Vonwolf: Time to Go All In; Money, Commitment, Emotions

I’m ready to be hurt again.

While the end of the 2021 ACC run was a disappointment, the win versus UNC and the subsequent listing of all these returning players has been exhilarating. To the point, it’s the only thing I think about. If, and I know that’s a big if, the 2022 team can stay healthy and build on this most recent campaign…I just…we have to…it could be incredible.

The ACC Landscape

Three weeks into the 2021 season, it looked like the ACC was going to be the laughing stock of the nation. Everyone looked rough and the doom and gloom was real. But the conference actually turned it around a bit. Not saying the ACC was world beaters, but most teams found their form. Wouldn’t be surprised if we pulled out a winning bowl record this year.

Which is why 2022 is actually oh so interesting. Clemson is out major coaches, as well as just about every freaking school in the Coastal. Wake, Pitt and UNC are all losing their top guy (and it’s not even close). Basically, there are a whole lotta teams that are going to redefine and/or simply find their identity next year.

State knows who they are…they need to go all in.

Miami talks about giving any and all financial backing to their program to get it right (including about $25M in just buyout money). Clemson is in hot pursuit and willing to pay top-dollar for new assistants.

Everybody on this State staff; extend them, give them more money, commit them to State for the foreseeable future. Put money in a NIL fund to let every player know, this program rewards on and off the field success. Let’s have everybody, LITERALLY invested in this program.

State will be coming out of this season with at least 9 wins. A big bowl win and the end of year run should catapult them into next season. We need to be aggressive on all things “business of football”, because the time is RIGHT now.

Returning Players

You knew some of these guys would return, especially those with injuries. But to see the utter commitment to this program speaks volumes to this coaching staff. By the time the first Pack player entered the transfer portal, State was one of FIVE remaining schools to keep their roster intact. That’s mind blowing.

Do you understand the value in that? Can we all agree that this staff has put the best culture in place since…ever?

We have guys that are willing to come back for their fourth or fifth year with the program. Guys that left OTHER ACC schools and can’t speak more highly about the program here in Raleigh.

These players have made the commitment to the program in the fullest. And one could assume, that selling those same belief to recruits and transfers will only be easier because of it.

State Sh*t

Which brings us to…well…us. It’s not easy being a State fan. For every great comeback, comes memories that force you to find a garbage can.

You may disagree at moments with this staff’s past, but you CANNOT deny that they have a good thing going right now. Especially after this season, nine wins is now the floor. We need to consistently be in that range without any questions asked. State needs to be in the hunt well into November. The pressure has ramped up, because the expectations have never been higher.

Believe in this team. Support these players and staff. Get rowdy and ready.