The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/743343
NOVEMBER 2016 ■ 103 Cardinals faced a fourth-and-seven at the Clemson 9-yard line when it was flagged again for false start. A snap later, Louisville got 11 yards on a pass when they needed 12, securing Clemson's win. Doeren, though, was able to take comfort in having Finley under center. The coach noted that Finley's natural characteristics allow him to be relaxed even under duress. "He's got a lot of poise," Doeren said. "I think that's one of his greatest strengths." Finley arrived at NC State over the sum- mer, and he quickly won over teammates not only with his play but also his presence. Ju- nior guard Tony Adams has been a starter as NCSU since he was a true freshman. Adams sees a level-headed quarterback in the huddle when Finley is in charge. "I like his composure," Adams said. "He's always very calm. He never gets rattled or anything like that. He's always chill, what- ever is happening and in whatever situation. "For us offensive linemen, we really enjoy him because he's an even temperament. He doesn't get too high or too low." Finley insists that if need be, he can dial up the energy level, but composure has its benefits. "At times I can be poised and laid back, but also at times I can bring some energy," Finley said. "It just depends on the situation. Obviously at quarterback you have to have that next-play mindset. Things are going to go wrong sometimes. You have to have poise and play the next down." Thus when Finley goes 5-of-12 passing for a meager 27 yards against Notre Dame Oct. 8 in the torrential downpours and howl- ing winds due to Hurricane Matthew, he had little problem discarding the contest. "You are not going to get much out of that tape," Finley said. "The good thing about it is we got the win. We'd feel a lot different about that game if we had loss. We got the win, and that's all that matters. "It was pretty miserable during the game, but now looking back for a win it was pretty fun." After the contest, NC State players and even Drinkwitz celebrated by going for a vic- tory slide on the waterlogged playing surface at Carter-Finley. It was reminiscent of the scene from Bull Durham where a tired squad longed for a rainout to have a day off. Davis managed to sneak into the stadium and turn on the sprinklers, soaking the field. Players celebrated by running the bases and sliding around in the mud on the diamond. In that regard, Finley would not have made Davis as proud as he did with his press con- ference. Finley did not partake in the im- promptu postgame slip and slide. "I did plenty of sliding during the game," Finley insisted. ■ TEAM MARY EDNA WILLIAMS Helping Wolfpackers Move For Over 30 Years Mary Edna Williams Class of 1978 • Broker 919-880-0071 maryednaw@remax.net www.maryednawilliams.com Each office independently owned and operated Management Professionals, Inc. WWW.ELITE-MGMT.COM Community Association Specialist AAMC 919.233.7660 WOLFPACK CLUB