wolfpack. Don't tempt the football gods when your next game is against a powerhouse team from the same state as the one you just abused."

Wolfpack fans were said not to care. "TMQ must be from Carolina" noted one student at the game. "45-7 is running up the score? Who is that nut?" stated another. "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! TOGA TOGA TOGA!" came from a third.

Up next week is national powerhouse Ohio State. Can Spragan repeat his performance against a top-10 team? This will be a real test for the Wolfpack.

[Coffee Warlord]

Actually, I think Ohio State should be loving us right about now. In-state schools by rule hate each other. Maybe they'll take the team out for beers before the game!

[vex]

I really doubt Ohio State cares. That would be like us having a rivalry with Davidson or Elon.

[Coffee Warlord]

I hear Elon's pretty tough.

[CraigSca]

When playing opponents we have no right beating, it always makes sense to play for the big play. Against weaker opponents, stay within your game and let the talent take over. Against Ohio State, I am therefore ready to take more chances...

[CraigSca]

Cool article, gstelmack! This'll make this fun

[Balldog]

When is our next game? (rl)

[CraigSca]

How 'bout Monday? We'll do our offweek on Thursday, and that gives us the weekend to formulate a gameplan, depth charts, etc. I figure 2 weeks per RL week. Does that sound ok for everyone else? Shall we aim for quicker/slower?

[MikeVick7]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

How 'bout Monday? We'll do our offweek on Thursday, and that gives us the weekend to formulate a gameplan, depth charts, etc. I figure 2 weeks per RL week. Does that sound ok for everyone else? Shall we aim for quicker/slower?

That pace sounds good to me. If anyone wanted to move along a little quicker I can do that too.

[vex]

Yeah, I'm ok with 2, but could definitely do 3.

[vex]

Dola

Maybe for this offweek we should speed things up?

[CraigSca]

I'm game for that. Do the recruiting week on Wednesday and shoot for the game against Ohio State on Friday?

[vex]

Sounds good, then the next game on Monday Evening or Tues. morning?

[CraigSca]

Actually, due to my odd schedule, it would probably take place Tuesday night.

[Balldog]

So the Ohio State game is Friday?

[CraigSca]

Our next sim week (we have off) will be Thursday. I'm shooting to play the Ohio State game on Monday or Tuesday, depending on my weird travel schedule. I think we should all prepare for Monday as our next game day.

[vex]

So is it Wed. or Thurs? Morning, evening?

[CraigSca]

Well, I haven't received any word on recruting yet....and here it is Tues. night. So, let's continue to shoot for Thurs. as next sim day.

[vex]

I'm still waiting for reports from the position coaches.

cthomer, I was wondering if you have any recruits you want to visit out in Cali. I've got quite a few players I'd like to visit sometime so I figure it would be best to set up a Cali recruiting trip some week if that works for you.

[Buzzbee]

Quick update:

Quickly reviewed Ohio State. It looks like we match up fairly well. They have an accurate QB, but he runs more than he throws, and is their leading rusher (through 1 game). They run a Double Wing formation. The O Line isn't very good, but they have loads of talent at the RB position, although they seem to let the QB run. I would focus on the run and make him beat us through the air. He is accurate and has two good receivers to throw to, but ran only 12 pass plays in their first game.

The D Line is pretty weak, so we should be able to take advantage of that, however the ILB's are pretty stout. The secondary is fairly good. I wouldn't open up the deep passing tooooo much.

I'll present a more in depth report this evening.

Buzzbee.

[Buzzbee]

Scouting Report: Ohio State

Offense

With only one week to go on, it's difficult to tell exactly what type of team OSU is. One thing is for sure though. They can run the ball. They have a stable of running backs, four that I'd rate as being very good. However, their biggest running threat may be QB Jim Horton. He was the Buckeyes leading rusher last weak with 142 yards on just 15 attempts for a 9.4 average. They've also got a power running fullback who is also very good. His biggest asset is his ability to always fall forward to gain that extra couple of yards.

Center Brock Selerno is the anchor on a somewhat below average line. However, he is a much better pass blocker than run blocker. The guard position is the definite weakness with some young, undeveloped players. Their best guard IS a senior, but he plays about like a sophomore. They are good at the tackles with their starters, but they lack depth. Look for the line to fade near the end of the game. The offensive line is an area that we should be able to take advantage of.

