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Monday, August 14
New leader of 'Pack has work to do

By Gregg Doyel
Special to ESPN.com

Season notes:

1999 record: 6-6 (3-5 ACC)
Coach: Chuck Amato
Returning starters: 13 (5 offense, 8 defense)

Outlook
Knute Rockne, he ain't. New Wolfpack coach Chuck Amato has spent his first eight months on the job -- the N.C. State alum was hired in early January after 18 seasons as an assistant at Florida State -- denigrating his team. He has mentioned the lack of talent, depth, speed and leadership. And for the most part, he has been right.

The Wolfpack will start two cornerbacks (converted receiver Julius Patterson and freshman J.J. Washington) who have never played a single college snap in the defensive backfield. Their quarterback is true freshman Philip Rivers. Four offensive linemen are new. The top two defensive ends are either hurt (Drew Wimsatt, out until October) or gone (Clint Johnson didn't return after making 10 starts last season). It goes on and on. Bottom line: The Wolfpack probably will go down before they go up under Amato.

Keep an eye on ...
The Robinsons. Junior tailback Ray Robinson -- Ray-Rob -- and sophomore receiver Koren Robinson -- K-Rob -- are the last two ACC offensive rookies of the year. Ray missed much of last season with leg injuries, but is 100 percent this year. Koren did a passable impersonation of former All-American Torry Holt, making 48 catches for 853 yards as a freshman.

It's a good season if ...
The Wolfpack beat North Carolina. Former N.C. State coach Mike O'Cain never beat the Tar Heels in seven years, which is the biggest reason why he's the former N.C. State coach. Wolfpack fans no doubt would settle for a 5-6 or even 4-7 first season of rebuilding under Amato, if one of those victories comes Oct. 14 in Chapel Hill.

Gregg Doyel covers the ACC for the Charlotte Observer

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