Technician Online

October 7th, 2008

Thursday brings another road test

By Samuel T.O. Branch on October 7th, 2008

Thursday night the women’s soccer team will face the Clemson Tigers in the last road test on a four game ACC road trip. So far this season, N.C. State has not won on the road, standing at 0-5. On the bright side, past this game at Clemson, only one of the Wolfpack’s games is on the road for the rest of the season. The team remains undefeated at home at 8-0. Katie Ruiz is back from an injury, and I think she will help this team improve.  Despite the 0-3 start in the ACC, the team still believes that they can compete. When State finally plays an ACC game at home over fall break, I think they have a great chance for success. The Clemson Tigers are also the worst team that the Pack have played so far in my opinion. I look for State to get back on the right track. My prediction for the Clemson game, 2-1 N.C. State.

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October 4th, 2008

1st Half Observations: NC State v. Boston College

By tcauten on October 4th, 2008

After being on the field for 10:35 in the first quarter, State’s defense got a rest in the second as Russell Wilson and the offense sustained a drive that lasted for more than eight minutes. State was only able to gain three points from the drive.

The two forced fumbles by State’s defense have really kept N.C. State in the game this afternoon.  This, along with Russell Wilson’s ability to make a play with his arm, his feet and most of the time with both have given the Pack the ability to compete.  Entering halftime only trailing by three and carrying the momentum could mean a promising second half for the Wolfpack.

The story of the game is still T.J. Graham’s performance in the return game.  On kickoffs he is averaging 56 yards per return and has a 100-yard return for a touchdown.

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October 4th, 2008

Pack getting dominated in the trenches, return-game keeps it competitive

By tcauten on October 4th, 2008

After one quarter, it appears the departure of senior quarterback Matt Ryan to the 2008 draft hasn’t helped the Pack’s chances at all. After starting the game by forcing Boston College to a three-and-out, the Wolfpack is trailing 21-7 and having trouble stopping the passing attack of senior quarterback Chris Crane and wide receivers Justin Jarvis and Rich Gunnell. State does not seem to be getting enough pressure on Crane, who is enjoying time to drop back and pick out holes in the Pack’s secondary.

The Pack seems to be getting beaten in the trenches on the offensive side of the ball as well. Unlike Crane, Wilson has had very little time to operate, making many of hist throws while on the run.

One of the bright spots for the Wolfpack has been the return game. T.J. Graham muffed the first punt of the game, but the return-game has been excellent on State’s three kickoff returns. Graham handed the ball off to J.C. Neal, who took it to the 39-yard line on the first return. Graham’s next return went deep into Boston College territory, and his last return just before the end of the quarter went for 100 yards, the longest in school history, and a touchdown.

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