We can't totally ignore the passing game as they have two excellent receivers in seniors Sean Meadows and James Cochran. With the easy win last week, the Bucks didn't throw much. Expect that to change some this week. These guys are too good to ignore. The Bucks also have some depth with some good 3rd and 4th receivers.

The Buckeyes ran 53 times (5th) last week for 335 yards (2nd) so they are primarily a running team. I don't expect them to reverse course, but they probably ran more than normal because it was a blowout. 35-40 rushes is probably a reasonable expectation. Conversely, they passed only 12 times, completing 8.

Recommendation: Focus on the run first, but don't ignore the pass. OSU has a lot of weapons so a balanced defense is desirable, with a moderate slant toward the run. The offensive line is the weakness, but put too much pressure on QB Horton and he'll simply run right by the rushing defenders.

Defense
Ohio State's defensive line is anchored by defensive end Wayne Randle. He is undersized at 243 lbs, but don't let that fool you. He is very good. {NOTE: Game doesn't specify R or L DE, so I don't know where he lines up. Errr!!!} The big gaping hole for the Buck defense is definitely the middle of the D Line. They are young and inexperienced at DT. Don't be fooled though. The younguns are backed by a rotation of three very good inside linebackers. They are weaker at OLB with a couple of good players and not much else. The secondary is outstanding, with the nickel corner being as good as the Bucks very good starters, and better than most other schools starters. The safeties are just plain ole excellent. Sticking with a west coast style passing game may be a prudent decision.

Recommendation:
The Ohio State defense isn't invincible. They are weak at defensive tackle and this can be exploited to a degree. However, a very bad Cincinnati team was held to -10 yards rushing last weak, so it won't be a walk in the park. The linebackers prevent the long gains. The secondary is formidable, but the same very bad Cincinnati team managed 198 yards passing, so they aren't invincible. Establish the run, focusing on the weak middle. Keep the Buckeye offense off the field with a ball control offense.


The Buckeyes are very good but believe it or not, they are still fairly young. We can hang with the starters, but the OSU depth is superior. Getting an early lead and hanging on will be our best shot. Expect them to have a big 4th quarter as fatigue sets in for our ballclub.

[vex]

Defensive Recruiting Strategy

Current Recruits

DE Richard Feliciano (Call) Let's keep after this Texan.

DE Chris Ansell (Call) He says he is into academics, but it looks more like he's a prestige guy trying to sound good on the phone to please his momma.

DT Allen Castillo (Call) I would like to visit, but for one guy, it's not worth it.

DT Leonard Compton (None) Indiana is going to be too tough to beat here IMO.

DT Melvin Salcido (None) Give it up, Stanford wants the guy and he;s already visiting there.

ILB Junior Loomis (Call) - Let's give it a week and see who enters the picture. I think we may have a shot against Oklahoma because they are going after another ILB as well.

OLB Sammie Richardson (Visit) Hopefully he'll want to stay close to home.

CB Darren Miner (Call) Things are looking extremely good here at the moment.

CB Wade Copperfield (Call) We're his only offer at the moment. We just have to hope LSU or Nebraska don't offer.

S Ralph Phillips (Visit & Request visit and offer if he's better than scouted. If he isn't, just forget him)

New Recruits

OLB Clarence Anthony (NC) - Visit...then req. vsit and offer if he's BTS.

ILB J.B. Stephenson (NC) - Visit...then req. vsit and offer if he's BTS.

DT Marty McWilliams (CA) - Call, Req. Visit, & Offer .....don't actually visit

DT Edwin Slattery (CA) - Call

CB Lawrence Rasmussen (OH) - Call

CB Edward Fleming (NC) - Visit....then req. visit and offer if he's BTS.

That's it for the defense. Obviously we may not be able to get to all of these guys since we have to recruit for the offense too, but let's make sure and contact our current recruits and add some new names to the list too.

[cthomer5000]

Originally Posted by vexroid

I'm still waiting for reports from the position coaches.

cthomer, I was wondering if you have any recruits you want to visit out in Cali. I've got quite a few players I'd like to visit sometime so I figure it would be best to set up a Cali recruiting trip some week if that works for you.

