ACC Tournament Championships

Just for fun, let’s look at the number of ACC Championships won by each team in the league:

Duke: 16
UNC:  15
NC State:  10
Wake: 4
Ga Tech/Maryland: 3
Virginia/So. Carolina: 1

League titles since 1990:

Duke: 8
UNC: 4
Wake: 2
Ga Tech/Maryland: 1

For those with even the most elementary of math skills, the pre-Les Robinson numbers:

UNC:11
NC State: 10
Duke:8

Just food for thought for any that believe we cannot compete.

It’s Officially Basketball Season

At 11:15 PM on Wednesday November 22, basketball season has officially began.  I know the NBA started a few weeks ago.  I know our beloved Wolfpack have started 3-0, but as I sit and watch ESPN2 I got a familiar feeling in my gut. 

The 2nd ranked team in the nation is down a dozen vs. the number 23 team and begins to make a run.  Cut to the crowd and there’s a sea of sweater clad accountants.  The burning begins in my gut. 

Another basket by the favorite.  Cut to a chubby tough guy in a pastel blue hoody mouthing “that’s what I’m talking about” over and over.  The feeling intensifies, but I can’t quite place it.

The favorites continue the run by taking a charge.  Cut to the sidelines and the Too-tanned-for-November coach and his silk tie screaming at his team.

Then the whistles start blowing.  Offensive foul.  Double dribble.  Defensive Foul.

Then, an epiphany.  I recognize the feeling.  It’s hate.  It’s hate for all things Carolina.  Hate for all things blue.  Hate for all things Roy.  Hate for 7′ mouth-breating centers that don’t blink.  Hate for Kenny Smith and Vince Carter.  Hate for the well and the bell and the stone walls.

Seven months ago after the George Mason game, I put the hate away for the summer.  Now it’s back, and like and old sweatshirt, it fits as snug as ever. 

Week 12 in the NFL

Damn, last week was brutal. Late games did me wrong (Note to self: Never bet against Football Jesus). I think I’m still in the plus for the season so far. Turkey day means Thursday football. So here are my picks:

Miami -2.5 At Detroit

I just don’t get John Kitna. Cost me a W this week with a gaudy 6 points. Harrington throwing a lot and the Dolphins has covered 3 straight weeks. Fins will cover.

Tampa Bay At Dallas -11

The Cowgirls are finally playing Parcell’s D. Big D covers against the Rice-less Bucs.

Denver At Kansas City -1

The Broncos haven’t covered in a while. At Arrowhead, they won’t again. KC wins it by 3.

Jacksonville -3 At Buffalo

Jags are the strangest team in the AFC. And this may as well be pick ‘em. Losing Darius will mean a big game for Lee Evans and Losman. Jags Def. are mediocre away from home. Bills win 2nd straight.

Houston At NY Jets -6

Penny and the Jets will rebound at home against the Texans.

Pittsburgh At Baltimore -3

Big Ben and the Steelers are mounted a run, perhaps. Baltimore is not an easy place to win, unless you’re the Thundercats. Steelers pull a minor upset, 16-13.

Cincinnati -3 At Cleveland

So this is what happens when you throw long…to 85…a lot. Marvin Lewis a good coach? I think not. But the Bungals get one in the backyard brawl.

Arizona At Minnesota -6

Zona has decent defensive parts. But losing Berry is huge. He’s perhaps the most underrated pass rusher in the game. Fitzgerald will get back into the game. They won’t win, but take Zona.

San Francisco At St. Louis -5.5

All of the sudden, the 49ers are the team to beat in their conference. Gore is the next big thing not named LT. San Fran by 10.

New Orleans At Atlanta -3

I thought about trying out for a DB position for the Falcons. Then I realized that the Falcons are bunch of losers. Vick is the worst QB in the league. Yes, that’s right, the WORST. He has an O-line that cut-blocks with the best of them, 3 1st round WRs, Warrick Dunn’s 1200 yards, and Alge. You telling me that he can’t consistently get to the playoffs? Here’s an idea Mora Jr., START SCHAUB! Not that I care. Ain’ts by 21.

Carolina -4.5 At Washington NO PICK

Incidentally, 4.5 point against the Skins is an insult. Go Cats!

Chicago At New England -3

Matchup of the week, hands down. You will see the Pats do something that no one in the league dare to do, run the ball against Da Bears. And they will have success. Marony will go for 150 and a TD. .

