Recap: 2008 Spring Game

If you were busy the past few days and missed our coverage of the 2008 Spring Game, here is the recap of interviews, photos, observations, and much more from the Pack Pride staff.

2008 NC State Spring Game Recap

GAME RECAP: Red Wins a Thriller 23-21 Over White

RALEIGH, N.C. -- With all the fan attention on who will be lining up under center for the 2008 season, the NC State quarterbacks had a strong showing in the Pack’s annual Spring game on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium.

The Red team scored on a desperation 31-yard touchdown pass on the last play of the game, and claimed a 23-21 win in front of 15,273. Justin Burke directed the game-winning drive, culminating with a 31-yard touchdown pass to tight end George Bryan on fourth down with no time left on the clock. The Red team’s winning drive covered 75 yards in the final 1:25 minutes.

"The only way I wanted it to end was to have the team make a big play at the end," said head coach Tom O'Brien following the scrimmage. "I got my wish. I told Audie Cole to knock him down and he did. [George] Bryan was on his back, but Justin [Burke] was chased for his life and got the chance to win. If it was scripted, it wouldn't have turned out that way. It's good to see how we can react under pressure."

Box Score: Red 23, White 21

Here are the official stats from the 2008 Red/White Spring Game.

Tom O'Brien Audio + Quotes

"[George Bryan] is like a lot of the freshmen. This is one of their first opportunity to really get coached and show what they have. He was one of those guys that showed up everyday."

"I have to apologize to Jerrail McCuller and Jeremy Gray. They said I didn't read their names out. They were on my paper, so I publicly apologize to them because they made every practice too."

"I think they did a good job. As I've said, we're not going to make any decisions after this game... like I told the team, I said we're better than we were a year ago at this point, but that doesn't really mean anything because last year we were a 1-5 football team the first six games of the year. The most important thing is what takes place from now, and how we get ready to attack summer ball."

"There's a little more consistency. We're better, we understand what we're doing, we understand the concepts of what we're trying to get across. As long as you don't turn the ball over."

Pack Players Meet The Media

Robbie Leonard, Russell Wilson, Jamelle Eugene, Justin Burke, George Bryan, Donald Bowens, and Harrison Beck met with the media following the 2008 Spring Game. Here is the audio and quotes from those interviews.

Photos: 2008 Red/White Game

PREMIUM: Observations From the Spring Game

Pack Pride reviews the 2008 Spring Game with thoughts and observations on the game itself as well as commentary on several of the recruits that were in attendance.

WRAL: O'Brien, Players Spring Game Interviews

PREMIUM: Recruits At The Spring Game

Pack Pride breaks down the unofficial visitors that were in attendance for the Wolfpack's spring game held this past Saturday.

PREMIUM: Spring Game - Defensive Highlights In the 2008 Red/White Game, both teams had several players make plays on the defensive side of the football. Players featured include: Alan-Michael Cash, Antoine Holmes, J.R. Sweezy, Jeff Rieskamp, Willie Young, Audi Augustin, Nate Irving, Audie Cole, Robbie Leonard, Ray Michel, Dwayne Maddox, Koyal George, Justin Byers, and Dominique Ellis.

PREMIUM: Spring Game - Offensive Highlights

In the 2008 Red/White Game, both teams had several players make plays on the offensive side of the football. Players featured include: Justin Burke, Russell Wilson, Harrison Beck, Jamelle Eugene, Ulysses Tuft, Matt Kushner, George Bryan, Donald Bowens, Jay Smith, Jarvis Williams, Owen Spencer, Steven Howard, and Darrell Davis, Gary Gregory, Jeraill McCuller, Andy Barbee, Desmond Roberts, and John Bedics, Meares Green, Curtis Crouch, Ted Larsen, Jake Vermiglio, and Julian Williams.

Bonus Photos: Alums And Recruits