Amato, players still confident in season

Wolfpack faces Eagles next week

HATTIESBURG, MISS. -- N.C. State coach Chuck Amato, even if he had to be aching inside, did all he could to appear outwardly calm, positive and upbeat.

The Wolfpack had just been smacked 37-17 by Southern Mississippi, but Amato and his players were quick to note that it was a nonconference loss, that all is not lost.

Next Saturday, the Pack opens ACC play against Boston College. Picked to finish fifth in the Atlantic Division in the preseason media poll, State will be playing at Carter-Finley Stadium in an 8 p.m. game on ESPN2.

"The season is not over," Amato said. "The season is not over.

"We've got a lot of games left. It seems like I'm talking impossibilities, but I'm a believer and those kids are believers. I'm a dreamer and those kids are believers. We go into the ACC and we start a new season."

There will be much work to do this week and much to be corrected. State had 10 penalties and three turnovers against Southern Miss. And the Wolfpack needs to be more physical.

"It was penalties," Amato said. "Penalties and turnovers. Again, penalties were so costly."

The Golden Eagles rushed for 261 yards on the Pack. That total surely will get the attention of the BC staff.

"We have to have short-term memories," senior linebacker Pat Lowery said. "If you think these guys were physical, wait until next week. [Boston College] will turn it up another notch."

Amato was not sure Saturday night about the seriousness of the injury to flanker Darrell Blackman. The junior sprained his right knee on the opening kickoff and may not be available next week.

Quarterback Marcus Stone, now 6-3 as a starter, wasn't very sharp against the Golden Eagles and his passing totals -- 10 of 24, 100 yards, two picks -- were mediocre at best. But freshman receiver Donald Bowens did have four receptions for 76 yards and one TD, and John Dunlap had four for 33 yards and a score.

"Our kids didn't quit," Amato said.

Nor will they, Stone promised.

"Our dreams and goals are still there," Stone said. "We go into the ACC next week and we're going to be ready to play.

"Our heads aren't down. Our spirits are up. It's tough losing, but we'll come out ready to play a good ACC team."

As Amato put it, "We've got to look at it and say, 'Hey, we've got a chance like every other team in the ACC has.' "