Tech Guaranteed a Win as BC Continues their Run

Another good week with a record of 4-1… like UVa, my luck is bound to change sometime… Hopefully not this week.

Thursday, Nov 1

7:30 PM

Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Ga.
TV: ESPN
GameTracker
ACC ISP Sports Radio Network
Call this one the Offensive Attrition Bowl (there are worse sounding bowl names). Georgia Tech is down to their third-string tailback after losing both Tashard Choice and Rashaun to injuries against Army. Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor is scheduled to return to the Hokie lineup after missing the BC game with a high ankle sprain. Both teams are allowing less than 100 yards per game of offense and are ranked in the top 15 in total defense, so don’t expect any offensive fireworks. Last week, Va Tech’s special teams and defense let them down during the stretch of the heart breaking loss to BC. Don’t count on that happening again. VT’s special teams and defense one again outscore their offense. VT 23-14

Saturday, Nov 3

12:00 PM

Wake Forest @ Virginia
Charlottesville, Va.
TV: R/LF
Livestats
The Deac’s played their own version of Beamer Ball against the Heels, while UVa came back to earth against the Wolfpack. Both teams likely need to win to keep pace in their divisional races. If the Deacs are able to contain Chris Long like the NC State did, the ‘Hoos are in for a long afternoon. UVa’s game notes point out the offensive success the ‘Hoos have had against the Deac’s in the last 20 years… This isn’t your grandfather’s Wake Forest defense. Look for the Deacs to further UVa’s return to reality. WFU 28-17

Clemson @ Duke
Durham, N.C.
Livestats
Seriously!? ACC Select didn’t even pick this one up. Keep in mind, Duke has a win against Clemson in the Ted Roof era, but don’t look for a repeat. Clemson 42-20

NC State @ Miami
Miami, Fla.
TV: ESPNU
GameTracker
The Pack has won two straight after their open date with the reemergence of the defensive line and some spectacular play from Daniel Evans. Miami is coming off of a bye week after a come from behind win against FSU. Miami specializes in forcing turnovers with 20 so far this season, while, with the exception of the last 2 games, NC State has specialized in turning the ball over. I’m not sure that Daniel Evan’s jump balls to Donald Bowens will be successful against Miami’s 20th ranked defense. If starting quarterback Kyle Wright is unable to go for the ‘Cane’s, this one could turn into a defensive battle. Miami 21-17

3:45 PM

Maryland @ North Carolina
Chapel Hill, N.C.
TV: ESPNU
GameTracker
Both teams are reeling after last week’s blowout losses, and need wins to keep out of their Divisions’ cellars. UNC’s special teams play coming off of their bye week was truly inspiring… for the Deacs. Maryland’s offense is suffering form the injury bug and their defense was absolutely shredded by Clemson’s offense. UNC QB T.J. Yates will need to keep the interceptions to a minimum in order for the Heels to have a chance. I would feel better about their chances if they had a running game. UMd 35-31

8:00 PM

Florida State @ Boston College
Chestnut Hill, Mass.
TV: ABC
GameTracker
Unfortunately for FSU, they're back in a spotlight game. Last week, they looked respectable against an undermanned Duke team, but I doubt their ability to avoid key mistakes against a quality opponent. BC has a lot to play for to say the least. The last 6 minutes of the VT game was truly the stuff of legends. Look for the Eagles to continue their run to Jacksonville. BC 35-21

I could never pull for BC

I'm almost sure I said something like this when Boston College joined the ACC. Virginia Tech is close to home and always seemed like the poor step-child, so a mix of pity and excitement over football potential helped me accept them. I ALWAYS hated Miami just because they were so damn good, but that has softened quite a bit. Surprising fact, the only school I applied to out of high-school other than NC State was Miami. So I've kind of accepted them. But BC was a different story. They were SO BIG EAST, so far away, so "different", how could a hard-core ACC fan on tobacco road ever pull for BC?

I got my answer last thursday. In a year where the ACC can't really claim to have many teams worth bowl games to be honest, the chance to have someone seriously in the national championship discussion and at least a longshot at a heisman is enough to turn even me into a BC Fan. OK, not a fan, but I was sure pulling for them. And as every true sports fan believes, if I hadn't have pulled for them, no way that miracle comeback happens.

Showdown in Blacksburg

Wow! 5-1 last week and 11-1 the last 2 weeks… Time to head to Vegas.

