First Down

ON WASHINGTONTIMES.COM: FROM D1SCOURSE, OUR COLLEGES BLOG

First, let’s start with a little perception versus reality.

The perception of N.C. State quarterbacks since the graduation of Philip Rivers would produce these terms in a word association game: Unstable. Inconsistent. Fluctuating. Mediocre.

Some of those words are fair. And it sure seemed like the naming of Russell Wilson as the starter ensured that Wilson became the umpteenth starting quarterback for the Wolfpack since Rivers departed after the 2003 season.

Try only the fifth, which is on the high side but not bizarrely so compared with the rest of the ACC. Triangle neighbors Duke and North Carolina also started five quarterbacks in the last four years, though that’s not necessarily the best company to keep in football.

— Patrick Stevens

TWT FIVE: College football teams destined to let you down in 2008

1. West Virginia — Rich Rodriguez is gone. In his place is his old tight ends coach - you know, the guy only responsible for walking his players to the offensive line meetings and then escorting them to the wide receiver meetings.

2. Oklahoma — The Sooners have been embarrassed in two straight Fiesta Bowls, falling to Boise State in 2007 and then surrendering 349 rushing yards to WVU in January. It doesn’t help that the Big 12 is stacked this season.

3. Ohio State — Two consecutive BCS Championship losses make it look like Mr. Sweater Vest has lost his edge. The experts will tell you this is the year the Buckeyes are supposed to be good. Trips to Wisconsin, Illinois and, oh yeah, Southern Cal should prove otherwise.

4. Georgia — The No. 1 spot wasn’t a fun place to be in 2007, and it doesn’t help when there are six ranked teams on the schedule, and the Bulldogs play in the toughest conference in the country.

5. ESPN’s College GameDay — It is time for Lou Holtz and Lee Corso to ride off into the sunset.

Today’s best bet on television

Tired of the Olympics? Give the Little League World Series final a try. 3:30 p.m., Chs. 7, 2