I would think that N.C. State’s practices since the Duke game have been intense, because there was very little intensity in their blowout loss to the Blue Devils this past weekend.

Duke was going to play hard and aggressive. That was a given, and it was up to State to match that, and they couldn’t -- didn’t even come close to it.

I would expect that State will play hard Wednesday night against Virginia. They almost beat the Cavaliers in Charlottesville back in December, and that was without the injured Engin Atsur who could play this time. But the way it’s gone for him and that bad hamstring -- who knows for sure. His absence has certainly hurt a thin team, leaving State so vulnerable at point guard.

State has some talent. They just don’t have a lot of it, and there’s scant help on the bench. That’s why playing hard is so important for them. And they better play hard against a Virginia team with the very good guard tandem of J.R. Reynolds, who torched Wake Forest for 40 and Sean Singletary, a player who can definitely make things happen. They are strong players at a position where State is suspect.

But effort and desire can make up for a lot. A crowd can get behind over achievers. When the legs are tired is when the heart matters. To want it more than your opponent has won many a ball game for many a less talented team. This State team has shown that effort before and I’ll say it again, they do have some talented players.

When they played at State nobody got after it harder than head coach Sidney Lowe and assistant Monte Towe. They played their hearts out every time. I expect they have gotten their points across the last few days.

Play like you want it. Play like it matters. When the deck is stacked against you, effort can make up for a lot.

Carolina going to Wake Forest used to be a cause for concern for Carolina. The Deacons would always be waiting with the best effort they had. I would think that would again be the case except it won’t matter. The Deacons best will not be nearly enough against one of the most powerful teams in the country.

The 17-2 Tar Heels so deep and so talented could probably play their back ups for most of the game and beat the struggling, young Deacons who will need better than their best to win this one.

Wake can’t defend and makes far too many mistakes to beat Carolina. This one could be a snoozer by halftime.

Deacon fans just remember, spring football is just around the corner.