This week the ACC finally has a spotlight game worthy of national attention. For all those ACC naysayers, the BC – Va Tech game is between two top-ten teams and it definitely has BCS implications. As for the rest of this weeks schedule… thank goodness for ESPNU.


Thursday, Oct 25

7:30 PM

Boston College @ Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Va.
TV: ESPN
Livestats
ACC ISP Sports Radio Network
Regular season ACC games don’t get any bigger than this one. BC has been on a roll, but to be honest, they weren’t quite as impressive during their stretch of non-conference games as I thought they would be. With the exception of the Duke game, Va Tech’s offense has not been that great, but with their special teams and defense, who needs much of an offense. Will Matt Ryan have a signature game in prime time, or will the Hokie defense and special teams make another statement? Frank Beamer’s teams have a knack for coming up big special teams plays in big games. VT 27-24


Saturday, Oct 27

12:00 PM

North Carolina @ Wake Forest
Winston-Salem, N.C.
TV: R/LF
GameTracker
Apparently it’s been “high times” in Chapel Hill. Unfortunately for the Heels, they’ll be missing two starters as a result. Wake’s offense has been getting on track of late, but I’m not sold on their defense, especially against Carolina’s big-play offense. Carolina will need to play ball control against the Deacs to keep their defense from getting worn down. This game will be played on the 28th anniversary of Wake’s 42-38 come from behind win against Auburn. Look for the Deacs to keep on rolling to a share of first place in the Atlantic Division. WFU 31-17


3:30 PM

Clemson @ Maryland
College Park, Md.
TV: ABC
GameTracker
With two losses a piece, the loser is all but out of the Atlantic Division race. In games against Wake and UVa, Maryland suffered two of the most gut-wrenching losses in recent memory. Keep in mind the Terps followed up their overtime loss at Wake Forest with their stunning upset of Rutgers. Since the FSU game, the Tigers have had a knack for disappearing in big games… then again, was the FSU game really a big game? On paper, Clemson’s offense is just too much for Maryland, so I think the Tigers can overcome the Tommy Bowden coaching factor. Clemson 28-10


4:30 PM

Virginia @ NC State
Raleigh, N.C.
TV: ESPNU
Livestats
Does NC State extend it’s winning streak to two in a row, or does UVa keep up their improbable run toward the Coastal Division crown? NC State played their best game of the year last week with the defensive line finally taking control of the line of scrimmage. Maybe the week off finally got rid of all of the bad Chuck Amato karma. Daniel Evans had the best game of his career against ECU, but the offensive line will need to collectively have the best games of their careers to keep the likes of defensive end Chris Long from taking control for the game. Over the last few weeks, I haven’t been sure how the ‘Hoos have kept on winning… the luck has to run out sooner or later… maybe this will be the week. Look for the Pack to keep their bowl chances alive. NC State 24-20


8:00 PM

Duke @ Florida State
Tallahassee, Fla.
TV: ESPNU
GameTracker
Man for man, there is no question that FSU has superior talent… Unfortunately for the ‘Noles, it’s what you do with the talent, not how much you have. The revolving door at QB continues for FSU as Drew Weatherford replaces Xavier Lee. Let me get this right, FSU’s offense sucked because of Jeff Bowden. The replaced Bowden with Jimbo Fisher, and they still suck… Duke’s offense has been clicking, but their defense in woefully undermanned. This one should be a shootout… assuming FSU’s offense can get out of their own way. Look for the trademark FSU defensive boneheaded mistakes not to matter as the ‘Noles outscore the Blue Devils. FSU 42-30

Pack Basketball and Expectations

Despite what you hear about the high demands wolfpack fans place on their basketball coaches, truth be told, NC State fans have very low expectations. It wasn't always that way, but after the Les Robinson era and the first half of Sendek's tenure, we became really good at looking for moral victories. You know, those games that you lose, but one bright spot or another pops up.

During the latter years of Herb's stay, even when we were favored, we fully expected to lose. We got some great surprises along the way, and it was fun, but our expectations were often met as well, like the heartbreaking collapse against Vandie in the NCAA's.

Even last year, when it was obvious we had a big game won, I just kept looking for how we would blow it. But, it is a new era. That comes with a whole new set of challenges. Not only do NC State fans expect to win this year, but apparently everyone else expects State to be pretty damn good.

Out of Operation Basketball comes word that NC State is picked to finish 3rd, behind UNC and Duke this year. Brandon Costner is pre-season All ACC, and JJ Hickson finished 2nd in Rockie of the Year voting.

