The Rivalry

For all of the talk about Floridians dominating the NC State football roster, the Wolfpack has 52 players from the State of North Carolina. But only 12 of those 52 are listed on the two-deep chart. Of the 23 Wolfpackers from the Sunshine State, 16 are on the two-deep chart. Florida players still control the majority of the playing time and to them, beating Florida State or Miami means more than a win over North Carolina.

Earlier this week NC State coach Tom O'Brien spoke to his team about the State/Carolina rivalry. He told the Florida natives that the North Carolina natives helped them beat Miami last Saturday....Now he wants the Florida guys to return the favor and help the North Carolinians beat the Heels. It's been agonizing for the NC natives to walk off the field the last 3 years watching the Tar Heels celebrate another victory. "Aaawwww man. It's the worst feeling in the world, " said Henderson native and Wolfpack linebacker Ernest Jones.

On the Tar Heel side of the field, they have 42 players from North Carolina. A staggering 26 are listed on the light blue, two-deep chart.  Carolina's basketball rivalry clearly points in Duke's direction but in football, the Heels love nothing more than beating NC State.

Rivalry aside, Saturday's 97th meeting means more than bragging rights. There are bowl implications. A Carolina loss and their bowl hopes are flushed. A loss by State still keeps them in the hunt but they would have to win at Wake Forest and at home against Maryland.

Another element that defines the magnitude of this game. IT'S ON TV!!! Remember those years when none of the TV packages included the Heels and Pack?? Granted, the two football programs haven't grown into ESPN interest but at least you can watch the game on the telly. One more thing...the game is at noon on WRAL-TV. (That plug will earn me an extra bag of chips) Enjoy the game!!! I'll have my pick Friday night on the 11pm news.