Filed under: NC State, South Florida, ACC, Big East
Like any blogger, I like a little smack talk between teams. Both the intended, and unintended. Either way, it generally makes for a good post game interview because someone always loses. But what I don't understand is why Tom O'Brien thought he needed to take a shot at South Florida's defense since the two teams don't play this year.
USF's defense took a shot from N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien last week when he told reporters he saw no reason to consult with the Bulls about stopping the spread offense...
"Did you watch them against Oregon?" O'Brien asked, referencing the Ducks' 56-21 trouncing of the Bulls in the Sun Bowl in El Paso. "Go look at that game. That was the spread that they were defending. I'm not saying anything about South Florida's defense, but if they're the gurus, we'd better go somewhere else."
Is he right? Kind of. Something did happen to the South Florida defense toward the end of the year. They weren't nearly the same unit that was shutting down Auburn and West Virginia at the beginning of the season when they faced Oregon. But the fact still remains that they did have a lot of success last year before the wheels feel off. Another fact that they would like everyone to remember is that Tom O'Brien and NC State were watching that game because they didn't make a bowl last year.
"Here's the way I feel about it: He's right. We're not gurus," Burnham said. "On the other hand, we try to handle things professionally and not say anything ... with class, not say anything about anyone else's coaching staff. He can say what he wants to. The other thing, I forget what bowl game they were in. That's all I've got to say."-USF defensive coordinator Wally Burnham
Zing! Although the chances are slim, it is possible that these two teams could meet in a bowl game this year. Provided NC State can do something they haven't done in a while, have a winning season. No, Phillip Rivers doesn't play here anymore.