ESPN Fans pick NC State 17th nationally, and Yahoo Sports/Rivals.com have Brandon Costner picked as the best small forward in the game.

So the big question becomes, can NC State handle these expectations? It is a new situation for both the fans and the team. If the team can live up to this optimism, it is going to be a fun time to be a basketball fan in the triangle.

Pack the "Old Barn"

The buzz over Midnight Madness has passed and got all the TV time for several programs around the country. But NC State does have one thing these other schools don't, Reynold's Coliseum.

Billing the night as "B-Ballin' at the Old Barn", Sidney Lowe and Kay Yow unveil their basketball teams tonight.

Pack hosts open practices tonight

Weakend of Non-Conference Opponents

In a weekend that looks like something you would see the first week of September instead of Mid-October, there are four non-conference games against weak opponents... Five years ago, who would have thought the the Wolfpack would be the cream puff team on ECU's non-conference schedule? Let's See if the Wolfpack can pull off an upset in Greenville (Man it hurts to write that.)

When Miami, BC and Va Tech joined the conference, did anyone think the UVa - Marland game would be more improtant for the league standings than the Miami-FSU game? Then again, who thought the Deacs would be the defending ACC Football Champions...

Last week 6-0... Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead.

Noon

Army @ Georgia Tech
Atlanta, Ga.
TV: R/LF (XM 191)
GameTracker
The Jackets look build on their big win against Miami. Ga. Tech 35 - 15

Central Michigan @ Clemson
Clemson, S.C.
TV: ESPNU (XM 190)
GameTracker
Clemson had a week off to prepare for the 4-3 Chippewas. Central Michigan is on a three game winning streak and has won ten straight games in the month of October. Before you get too excited about the game, keep in mind it is homecoming at Death Valley (the Duke game is in Durham) and Clemson has the ACC’s top defense. Look for Clemson’s two game losing streak to come to an end. Clemson 35 – 14.

1:00 PM

Wake Forest @ Navy
Annapolis, Md.
TV: CSTV (XM 192)
GameTracker
When did the military academies join the ACC? Wake gets a taste of its own medicine when they have to face Navy’s unique offense. This should be a fun game to watch if you love option and misdirection offenses. Navy had trouble stopping Duke… I think the Deacs will give them more trouble. Wake 42 – 17

3:30 PM

Miami @ Florida State
Tallahassee, Fla.
TV: ABC (XM 190/193)
GameTracker
ACC ISP Sports Radio Network
Wow! This game isn’t appealing as it once was. Should we call this the Underachiever’s Bowl? This one will come down to the team that makes the fewest mistakes. Last week, it was good to see that Chuck Amato coached defenses have not forgotten how to come up with the big penalties that give their opponent a chance to win. The ‘Canes will make fewer mistakes. Miami 28 - 17

4:30 PM

NC State @ East Carolina
Greenville, NC
TV: CSTV (XM 192)
GameTracker
It will be interesting to see how the Wolfpack responds to a week off. I would say things can’t get much worse, but I’m afraid State would end up losing another starter to an injury. This will be a good test to see how Tom O’Brien coached teams do in rivalry games. As I recall, Chuck Amato’s teams tended to come out flat whenever the Pack played a rival not named Florida State. ECU is giving up a lot of points, but so was Louisville. ECU 28 - 17

8:00 PM

Virginia @ Maryland
8:00 PM
College Park, Md.
TV: ESPN2 (XM 191)
GameTracker
No one in their right mind would have thought this would be an important game at the start of the season. The Terps need this one to stay in the Atlantic Division race, while the ‘Hoos need this one to stay in the Coastal Division lead. Virginia was very unimpressive in their last 2 games… One doesn’t usually see an ACC divisional leader squeak the likes ofMiddle Tennessee and UConn. Those games are most often blowouts. There is no logic in how they’re doing it, but Virginia keeps on finding a way to win… I think Groh has them winning ugly just to tick off the Groh must go crowd. I don’t know why, but I’ll take UVa 22 – 21.

Officials Given Green Light to T up Misbehaving Coaches

The NCAA is finally planning to enforce its bench decorum rules… Keep in mind that NCAA Supervisor of Officials Hank Nichols is retiring at the end of the season. I wonder if this is a going away gift?

From ESPNU.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Cursing or venturing onto the court could draw college basketball coaches a quick technical foul this season.

The NCAA is making bench decorum a point of emphasis for 2007-08 and warns coaches to expect a whistle without warning for a variety of unsportsmanlike actions.

