Ray Michel News

Senior defensive end Willie Young has been named the recipient of the 2009 Governora TMs Award, given to the member of the Wolfpack football team who is the most valuable player based on ability, contribution, leadership and intangibles.

During a phone conversation with coach Tom O'Brien earlier this week, ailing N.C. State offensive coordinator Dana Bible paid tribute to the Wolfpack seniors.

Thursday is here. And if you're in Blacksburg or any other college town, that means the weekend has also arrived.

For those who think N.C. State's football players have nothing left to play for and no reason to be motivated, coach Tom O'Brien cites the example of senior middle linebacker Ray Michel.

N.C. State senior middle linebacker Ray Michel is listed as probable for Saturday'sA noon game against Clemson at Carter-Finley Stadium, according to a team injury report released Thursday night.

That's because, like last year, the team entered November with no margin for error.

N.C. State's Michael Lemon celebrates with Markus Kuhn after Lemon pressured Maryland's Jamarr Robinson to throw an incomplete pass on the last play of the game during the Wolfpack's 38-31 victory.

There's a striking familiarity in N.C. State football coach Tom O'Brien's tone of voice.

N.C. State hasn't had much to be encouraged about lately, but at least the Wolfpack has been in this spot before.

A A If therea TMs anything wea TMve learned from watching ACC football during the past two seasons, ita TMs that just when we think wea TMve finally got it all figured out, something crazy happens to remind us that we really dona TMt have a clue.

Middle linebacker Ray Michel, who leads N.C. State in tackles, and wide receiver/kick returner T.J. Graham will miss Saturdaya s game at Florida State with injuries, the school announced Thursday evening.

Some N.C. State fans might be losing patience with Tom O'Brien, but he is sticking with his long-term plan.

By chance, N.C. State football coach Tom O'Brien happened to meet Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops on an Alaskan cruise this year.

Pittsburgh at N.C. State , 3:30 p.m. Line: N.C. State by 1. Series record: Pittsburgh leads 5-2-1. Last meeting: 2001, Pittsburgh 34-19 . What's at stake Pittsburgh is looking for its first 4-0 start in nine years.

N.C. State's Tom O'Brien, an offensive coach in his formative years, says he admires Pittsburgh's physical style.

A football team will visit Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday intent on pounding N.C. State into submission, leaving it bloodied and bruised and barely able to stagger off the field by game's end.

NC State fifth-year seniors Matt Kushner , a tight end, and Ray Michel , a linebacker, met with the media Monday.

North Carolina State had just polished off another outmanned opponent when coach Tom O'Brien walked away from the podium and found out that Pittsburgh had beaten Navy convincingly.

NC State seniors Bobby Floyd , a former walk-on safety, and Julian Williams , an offensive lineman, represented the Pack during Monday's weekly press conference.

The receivers, including tight end George Bryan, were supposed to be a strength of this N.C. State team.