Evans to Start at QB for Wolfpack

Chuck Amato announced Monday that redshirt sophomore Daniel Evans will start at QB this weekedn against #20 Boston College. Evans will replace the struggling Marcus Stone on the heals of a 2-game losing streak.

Amato and his assistants made the decision after discussions on Monday and the need for better offensive production.

The only question that remains is: Is it too late?

The 'Pack will begin a 3-game home stand that could make or break the rest of the season. The 'Pack will host BC on Saturday night, Fla. State on Oct. 5 and Wake Forest on Oct. 14. For the team to make a bowl game and possibly save Amato's job, then they need to win at least 2 if not all 3 of the games.

If the nation has learned only one thing about Wolfpack fans, then they have learned that the 'Pack faithful have a quick trigger when it comes to running a coach out of town. The ever popular fireINSERTCOACH'SNAME.com is even in place. Firechuckamato.com surfaced a week or so ago after the team lost to Akron on the final play of the game.

Will Amato survive the season? Well, the play of Evans may have a lot to do with it. Last year Amato and his staff waited too long for Marcus Stone to replace Jay Davis at QB, and some fret that they may have done it again. It's definitely not too late. It may be a little late, but not too late. The BC game will be the 'Pack's first conference game, so, the team may have to chalk this game up to getting Evans some experience. There are 9 games remaining, however, and the team needs to win 5 of them to become bowl-eligible.

A conference title is out of the question and the next question that will arise is when to start playing freshman QB Justin Burke.

Burke, is a highly touted QB out of Lexington, KY. But, he is not the highest ranked QB on the roster. Transfer Harrison Beck was ranked as the #3 QB as a Sr. in high school. He transferred to State after his freshman season at Nebraska. He is having to sit out the 2006 season, due to NCAA transfer rules; however, he will have 3 years to play for the 'Pack staring in '07. That is why you don't play Burke, because if Burke doesn't play this year he can use it as a redshirt year and that would give State 5 years of good play to possibly look forward.

Everyone knew this year could be a tough one for Amato and the Wolfpack. So, let's remember Frank Beamer's 1992 season where the Va. Tech Hokies went 2-8-1 with a loss to lowly East Carolina. The Hokie fans were calling for Beamer's immediate dismissal (IN HIS 6th SEASON ON THE JOB), but their wish was not granted and Beamer and teh Hokies are on the upper tier of college football right now.

So, my message to the NC State nation is: Don't go jumping off bridges, sending letters to Bill Cowher and Butch Davis or booing every time Chuck tells you to change your oil or throw away your trash. Just give Evans a chance and know that Beck is waiting on the spring game to show you what he is all about. It will be ok. Besides of all the possible NC State coaches out there, none of them are knocking down doors for the job.


Photos:
1. gopack.com football roster
2. http://images.news14charlotte.com/media/2006/2/1/images/01_01-amato.jpg