Officials who consistently enforce the rules will be given preferential consideration for conference and NCAA tournament assignments.
Referees who are consistent in enforcing the rules will be rewarded.

"The bench decorum rules, which include staying in the prescribed coaching box, have been interpreted in various ways for some time," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, the
president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, said Thursday. "This initiative for strengthened, consistent enforcement has significant ramifications. Coaches and game officials who do not strictly adhere to the rules will be penalized."

The actions that can draw a technical include disrespectfully addressing an official or attempting to influence an official's decision, using abusive or profane language, taunting an opponent, inciting undesirable crowd reactions and coming onto the court without permission of an official to attend to an injured player. full story

Coach K should be interesting to watch on the sidelines with his vocabulary severely limited by enforcement of rules that have been in place for years. Gary Williams might struggle a bit with this too. This is something that has been needed for quite a while. Nowadays, people see a college coach go off on an official and think it's acceptable conduct at all levels. Ever wonder why officiating is so poor these days? Well officials have to start at the Rec level. It's one thing to get abused for $750 a night as a college ref, but it's not worth putting up with for $50 a night in rec or high school ball. After a while, new officials get fed up and quit.

Well definitely have to keep track of T's this season and give some type of honor (or dishonor) when we release our post-season awards.

Carolina will Win and State won’t lose…

An early start to the picks this weekend with the Deacs and ‘Noles playing the ESPN Thursday Night game. After last week’s 4-3 record, I definitely don’t need to give up my day job.

Thursday, Oct 11

7:30 PM

Florida State @ Wake Forest
Winston-Salem, N.C.
TV: ESPN (XM 190/191)
GameTracker
ACC ISP Sports Radio Network

The ‘Noles are looking for revenge as they head into BB&T Field (Groves Stadium)… Now that’s a statement I never thought I would make. Few people expected the Deacs to beat the ‘Noles last year… let alone post a 30-0 win. Talent wise there is not the gap you would expect between these teams. Wake’s misdirection offense is tailor made to cause FSU’s speedy defense plenty of trouble, while FSU’s offense is nothing special. The Deac’s barely managed wins against Maryland and Duke and will need a full 60 minutes of effort to repeat their win against the ‘Noles. Wake 23-17.

Saturday, Oct 13

12:00 PM

Virginia Tech @ Duke
Durham, N.C.
TV: R/LF (XM 190)
Livestats
Duke has been able to score plenty of points, but they have not seen a defense like they will face this weekend. Although the VT offense is not clicking this year, they are starting to show some signs of life, plus VT’s special teams should be worth at least one touchdown. Not a good homecoming for the Blue Devils. VT 28-14

Georgia Tech @ Miami
Miami, Fla.
TV: ESPN (XM 191)
GameTracker
Hard to figure this Georgia Tech team. They’ve played well enough to be 3-1 in the conference, but after falling behind 21-7 at Virginia and 21-3 at Maryland, they look to be out of the running for the for the Coastal Division crown. Despite last week’s loss after spotting the Heels 27 points, the ‘Canes are still have a shot at a trip to Jacksonville. On paper, Tech is just too good on defense for the ‘Canes to score a lot of points. GT 20-13… unless Tech spots Miami a big lead.

3:30 PM

South Carolina @ North Carolina
Chapel Hill, N.C.
TV: ABC (XM 191)
GameTracker
The Old Ball Coach has fond memories of his last trip to Chapel Hill… even has pictures to remind him. I’m still a bit suspicious of UNC’s defense and SC is only giving up127 passing yards per game. In order for the Heels to win, they will need to establish the run and play flawless defense… Look for Spurrier to have another photo opp… South Carolina 31-17

Connecticut @ Virginia
Charlottesville, Va.
TV: ESPNU (XM 192)
Livestats
Virginia was lucky to escape Middle Tennessee State with a win last week. UConn is undefeated, but they haven’t played anyone… although the 45-14 win against Duke should get Virginia’s attention. I don’t know how the ‘Hoos keep on winning, but since the Wyoming game they have continued to find a way… they are sort of the anti-Georgia Tech. It won’t be pretty, but look for the ‘Hoos to continue their winning ways. UVa. 31-21

Boston College @ Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Ind.
TV: NBC (XM 190)
GameTracker
BC is having their best season ever and a bad Notre Dame team is a big underdog at home… That alone should be enough to worry Eagle fans, but memories of 1993 should scare the crap out of them. That year, the Irish cruising toward the national championship when an unheralded BC team upset them. Think the Irish might have a bit of revenge on their minds? On paper this should not be a contest, but something about playing in front of “Touchdown Jesus” might just trip the Eagles up a bit. If Matt Ryan has a big day, he could propel himself to a Heisman frontrunner. If he has a bad game, his Heisman hopes are over. I’m betting that the Irish aren’t good enough to get revenge… BC 35-10

It's Official... The Fan Launches at 3PM Wednesday

From WRAL.com.

