Pack looks forward to rivalry game

The football team will compete in its ninety-eighth game against UNC-Chapel Hill Saturday, a series which began in 1894. The Wolfpack is coming off a two-game win streak with the chance to go undefeated against Division I teams from North Carolina this season. Coach Tom O’Brien said he understands the importance of the game to Wolfpack fans.

“It’s always fun to have games like this, because it’s so important to the community and to the school,” O’Brien said. “Certainly, that’s all the players hear about all week.”

Senior halfback Andre Brown said he is very familiar with what the game means to N.C. State. Brown, who is from Greenville, said the team’s intensity is always elevated the week before the Carolina game.

“Soon after we beat Wake Forest [O’Brien] said, ‘This is Carolina week,'” Brown said. “I think everybody knows what’s at stake. Some of the freshman guys are from North Carolina, and they know what it means to them. They try to instill some of that into the [out-of-state freshmen] guys, how big this game is.”

For Brown, the game will be his last against the Tarheels. Brown was sidelined with injury during the Pack’s 31-27 victory last season. He said he is looking forward to contributing to the team’s effort this year.

“I was in the tunnel watching the game,” Brown said. “It wanted to just go out there, throw on my equipment and at least get one play so I can feel like I was a part of it.”

After allowing several game-changing fourth quarter touchdowns during the four-game losing streak in the middle of the season, State’s defense came up with big stops and goal-line stands throughout the victory against Wake Forest on Saturday. Sophomore defensive end Markus Kuhn said the defense is gaining its confidence back after being challenged during the losing streak.

“When it comes down to short-yardage defense, its pretty much about the attitude,” O’Brien said. “It’s about who wants it more, who wants the stop and who wants the touchdown. It’s a great feeling as a defensive player if the offense for the other team is trying to get in the touchdown or trying to get the extra inch to get the first down, and we just keep on stopping them. Things like that can change a game.”

The Wolfpack (4-6, 2-4 ACC) are still not eliminated from postseason play. State must reach six wins, and with only two games left, a loss would end their postseason hopes. Brown said the team is still focused on trying to reach a bowl game.

“If we lose, we can’t go to a postseason bowl game,” Brown said. “I want to be around these guys. I want to be with them over the holidays, because this is a good team and I love the unity and the bond that we have here.”