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History Repeats Itself
by Rick Fields
Sep 25, 2005
Well, that's why you play the game
they say and sure enough, another rivalry game that looked horrible
on paper turned out to be a nail-biter going to the underdog yet
again. In a game that had all analysts and fans asking not whether
the Pack would win but by HOW MUCH would they win, Bunting and the
Tar Heels had a different ending in mind.
Some interesting things pop out at you
when you analyze the game.
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NC State's defense was ranked #1
in the country last year yet in key games against Miami and UNC,
the defense was unable to stop the opponent's offense becoming
porous in different facets of the game. Miami had a
pipeline to big plays on Brock Berlin's arm and the Tar Heels
ran the ball all evening long against the Pack's heralded
defense.
Looks like lightning really can strike twice. UNC found a
running game somehow and managed to crank out an impressive 181
total rushing yards against what many analysts believe could be
the #1 front four in the country.
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NC State's amazing depth at the
running back position was no help whatsoever as the Wolfpack
amassed a measely 29 total yards of rushing. Of course,
that's considering Jay Davis's -51 in rushing due to his sacks
but anything under 100 yards of total rushing will simply not
get the job done.
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The penalty bug still
is biting this team. Another game and another 10+ penalty
infraction effort. This time, the Pack was flagged 11
times for 80 yards and as usual, many of the infractions came at
key junctures in the game.
The biggest question facing Pack
fans at this point is whether Amato can ever win the games that
count? With a losing record in ACC games, the heat is now on
and the pressure to produce is strong. Wolfpack Nation is
restless and moral victories will no longer cut it, it's now time to
produce.
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