For the first time since Jim Valvano was coaching, North Carolina faces N.C. State when it has both a competitive team and a coach who cares about the rivalry. Les Robinson and Sidney Lowe cared, but never had the horses. As memorable as Lowe’s one victory was, the 2007 “Red Blazer Game,” he lost the next 10 meetings.
Herb Sendek definitely had capable teams -- and was fortunate enough to face UNC during the darkest days of the Matt Doherty Era -- but, famously and lamentably, did everything he could to downplay the rivalry. Over the past few years, the most heated incidence of this rivalry was played at N.C. Central: the Pro-Am matchup two summers ago between the incoming freshmen who are now sophomores.
But Mark Gottfried’s willingness to embrace the natural enmity within the Triangle has made him tremendously popular with the fan base, and he also is getting the most out of the Wolfpack at the moment. He may have a better chance to get off on the right foot in the rivalry than his predecessors.
Norm Sloan: 14-26
(all vs. Dean Smith)
Jim Valvano: 7-18
(all vs. Dean Smith)
Les Robinson: 5-7
(all vs. Dean Smith)
Herb Sendek: 5-17
(0-3 vs. Dean Smith, 1-6 vs. Bill Guthridge, 4-2 vs. Matt Doherty, 0-6 vs. Roy Williams)
Sidney Lowe: 1-10
(all vs. Roy Williams)
Luke has worked for The N&O since 2000. He covered the Carolina Hurricanes and the NHL before becoming a sports columnist in August 2008. A native of Evanston, Ill., he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. He can be reached at (919) 829-8947, @LukeDeCock on Twitter or
Comments
16-1
Wed, 01/25/2012 - 22:50 — gvillegatrSeventeen games head-to-head is a hell of a bigger sample than five !!!
Dominated !
The line on this game is...
Wed, 01/25/2012 - 18:04 — UNC199815 points. What makes people think it will be closer. I understand the audience of this newspaper, but I think they are being a little too generous. A quick look at a few stats will say it. What's NCSU's record vs. ranked teams? What is the average RPI of teams they've beat?
Forget the line
Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:01 — JPDOhioMany expect this game to be closer because State has played well this year, even against good teams, and UNC has shown some vulnerability. That said, State hasn't closed the deal against a quality opponent this year and UNC has the clear edge on overall talent (plus they are at home). So it is premature to say that State has arrived. It is not unreasonable to say the State could steal a win if they bring their A-game and UNC doesn't. Can't wait for tipoff.
agree
Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:58 — SurferState will need their A game (FSU like production) and UNC playing their B game, or worse, for State to steal this one. Otherwise, UNC may win with their B game. Hopefully UNC won't give Wood the open looks they gave FSU (Dulkys), but I would gauge State's chances by Wood's production. If Wood reaches the 30 point mark, I would say State would be in it or even win.
You clearly dont know how lines work
Thu, 01/26/2012 - 11:33 — willncsuThey are set up so the betting is even on each side. They are not really score predictors as much as they are set so 50% bet on UNC and 50% bet on NCSU. Thats how Vegas always makes money. If you want an actual prediction I will go out on a limb and say UNC wins by 10-15.
Correct
Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:00 — gvillegatrBut with two benches that do not go deep and UNc's inability to shoot FT's, I'm surprised this line was not a little lower. I was thinking 9.5 - 10. Vegas has over reacted a little, but they are the ones who continue to build casinos; not me.
I love state at 15 pts.
13 pts
Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:05 — gvillegatrStill like them at 13 but loved 15 more. :)
No play.
Only sure thing
Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:02 — JPDOhioNot much work is getting done today.
Ha !
Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:03 — gvillegatrUnfortunately not. I'm putting in around five hours max.
Ouch!
Wed, 01/25/2012 - 17:42 — willncsuHope RW retires soon. Seems like he is getting a little senile. You guys should bring Doherty back.