Philadelphia At Indianapolis -9.5

Without Donovan, the Eagles are toast. Indoor, Westbrook will be effective, but Garcia won’t be (see his years in the Silverdome). Indy covers.

NY Giants -3 At Tennessee

I don’t see Eli sucking for another game, especially against the Titans. Titans will run all over the Giants. But in the end, Tiki will be the difference. Giants gets their 7th win.

Oakland At San Diego -13

Never again will I defy our lord and savior. FJ and the Natural (LT) by 3TDs.

Green Bay At Seattle -10

Favre is dinged up on Monday night, take the Packers.

There it is, my week 12 picks. I’d also like to comment on the whole Chucky situation. CHUCK HIM! That’s all, thank you and happy Turkey Day.

Section 30’s Official Stance on Wolfpack Coach Chuck Amato

After much deliberation and intoxication, we here at Section 30 are ready to weigh-in on the “internet rumors” of Chuck Amato being on the “hot seat.” We here at Section 30 strenuously object to the heating of Coach Amato’s seat. Coach Amato’s performance over the past 3 years in no way warrants a “hot” seat.

Here at Section 30, we feel that Chuck’s seat status be immediately changed from “hot” to “empty.”

For the sake our program, our nerves, and our unrelenting desire to make it through a football game with cursing the heavens, we feel that Chuck Amato should be removed from his position as head coach of the NC State Wolfpack and resume his position as spokesperson/figurehead of the McDonald’s fast food restaurant chain.

-Section 30

Dear Chuck

Hi Chuck, it’s me, Worm, from Section 30 Row Y Seat 5 (and 6).

That doesn’t ring a bell? I’m one of the kids that have bought season tickets the last four years and given what I could to the Wolfpack Club to help build that palace of an office or allow you to cruise around in that flashy Corvette?

Still don’t remember me? I’m one of those two skinny kids that drove down from Charlotte to Clemson and back to watch us handle the Tiggers on a Thursday night and get to 9-0. I’ve been to 3 of your 5 bowl games, including the one last year we really didn’t deserve.

Didn’t help? I’m one of the three not-quite-as-skinny kids that drove down to Atlanta and fell asleep in the stands while your team laid an egg in Bobby Dodd in 2003.
Memory still a little fuzzy? I’m one of “you people”.

I thought that would do it. How have you been? I can’t say I’m pleased with how things have gone for the Pack this year. Or last year. Or even the one before that. What’s going on up there in the Capital City? Things haven’t been good since Young Man Rivers left. Under your tutelage he went from being nothing to one of the best quarterbacks in the world. Just look at him now! He’s taken your teachings to the next level and now Peter King can’t stay off of his jock.

Now Coach, I know this isn’t all your fault. You’ve faced a lot of challenges in the past few years. First of all, how could the team concentrate at practice with all of that construction going on with the new stadium “improvements.”

Some of the blame has to go to the assistant coaches, right? Is it your fault they can’t handle the pressure and run away at any sign of turmoil? Is it your fault that we’ve had 4 different OC’s in the past 7 years? Or 3 different defensive coordinators? No way. Who needs them if they’re just going to shrink in the face of adversity.

And what about the players? I figure they have to take a big portion of the blame. Look at Mario, Manny, and McCargo all getting drafted in the first round of the draft. They must’ve been saving themselves for the season as a way to stay fresh for the draft combine. They sure weren’t that good wearing the Red and White. And what about these quarterbacks? I mean, you made Rivers into what he is, but the Davises, Stones and Evanses have just simply let you down. They obviously have talent, you wouldn’t have recruited them otherwise, would you?

And don’t even get me started on those UNC refs and those ticky-tack penalties. I mean, there’s holding on every play, but it only gets called on us. I guess Mr Swofford has just got it in for us.
I know, I know, wait until next year. I’m stoked. I’ve been reading on PackPride about the killer recruiting class we’ve got coming in next year. That receiver Soandso and that defensive back Whatshisname are just what we need to turn the corner. The O-Line and Linebacking corp seem to be a little thin, but I’m sure you’ll be able to switch over some of those washed up D linemen or convert a running back or two.

Keep up the good work Chuck and keep reeling in those 3 star players! All the best against ECU!!!

-Worm

Seventeen

“With a first-year quarterback playing, the Chargers have come back from 21- and 17-point deficits on the road to beat playoff teams in successive weeks. With Philip Rivers under center, San Diego has put up 49 points on Cincinnati and 35 on Denver and taken the mantel from Indianapolis as the game’s most exhilarating offense.”
Peter King, Sports Illustrated