I'll take a look when I get home tonight and post.

Moving forward, I think the group might want to find a permanent replacement for me though. Someone just got canned here at work, and I'm basiclly shifting to a different department which is going to require a lot more of my time (more overtime work, etc). So i'm going to be without game access a lot more than I was previously (at least in the short term).

I'll be more than happy to keep giving input, I just feel like i'm going to be letting people down with my lack of time to dedicate to this. sorry...

[Buzzbee]

Dynasty. Losing. Steam.

[CraigSca]

I'm going to be running this week's sim this morning. In the future I'm going to work off our schedule and if I don't receive word from everyone I'll "fill-in" as the head coach.

[cthomer5000]

Well, a 90 minute train delay last night effectively stole my TCY time, so.... "i've got nothing." I think you'll be flying blind on the offensive recruiting.

Again, I need to be replaced.

[CraigSca]

Vex,

I was able to get in the majority of your calls/visits/request visits this week. I did a little offensive recruiting of my own, but I'm not entirely happy with it.

Here's the latest from this week, in the typical garbage format:

Position	Name	Rank	By Position	Phone/Visit	Further Action	This Week	Initial Reaction	Response to Visit	Coaches Impression	Decision Criteria
CB	Wade Copperfield	180	12	2/1		called	a little surprised		Better than scouted	Prest*/Dist
WR	Antoine O'Donnell	63	6	1/0			delighted, pleased about major, didn't like OC			Acad*/Dist
TE	Jimmy Cunningham	115	5	1/0			surprised, pleased about his major			Acad*/Prest
T 	Bo Blackwell	272	40	2/1			a little surprised, pleased about major, very happy to see teammate on roster		Better than scouted	Acad*/Prest
T	Carlton Grevan	383	59	2/0			mildly pleased, pleased about major	will consider, doesn't think he will accept		Acad/Dist
G	Shane Sanderson	529	61	1/1		visited	a little surprised, didn't like OC	will consider, doesn't think he will accept	a little worse than scouted	Prest*/Dist
G	Mack Moorthy	336	36	1/1		visited	surprised, extremely excited about proximity, happy to see teammate, didn't like OC	will give our invitation strong consideration	a little worse than scouted	Dist/Acad
DE	Chris Ansell	2	1	2/2			surprised, pleased about his major, didn't like DC at all	strongly considering Clemson, doesn't think he will accept	quite a bit better than scouted	Acad/Prest
DE	Richard Feliciano	8	3	3/2	NO	called	surprised, pleased about his major, didn't like DC very much	will consider, doesn't think he will accept	Better than scouted	Acad/Prest
DT	Bo Connolly	43	1	1/1			surprised, pleased about his major		a little worse than scouted	Acad*/Dest
CB	Darren Miner	156	9	2/1		called	positively delighted, pleased about major, didn't like DC at all	will consider, doesn't think he will accept	Better than scouted	Acad*/(dist)
DT	Leonard Compton	475	20	0/1			mildly pleased, pleased about major, didn't like DC at all	will consider, doesn't think he will accept	a little worse than scouted	Acad*/dist
DT	Melvin Salcido	462	19	1/0			overjoyed	will consider, doesn't think he will accept		Prest/Dist
OLB	Richard Fairly	61	7	1/0			surprised, didn't like DC very much			
OLB	Sammie Richardson	155	14	0/2		visited	a little surprised, pleased about major	will consider, doesn't think he will accept	better than scouted	Acad*/Prest
ILB	Junior Loomis	40	5	2/0		called	surprised, didn't like DC at all	will consider, doesn't think he will accept		Prest*/Acad
S	Ralph Phillips	518	30	1/1		visited	a little surprised, didn't like DC at all		a little worse than scouted	Prest/Acad
DT	Allen Castillo	232	6	2/0		called	happy, mildly pleased about proximity	will consider, doesn't think he will accept		Dist/Acad
TE 	Corey Adams	702	34	1/0		called	mildly pleased, extremely excited about proximity, likes OC, dream to play for us	will almost certainly accept invitation		Dist/Prest
RB	Mario Burgesss	242	21	0/1		visited	happy, pleased about major	will consider, doesn't think he will accept	Better than scouted	Acad/Dist
OLB	Clarence Anthony	497	26	0/1		visited	happy, pleased about major	will consider, doesn't think he will accept	Better than scouted	Acad*/Dist
ILB	J.B. Stephenson	358	23	0/1		visited	mildly pleased, didn't like DC at all	will consider, doesn't think he will accept	Better than scouted	Prest/Acad
CB	Edward Fleming	291	22	0/1		visited	mildly pleased, pleased about major, didn't like DC at all	will consider, doesn't think he will accept	Better than scouted	Acad/Dist
DT	Marty McWilliams	350	10	1/0		called	a little surprised			Prest/Acad
QB	Nate Fink	57	4	1/0		called	mildly pleased, pleased about academics			Acad/Dist
CB	Lawrence Rasmussen	344	26	1/0		called	seemed happy, pleased about major, didn't like DC at all			Acad/Dist
DT	Edwin Slattery	624	28	1/0		called	extremely happy, pleased about major			Acad*/Dist