99.9 The Fan Debuts Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Be right by your radio Wednesday at 3 p.m. for the debut of 99.9 The Fan,
the Triangle’s new all-sports station.

The Fan will give you sports programming in an FM format. Local shows will fill the morning and afternoon time slots. At night, look for Carolina Hurricanes broadcasts, with former WRAL reporter Mark Roberts doing pre-game and post-game reports.

The station, WCMC, is moving from a country format as part of Capitol Broadcasting Company’s continuing push into sports coverage. As WRAL.com readers have noticed, we’ve had more reporters at games, at news conferences and in the field delivering the news you want.Capitol Broadcasting is the parent company of WRAL.com.

Now there will be new personalities and a new source of information with The Fan.
Former N.C. State tight end Mark Thomas will be on the team, and he’ll be joined
by … oh, we won’t spoil it. See you Wednesday at 3.

For more info on the on-air talent see 99.9 The Fan to Launch on Wednesday?

99.9 The Fan to Launch on Wednesday?

According to a post on the EXTREMESKINS.com, Capitol Broadcasting will launch 99.9 The Fan on Wednesday October 10. Previously, we had been led to believe that the launch would be on October 3. That night, they only launched the pre-game and post-game shows for the Hurricanes.

Other than the feature on WRAL.com about Mark Thomas, Capitol Broadcasting has been very quite about 99.9 The Fan’s non-Hurricane programming. As of this afternoon, the website for The Fan links to WRAL’s sports page.

Based on the post on Extremeskins.com here is the on air talent that Capitol Broadcasting has signed for The Fan.

Mike Maniscalco who had the 3-7 slot on Sports Radio 910 in Richmond is slated to do the morning drive time show starting Thursday.

The Tony Bruno Show from Sporting News Radio will be on mid-days.

Scott Jackson from Sports Radio 980 in DC will co-host “The Insiders” with Mark Thomas in the 3-7 timeslot.

In my opinion, the 3-7 show will have to be pretty darn good to make an impact in the ratings. Primetime with the Packman is pretty popular on 620 The Bull and Dave Glenn and Chris Clark have a pretty good show on 850 the Buzz.

The Morning time slot could be wide open. I have yet to listen to Adam Gold’s show on 850 the Buzz and a good local show might be what the market needs.

The Success of the Tony Bruno Show in this market will depend on when they run it. If they run it live from 9-1, it has a good shot. If they tape delay the show to later, they’ll be going up against Rush.

Remember the last time a new sports talk station took the airwaves in the Triangle, the now defunct Triangle Sports Talk 1090, it led to changes the resulted in two 24/7 sports talk stations. Let’s see what type of changes an FM sports talk station can create in the market.

One Big Four Team Will Win This Weekend!

Noon

Bowling Green @ Boston College
Boston, Mass
TV: ESPNU (XM 190)
Gametracker
BC continues their stretch of easy non-conference games. Ryan has a big first half as the Eagles win 35-14.

Miami @ North Carolina
Chapel Hill, N.C.
TV: ESPN2 (XM 192)
Gametracker
The Heels gave Va. Tech a scare last week, while Miami had a to hold on against Duke. Hard to tell if Carolina’s defense is improved or Va. Tech is just that inept on offense. I think the real Tarheel defense will show up this week, leading to lots of Hurricane points. The Heels will need to play error free on offense to keep up… ‘Canes 35, Heels 24.

Georgia Tech @ Maryland
College Park, Md.
TV: R/LF (XM 191)
Gametracker
The Jackets and Terps showed a lot of heart last week as they overcame disappointing conference losses to win games that a lot of people didn’t think they would win. Tech and Maryland are the top rushing teams in the conference; however the Jackets are only allowing 65 yards per game on the ground and Maryland is giving up 319 yards offense per game. Look for Tech to keep its running game in gear while shutting down the Terps… Ga Tech 17, Maryland 7.

