Posted: 12/2/2009 by Jed Williams
So honestly, how big is 28-27?
Well, put it this way, in one single point, Wolfpack Nation found something to hold onto.
Up until the fourth quarter last Saturday at Carter-Finley, the 2009 season had been nothing but “lemony snickets: a series of unfortunate events.” Injuries…blowouts…heartbreakers…more injuries…and not a thing to grab ahold of.
Until Clem Johnson nabbed T.J. Yates’ desperation final-minute heave, that is.
Now, for the first time in months (maybe longer), State has something to cling to: a moment in time, a shred of redemption, a bit of confidence, a ray of hope.
Tom O’Brien can sell his 3-0 mark against UNC's Butch Davis on the winter recruiting trail. Players take positive vibes into off-season conditioning. And State fans can wear that red proudly, without a bit of shame or apology.
All because a battered, beleaguered club that had lost six of seven not only treated a scrum with its Chapel Hill rivals with Super Bowl-caliber passion, but executed at a level high enough to actually capture the prize. Electric vertical passing plays. Timely, hard-hitting runs. Opportunistic D that rose to the 2nd half occasion.
But as the clock struck zero, O’Brien and company jubilantly marched into an off-season littered with uncertainty.
Will Russell Wilson be back for a third season under center, or will baseball dreams call him away? If they do, how ready is heralded triggerman Mike Glennon to step in?
Is State prepared to replace the running duo of Toney Baker and Jamelle Eugene, who complemented each other well? A special nod goes out to Baker, who battled through a catastrophic knee injury to become this team’s workhorse. He certainly toted it with force in his final college game.
How will Dana Bible’s health progress? What is his prognosis for returning to the staff? How will offensive chores be divvied up if he doesn’t? Obviously this issue far transcends football as we hold State’s offensive coordinator close to our hearts.
The defense…oh the defense. It’d better get better, especially along the backline, where far too many young players were rushed into action because of injury. What changes, not just in personnel, but in scheme and staff, must be made there?
Speaking of defense, will Nate Irving make a full return and be NATE IRVING again? Talk about a difference maker.
So, there are questions aplenty, and a looming eight months to start getting some answers after a 2009 season that everyone in the red and white can’t wait to forget.
But for one week at least N.C. State, stand back, look at that scoreboard, and hold on to 28-27.
Jed Williams
Jed@curtismedia.com