No upsets as far as conference play, and (of course) Ohio State slaughtered Marshall, 41-13. I will be simming our game against them on Monday morning.

[CraigSca]

I'll ask internally first - anyone wanna move from position coach to offensive recruiting coordinator?

[CraigSca]

Hey, we got our first two visits! A TE (Corey Adams, #702 nationally) who idolizes us and G Mack Moorthy (#280 nationally).

DTs Castillo and Feliciano still aren't visiting anyone and neither are our CB candidates Darren Miner and Wade Copperfield.

[vex]

I'm not so pleased with my week of recruiting either.

[Raven Hawk]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

Hey, we got our first two visits! A TE (Corey Adams, #702 nationally) who idolizes us and G Mack Moorthy (#280 nationally).

DTs Castillo and Feliciano still aren't visiting anyone and neither are our CB candidates Darren Miner and Wade Copperfield.

Let's notify the local strip club that recruits are starting to visit. Tell them just to charge it to our account.

[Raven Hawk]

The Offensive Line looks like its in good shape for Ohio State. I'd say bump up starter's playing time by 2 pts for LT, LG, C, and RG. Bump it up 1 point for RT.

[vex]

If any of the defensive position coaches have a recruit we should go after, give me a shout before 12 or so tonight because that's when I'll put up the next week of contacts.

[Balldog]

I'll submit gameplan early Monday morning.

[MikeVick7]

Are we still playing the game on Monday since the board was down all weekend? If so...here is the gameplan vs Ohio State:

Defensive Gameplan vs Ohio State

Primary Formation: 3-4

Depth Chart

Defensive Line - (Playing Time)
LE - Blaine Finch (3)
RE - CJ Schmaltz (6)
DE3 - Timothy Carter
DE4 - Mario Beethoven

NT - David Finley (5)
DT2 - Myron Branch (3)
DT3 - Ian Lynnwood
DT4 - Harold Alston

Linebackers
SILB - Herman Sanderson (6)
WILB - Neal Hollins (7)
ILB3 - Ethan Alexander
ILB4 - Marcus Perez

SOLB - Steve Durham (4)
WOLB - Thurman Arnswaldt (4)
OLB3 - Lorenzo Roberts
OLB4 - Leslie Davis

*Orient LB by Weak/Strong

Defensive Backs
CB1 - Ralph Spaulding (5)
CB2 - Henry Westbrook (5)
CB3 - Jorge Montgomery
CB4 - AJ McKenzie
CB5 - Jessie Cortez

SS - OJ Brooks (6)
FS - Bubba Flynn (7)
S3 - Roy Murphy
s4 - Jessie Cortez

Orient CB by placing top CB against top WR
Double Cover top WR - 30
Double Cover 2nd best WR - 30


Run Expectation
First Down  - (84/82/68/51)
Second Down - (84/75/54/47)
Third Down  - (85/35/25/30)
Fourth Down - (87/34/20/32)

Tendencies
Goal Line - 50
Nickel Package - 50
Tendency to blitz - 60
Dime Package - 50
Prevent Package - 30
Blitz multiple players - 60

Blitz percentage by position
WOLB - 20
WILB - 10
SILB - 30
SOLB - 15
CB1 - 0
CB2 - 0
SS - 20
FS - 5

Pass Coverage in normal situations
Man to Man - 45
Bump & Run - 10
2-Deep Zone - 25
3-Deep Zone - 10
4-Deep Zone - 10

[vex]

I guess if we have the gameplans and recruiting in by monday morning, we're all systems go.

