By Gene Galin
Charlotte, NC – As we have reached the midpoint of the 2024 ACC football season, the state of North Carolina’s college teams is undergoing a period of reflection and recalibration. David Glenn, a well-known sports commentator and owner of the North Carolina Sports Network, recently sat down with me to discuss the outlook of ACC football, focusing on UNC, NC State, Wake Forest and Duke.
From the historical dominance of North Carolina programs to the resurgence of teams like Duke under Manny Diaz, Glenn emphasized the complexity and competitiveness of ACC football in the Triangle area. He explored the challenges and triumphs faced by local teams, shedding light on what fans can expect as the season progresses.
After an unexpected 70-50 loss, UNC faces one of its most challenging periods. Giving up 70 points in a home game at Kenan Stadium, an occurrence previously unheard of, marked a significant blow to the Tar Heels. According to Glenn, UNC’s future largely depends on how the team performs in the second half of the season. If they manage to rally and finish strong, the embarrassing details of the loss might fade. However, if they stumble further, the repercussions could be long-lasting.
Mack Brown’s Legacy: A Balancing Act
Mack Brown’s second tenure at UNC has been a mixed bag of accomplishments and challenges. Brown is not only a Hall of Fame coach with a national championship under his belt, but also a man of 73 years, and age has become a subtle undertone in conversations about the team’s future. Glenn noted that Brown has not missed a bowl game since returning to Chapel Hill, a feat few coaches in the ACC can boast. He has also attracted two of the best quarterbacks in school history, Sam Howell and Drake Maye, elevating UNC’s recruiting prowess to rival top programs like Clemson.
Still, the looming question remains: how long can Mack Brown remain at the helm, especially if the team falters this season? A strong finish could silence any talks of replacement, but a losing season might spark difficult conversations within the Tar Heels’ athletic department.
“If UNC goes 8-4, Mack’s future is in his own hands,” Glenn says, emphasizing Brown’s influence over his fate. “But if they go 4-8, that’s when people, including the administration, might start asking tough questions.”
The Stakes for Bubba Cunningham
Bubba Cunningham, UNC’s athletic director, finds himself in a precarious position as well. If the team’s performance continues to decline, Cunningham may face pressure to make significant changes. Glenn believes that much of this will hinge on the outcome of the rest of the season.
“Winning solves most problems,” says Glenn. “If they can turn things around, there will be no reason for drastic measures. But if they end up with a losing record, that conversation becomes much more difficult.”
NC State’s Disappointments: A Season of Missed Expectations
NC State entered the 2024 season with high hopes, particularly after a successful basketball season and some promising off-season acquisitions. However, halfway through the year, the Wolfpack find themselves underperforming, much to the dismay of their fans.
Grayson McCall’s Injury Woes
One of the biggest storylines for NC State has been the ongoing health issues surrounding Grayson McCall, the transfer quarterback from Coastal Carolina. McCall, a three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year, was expected to elevate the Wolfpack’s offense. However, injuries have plagued his season, forcing NC State to rely on backup CJ Bailey, a true freshman.
“McCall was supposed to be the guy to lead NC State back to prominence,” Glenn commented. “But when your star quarterback can’t stay on the field, it’s tough to maintain consistency.”
Defensive Struggles and Line of Scrimmage Issues
Another major concern for the Wolfpack has been their play on the defensive and offensive lines. Traditionally, NC State has prided itself on strong trench play under head coach Dave Doeren, but this year has been different. The team has struggled to control the line of scrimmage, which has resulted in a lackluster run game and an inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
“They’ve always been good in the trenches, but that’s just not the case this season,” said Glenn. “When you can’t win the battles at the line of scrimmage, you’re going to have a hard time winning games.”
These issues came to a head in NC State’s humiliating losses to Tennessee and Clemson earlier in the season, where they were dominated on both sides of the ball. Glenn noted that while losing to top-tier teams like Tennessee and Clemson is not inherently embarrassing, the way the Wolfpack were blown out in both games raised alarm bells.
“Losing by that much is what’s causing concern among the fan base,” Glenn remarked. “It’s not just the losses; it’s how they’re losing.”
Dave Doeren’s Future
Despite the struggles, Glenn believes that Dave Doeren’s job is relatively secure for now, thanks in part to a lucrative contract extension that runs through 2029. With a buyout clause estimated at $15 million, it’s unlikely that NC State will make a coaching change unless things get significantly worse.
“Doeren has built up a lot of goodwill with seven bowl appearances in the last eight years, and his contract makes it difficult to move on from him right now,” Glenn explained. “But if they continue to underperform, the conversation might start to shift.”
Wake Forest: A Bright Spot Amidst Mediocrity
While UNC and NC State have struggled, Wake Forest has been something of a bright spot in North Carolina’s college football scene, despite having a relatively average record. Head coach Dave Clawson, widely regarded as one of the best X’s and O’s coaches in the nation, has managed to keep the Demon Deacons competitive, even with a roster that lacks the star power of other ACC programs.
