Facts: This weekend marks the beginning of the 2011 college football season. N.C . State kicks off the football season tomorrow at 6 p.m . against Liberty University.
Our Opinion: The potential for State’s football program to succeed this year is great. However, there cannot be success without passion, an attribute that has faded in years past due to the opening schedule.
Even prior to kickoff, there are concerns surrounding State football. With an unbounded potential to achieve greatness, can we as a University show up this season and take what is ours?
State football ended last season with a record of 9-4, finishing 25th in the AP poll. Undoubtedly last season was successful; however, now is not a time to rest on laurels. With UNC , Miami, and Georgia Tech all having less than NCAA-compliant programs in the past year, State is primed to become the beacon of light in the tarnished ACC. This pursuit begins starts tomorrow at 6 p.m . against Liberty.
Each year it seems we get sidetracked in our quest for the BCS as all the passion that builds prior to the college football season is lost in the lackluster schedule we face in our first couple games. By the time we need it our appetite for football is often lost or sorely diminished. This year, let’s try something different: maintaining our passion all through the whole football season.
The fervor must first come from the fans. The first step to this is constant sellouts. We should be embarrassed that this game is not sold out. Students around campus should be kicking themselves for not being at their computer at 12:01 a.m . to request a ticket, not strolling in on game day and feeling as if they are doing their friends a favor by going. These games are a privilege; do not take them for granted.
When at the game, even when up 20, do not sit or leave as has been a custom in years past. No student would be found sitting down or leaving a game against Florida State or Virginia Tech up 20 in the second half. This passion cannot change against lesser-known teams. The issue of sportsmanship aside, there is good to be found in never letting off an opponent. Cheer for a 70 point victory if given the opportunity. Greatness has never been achieved in letting off the gas.
With the fans bringing the ferocity, it is up players to bring the fury. We are giving you four quarters of intensity, and we expect the same from the players. This idea is not only rooted in reciprocity. If you only play for a half it’ll be seen when you need to play a whole game. Play tomorrow’s game with perspective of the whole season in mind. To go easy in tomorrow’s game sets a dangerous precedent for the entire season.
Let’s maintain the tsunami of passion that is currently building strength as kickoff approaches through our opening games. If we do, we will not be found lacking when it is actually needed.