[vex]

Dola

Is anyone going to take over the offensive recruiting coordinator position?

[vex]

Defensive Recruiting Strategy - Week 4

Current Recruits

DL

Richard Feliciano DE - Phone (We're actually still in the drivers seat here)

Chris Ansell DE - None (It just isn't looking good here, sorry Quik.)

Allen Castillo DT - Phone (This could be rough, K-State is on him now, he's from Oklahoma and he favors distance, so this seems to have taken a turn for the worse.

Leonard Compton DT - None (Only phone or visit if we have extra after everything else)

Melvin Salcido DT - None (Let's wait, watch and see what happens with him and Stanford.)

Edwin Slattery DT - None (He looks like he's going to stay in Cali)

Bo Connolly DT - None (Still Visiting Michigan)

Marty McWilliams DT - Phone (Let's stay after him, passively.)

LB

J.B. Stephenson ILB - Visit (This guy is going to be tougher to grab than expected)

Junior Loomis ILB - Phone (Let's stay after this guy)

Clarence Anthony OLB - None (Looks like Wake is going to get a stud)

Sammie Richardson OLB - Visit (Hopefully, Colorado is too far away for him)

Richard Fairley OLB - None (Looks like a Bulldog)

DB

Darren Miner CB - Phone (Hopefully we can keep him home)

Edward Fleming CB - Visit (We are looking really good here IMO)

Wade Copperfield CB - Visit (Could he be the other part of an awesome CB tandem?)

Lawrence Rasmussen CB - Phone (Let's stay in contact this week and see what happens with Fleming and Copperfield)

Ralph Phillips S - None - We shouldn't have even gone after him in the first place.



New Recruits

I had a lot typed out, but I lost it, luckily I had saved the current recruits typeup.


Casey Batista DT - Visit...Req. Visit & Offer if he's BTS.

Jim Winters S - Visit...Req. Visit & Offer if he's BTS.

Keith Banks OLB - Visit...Req. Visit & Offer if he's BTS.



Code

Blue Text = Top priority this week.
Green Text = Still an important player, but either the odds aren't good or we have a better shot elsewhere.
Orange Text = It would be nice to phone this player, but if phones or visits are limited, this player can go a week w/o being contacted.
Red Text = Forget it.

[Balldog]

OFFENSIVE GAME PLAN VS. OHIO STATE
Official

Depth Chart - QB / RB / RCV	
					PT
QB1	Spragan, Kenny			8
QB2	Amaya, Justin		
QB3	Walk-on		
			
FB1	Sweeney, Earnest		6
FB2	Hickman, Clyde
FB3			
			
FL	Brodie, Trent			4
SE	Wertz, Kenneth			4
WR	Clark, Donald		
WR	Forbes, Earl		
WR	Harmon, Julio		
			
TE1	Mackie, Jack			6
TE2	Gilman, Kevin		
TE3	Rivers, Rob		
			
RB1	Macri, Orlando			2
RB2	Linquist, Gino		
RB3	Ramirez, BJ		
3rd	Macri, Orlando		
			
Depth Chart - OL / Kicking		
					PT
LT	Lentzner, Newt			8
LG	Matthews, Nathan		7
C	Bednarsh, Ricky			8
RG	Wayne, Cedric			6
RT	Miller, Kevin			4
B T	Frederick, Hugh		
B T	Morton, Bobby		
B G	Buckner, Glenn		
B G	Everett, Adrian		
B C	Walk-on

OFFENSIVE GAMEPLAN

Running percentage in normal situations
		
		1-2	3-7	8-10	11+ 
1st Dwn		57	55	48	44
2nd Dwn		67	51	60	38	
3rd Dwn		58	23	18	19
4th Dwn		59	0	0	0