1:00 PM

Wake Forest @ Duke
Durham, N.C.
TV: ACC Select (XM 193)
Live Stats
If Duke had any kind of a kicking game, they would have won this game last year. Duke is much improved on offense, but the defense is still a big question mark. Riley Skinner may still be a bit rusty after his early-season injury and an open date, but I think the Deac’s rushing attack will be too much for the Blue Devils… Wake 31, Duke 17 (the club rugby player hits a field goal)

3:30 PM

NC State @ Florida State
Tallahassee, Fla.
TV: ABC (XM 190)
Gametracker
Last week I said that FSU would need a shutout to beat Alabama. It wasn’t quite a shutout, but close enough. NC State only scored 10 points against a Louisville team that gives up 31 points per game (44 to Utah on Friday). In order for the Pack to pull off another miracle against the ‘Noles, their defense will need a shutout and Blackman will need a couple big returns… FSU 24, NC State 3

6:00 PM

Virginia Tech @ Clemson
Clemson, S.C.
TV: ESPN (XM 191/193)
ACC ISP Sports Radio Network
Gametracker
Last season, Va Tech exposed the Clemson offense as a one-dimensional attack. The Tigers were not the same after last year’s beat down in Blacksburg. This year’s team has shown the ability to pass, while Tech has struggled on offense… look at last week’s point total against the Heels… Look for the Tigers to get back on track… Clemson 24 Va Tech 10

7:00 PM

Virginia @ Middle Tennessee State
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
TV: CSS (XM 192)
Someone explain to me why this game wasn’t played in August or September… Virginia 42, Middle Tennessee State 15

Wolfpack best frontcourt in the country?

March Madness blog ranks the nations frontcourts:

1. North Carolina State (Brandon Costner, Ben McCauley, Gavin Grant, J.J. Hickson, Tracy Smith): Just like Washington State in the backcourt section, it’s odd to see NC State at the top of any rankings. However, it’s tough to find a team that has a better combination at the wing, combo forward, and post positions. Swingman Grant is a versatile performer who can do a little bit of everything. He is not a great shooter, but he gets to the basket well and he crashes the offensive glass. Costner is one of the best forwards in the country that no one talks about. He can play both inside and outside, scoring in a variety of ways and rebounding well. McCauley is one of the most efficient shooters in the country, and finishes well around the basket. Furthermore, he is a good rebounder and a solid passer. Hickson was one of the highest-ranked big men recruits, and will enable Sidney Lowe to come up with several different line-ups as the season goes on.
2. Stanford
3. Cal
4. L'ville
5. GTown
6. UNC
7. UCLA
8. Ark
9. Texas A&M

More...

Cameron Crazies a Myth?

We've all heard about the Cameron Crazies, the best basketball fans in the world. And I've seen them in action many times. But they may be in decline.

"undergraduate attendance at men's home basketball games has shown an inexcusable dip" according to this article from DukeChronicle.com

It's no secret that undergraduate attendance at men's home basketball games has shown an inexcusable dip in recent years-a fact made quite clear by former Duke Student Government President Elliott Wolf in e-mails sent to the study body last year.

Whereas at one time students had to be squeezed into the bleachers, last year's bare wood in Cameron stood as testament to the declining number of Crazies.

Most surprising and appalling, however, is the fact that we barely filled up the Duke-UNC game last spring. Everyone in the walk-up line was admitted, which is unheard of.

Indeed, the Athletics Department points out that these decreasing numbers are no recent anomaly. They are actually the continuation of a five- year trend of decline in basketball game attendance. Understandably the department had to act, and as a result we stand as the guinea pigs of a new attendance policy.

The policy, a top-down effort from the Athletics Department to DSG, essentially proposes a validation system that lets students reserve a spot in Cameron without waiting in line for days.

Before the die-hards criticize, though, the system still guarantees that those who are willing to wait for the best seats can obtain them by getting into line first along with their online validation. In addition, K-ville is not going anywhere; the policies surrounding tenting remain the same.

A negative stigma attached itself to basketball game admittance policy for the incoming freshmen last year, presenting the idea that it was virtually impossible to get into regular ACC matches without sacrificing days to ensure a spot. Obviously this was not the case, but it deterred many students nonetheless.

The new policy will raise the awareness that admittance is possible, and highly likely. With this new validation system, moreover, a much-needed element of communication is introduced to the student body, but most importantly to the freshmen on East Campus.

Because it originated from the top, the new admittance proposal could have easily turned contentious. After all, it essentially constitutes administration meddling in historically student-run affairs. More...