Offensive Firepower, Defensive Woes
Wake Forest’s offense, led by quarterback Hank Bachmeier and running back Demond Claiborne, has been one of the more entertaining units in the ACC. However, their defense has been a major liability, ranking near the bottom of the conference in most defensive categories.
“Clawson’s offense is always fun to watch, but when your defense is giving up 40 points a game, it’s tough to win consistently,” Glenn pointed out.
A Historic Coach at a Tough School
Clawson’s ability to consistently get Wake Forest to bowl games is a testament to his coaching ability. Glenn believes that Clawson is one of the best coaches in the ACC and possibly the country, particularly given the challenges of recruiting and competing at a small private school like Wake.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Clawson is one of the best X’s and O’s coaches out there,” Glenn remarked. “What he’s done at Wake, given the resources and challenges, is incredible.”
The Landscape of ACC Football in North Carolina
The Historical Context
North Carolina has a rich history in college sports, particularly in basketball. However, the football scene has seen its share of ups and downs. Glenn recalled the glory days of UNC football under Mack Brown in the 1990s when the Tar Heels reached national prominence. “Those were peak years,” he noted. “UNC finished in the national top five and won 11 games. Keenan Stadium was electric during that time.”
However, the competitive nature of the Triangle means that when one program excels, others often face challenges. This competitive cycle has led to what Glenn describes as a “pendulum” effect where the dominance of one program may overshadow others for years. “It’s hard to remember a time where both the Tar Heels and the Wolfpack were not just above average but both really good at the same time,” he remarked, pointing to the fluctuating fortunes of these teams.
Current State of the Triangle Programs
The Tar Heels: A Mixed Bag
The University of North Carolina’s football program has long been associated with inconsistency. While the Tar Heels have had periods of success, they also face significant hurdles. The recent seasons have highlighted both talent and coaching struggles, leading to fluctuating performances. “There’s always potential,” Glenn acknowledged. “But it’s about finding the right chemistry and consistency.”
NC State: Climbing the Ranks
NC State has emerged as a formidable competitor in recent years, frequently challenging for bowl spots and making headlines in the ACC. Glenn pointed out that Coach Dave Doeren has cultivated a strong culture within the program. “Doeren has done an admirable job of building this team from the ground up,” he said. “Their physicality and mental toughness are evident on the field.” The Wolfpack’s ability to stay competitive reflects a more robust recruiting effort and a focused coaching staff, which fans have noticed positively.
Duke Blue Devils: Surprising Success Under Manny Diaz
One of the more intriguing developments this season is the success of the Duke Blue Devils under first-year head coach Manny Diaz. With a surprising 5-1 record, the Blue Devils are making headlines. Glenn expressed his admiration for Diaz’s coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of establishing a strong defensive culture. “Manny has instilled a belief in his players,” he said. “They understand his game plan, and that has led to their success, even against strong opponents.”
Glenn also pointed out that Duke’s personnel may not be the strongest in the conference, but Diaz has maximized their potential. “The offense is hit or miss, but the players are buying into the system, which is essential for any successful team,” he added.
Facing Tough Opponents
While the Blue Devils are enjoying a successful season, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Glenn highlighted upcoming matchups that could define their seasons. “Duke is set to face Florida State next week, and it could be a toss-up game,” he remarked. “Florida State is not what they used to be, but they have enough talent to be dangerous.”
The challenges faced by the ACC football teams in North Carolina also reflect the overall competitiveness of the ACC, where any game can sway dramatically based on a single play or decision. Glenn emphasized that consistency and depth in talent will be crucial for all the Triangle teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The Quarterback Dilemma
One area of concern for many teams, including Florida State, is the quarterback situation. Glenn analyzed the quarterback play across the ACC, noting that teams with unstable quarterback positions often struggle. “If you don’t have a solid quarterback, you can lose to anyone,” he stated, referencing Florida State’s struggles. The inconsistency at this critical position can turn potential victories into losses.
The Future of ACC Football in NC
Recruitment and Development
Looking ahead, Glenn stressed the importance of recruitment and player development for all programs in North Carolina. “Recruiting is the lifeblood of any program,” he said. “If you can’t bring in talent, you’ll struggle to keep up in this competitive landscape.”
Glenn believes that a commitment to homegrown players can significantly impact each program’s success. “North Carolina has a wealth of talent, and maximizing that can change the fortunes of these programs.”
The State of ACC Football in North Carolina at mid-season
As the 2024 ACC football season has reached its midpoint, North Carolina’s teams find themselves at different crossroads. UNC and NC State are grappling with underperformance and fan dissatisfaction, while Wake Forest continues to punch above its weight despite its defensive issues and Duke is sitting at mid-season with a solid 5-1 record.
Mack Brown’s future at UNC hinges on how the Tar Heels finish the season, while Dave Doeren at NC State benefits from a long-term contract that provides some security despite a disappointing season. Meanwhile, Dave Clawson at Wake Forest remains a steady hand, even as his team struggles defensively. And Duke’s Manny Diaz has a chance at being the ACC Coach of the Year with continued success this season.
In the end, much will depend on how these teams respond in the latter half of the season. As Glenn so aptly put it, “Winning solves most problems.” For these North Carolina teams, that sentiment has never been more true.