Tendencies

Willingness to go for it on 4th Dwn:  50%
Willingness to run the ball inside the opponent's 20:  60%

Run direction by percentage

	LE	LT	LG	C	RG	RT	RE
	8	16	21	20	19	8	8

Pass distance attempt by percentage in normal situations

	Scr	1-10	11-20	21-30	31+
	10	45	32	8	5

Run Details

Finesse runs as a percentage of running plays

		1-2	3-7	8-10	11+
1st Dwn		18	21	16	0
2nd Dwn		14	12	10	0
3rd Dwn		8	9	0	0	
4th Dwn		0	0	0	0

Tendencies

Use of option running plays: 0%

Percentage of overall carries by position

	RB	FB	QB	WB
	95	5	0	0

[CraigSca]

Sweet guys...I just got back from a all-morning doctor's appt. for my son and I'm heading to the train in about 15 mins. I'll sim and post tonight...

[CraigSca]

Also, since no one has requested moving up to offensive recruiting coordinator, I'm going to offer it to mckerney, since he was next in line for a spot.

[CraigSca]

I printed out all the details of the offensive and defensive game plans so I could input the parameters on the train tonight. Unfortunately, my printer refused to print the percentage of passes at the various distances (the printout was truncated). Therefore, though I knew Balldog wished to "open it up", I decided it was best to keep our parameters the same as week 1. Also, my recruiting spreadsheet is on my other PC. I tried to email myself the file so I could add to it, but it didn't come across successfully. Because of this, the recruiting spreadsheet only lists new recruits we contacted this week, as well as recruits who are no longer influenced by additional phone calls/visits. Vexroid, I was able to phone/visit everyone you wanted.

Pos	Name	National	Pos Rank	Phone/Visit	Preferences	Init Reaction	Reaction to Visit Request
DT	Casey Batista	422	15	0/1	Acad/Prest	thanked us for visit, didn't like DC at all, better than scouted	probably will accept invitation
S	Jim Winters			0/1	Dist/Acad	delighted to receive attention, mildly pleased about proximity, didn't like DC very much, better than scouted	probably will accept invitation
OLB	Keith Banks	596	34	0/1	Dist/Acad	happy to receive visit, mildly pleased by proximity, worse than scouted	
FB	Perry Hughes	799	13	1/0		overjoyed, mildly pleased about proximity	probably will accept invitation
DE	Richard Feliciano	no longer need to contact					
OLB	Sammie Richardson	no longer need to contact					

[CraigSca]

Ohio State (2-0) at North Carolina State (1-0), no TV

In their first two games, #6 Ohio State has defeated their two opponents by a combined score of 82-23. Ohio State currently leads the country in rushing (296.5 ypg) and is #6 in rushing defense (6.5 ypg). In only our 2nd game, we face a top 10 team. How will the Wolfpack fare?

It’s a rainy, 45-degree Saturday here in Raleigh, North Carolina. The referees greet the captains of both teams at midfield. North Carolina State wins the toss and elects to receive. A roar is heard from the 53,400-strong Wolfpack faithful. They’ve been tailgating since 6am this morning, and the crowd has turned raucous as they anxiously await an upset of the vaunted Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes line up on the field for the kickoff, and we are ready. Watson kicks the ball 6 yards deep into the N.C. State end zone, and Kenneth Wertz risks it by attempting a return. He is stopped on the 18 yard line, and that’s where the Wolfpack will begin their first drive.

[CraigSca]

On first and 10 from the 18, Ohio State comes out in a 50 alignment and the call goes to Orlando Macri. Macri runs off left tackle and is immediately stopped for a 1 yard loss. On 2nd and 11 Spragan attempts his first pass of the day and connects with Kenneth Wertz for an 8 yard gain. This brings up a pivotal 3rd and 3 as the Wolfpack need the momentum at the beginning of the game to even contemplate an upset. A screen is called to Orlando Macri, he bobs and weaves but is only able to get 2 yards and it’ll be 4th and long 1. N.C. State has to be disappointed, but they have to feel they CAN move the football against this team. McCarthy gets the call on the punt, it travels 38 yards and a fair catch is called at the Ohio State 35. 12:37 left in the 1st.

[CraigSca]

Now, it’s a chance for the Wolfpack to face the #1 running attack in the nation. On 1st and 10 Mercury Schneider runs around the left end through a giant hole. 32 yards later, he’s finally dragged down by OLB Steve Durham. Hmm…this is not a good sign. On the next play Schneider takes it again, but is stopped when Herman Sanderson reads the play – 2 yard gain. 2nd and 8 – same play again, this time Schneider is successful and gains 6 yards, bringing up a huge 3rd and 2 at the N.C. State 25. The FB Omar Hardy gets the call and it’s read perfectly by the linebacking duo of Sanderson and Arnswaldt – 3 yard loss! Note: all 4 plays run by Ohio State have been to the left side. I wonder if MikeVick will be making adjustments?  4th and 5 at the NCSU 28 – does Ohio State go for it, or kick the field goal? They’re going for it! QB Jim Horton fades back and throws to Howard, OLB Steve Durham steps in front to bat the ball away and the ball is turned over on downs! On the sideline, head coach Craigsca is seen congratulating MikeVick on a great defensive stop. 10:08 left in the 1st quarter.

[vex]

Nice stop!

[CraigSca]

Since Orlando Macri was stopped on the first drive, Balldog puts the call into Gino Linquist to get a carry. Ohio State is blitzing and Linquist rides the block of Newt Lentzner around the left end for a huge gain of 15 yards. The partisan crowd in Raleigh roars as the Wolfpack get their first 1st down of the day. 1st and 10 at the N.C. State 43. Ohio State again blitzes two linebackers, as Spragan attempts the pass to Trent Brodie. This ball falls harmlessly incomplete as it was well-defended by the cornerback. 2nd and 10. No blitz this time, but facing a 2-deep zone, Spragan again passes, this time to Kenneth Wertz. Again, a heads-up play by an Ohio State cornerback defends the pass and brings up a 3rd and 10. Ohio State seems to be blitzing a lot (perhaps suggesting a big play in the future?) and this time they call on a safety blitz. Spragan connects with Trent Brodie, but he’s brought down by the linebacker after a short 3 yard gain. N.C. State will have to punt. 44 yard punt, 3 yard return…Ohio State starts on their own 13, 8:18 left in the 1st.

Ohio State again begins with a run, but they try to get cute this time calling for a trap. The SS OJ Brooks cheats and stops Horton for no gain! 2nd and 10. Horton tries to take it himself on the next play and is dropped for a 2 yard loss by OJ Brooks (again) and Thurman Arnswaldt. 3rd and 12! Horton drops back to pass and Mario Beethoven blast past his block, dropping Horton for the sack! The 6 yard loss on the play brings up a 4th and 18 for Ohio State on their own 5! Looks like good field position for the Wolfpack, barring any mistakes. A horrible 26 yard punt, and a 12 yard return by Kenneth Wertz means N.C. State STARTS on the OSU 19! WILB Neal Hollins is injured on the play, but it doesn’t say it’s serious. Let’s cross our fingers. 6:40 left in the 1st.

[CraigSca]

Huge, huge, huge series for N.C. State here….a touchdown would be almost a requirement, a FG a minor disappointment. No points would be a disaster. On 1st and 10, Orland Macri gets the ball and finds a small hole for a 5 yard gain. Newt Lentzner knocked the opposing defender flat (2nd good block by Lentzner in the game). 2nd and 5. A handoff to Gino Linquist nets 5 yards and a first down – Kevin Miller gets the KRB. 1st and goal at the 9! Balldog elects to pass on 1st down, and Spragan finds RB Clyde Hickman in the flat for a 3 yard gain. 2nd and goal at the 6. Gino Linquist gets the call again and is stopped for a 1 yard loss after trying to go around the right end. 3rd and goal at the 7. Big call here…what will it be? Not surprisingly, it’s a pass. Spragan fades back and sees his first target is double-covered….he bides a little time by moving in the pocket and then makes his decision – a pass to true freshman backup TE Kevin Gilman. Spragan throws into Gilman’s outstretched hands for the 9 yard TD pass! Allen’s kick is good, and N.C. State has a 7-0 lead over #6 Ohio State with 4:25 left in the 1st quarter!

[vex]

We're leading!!!