Opener is showcase for Wilson, Wolfpack

RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina State couldn't have asked for a better way to start the season.

First, there's the chance to showcase the program and all-conference quarterback Russell Wilson, a former Collegiate star, to a national TV audience. Then there's the opponent: Steve Spurrier and South Carolina, the same team that shut out the Wolfpack to open last season.

"It's the buzz around town right now, to be on television and know you're the first game that everybody's going to be watching," Wolfpack coach Tom O'Brien said. "It's going to be a special treat . . . [and] going to be an indication of where we are as a program."

That could be said for both teams. The Wolfpack has twice managed to overcome terrible starts to the season under O'Brien to get back into bowl contention, including last year's four-game winning streak to end the year that put N.C. State in the Papajohns.com Bowl.

The Gamecocks, meanwhile, are starting their fifth season under Spurrier but are coming off a 7-6 finish that ended with three straight losses -- all by lopsided margins.

In last year's meeting, the Gamecocks led just 3-0 at halftime before scoring on their last four possessions to take a 34-0 victory in Columbia. This time, the Wolfpack is favored.

"That definitely doesn't bother me," Spurrier said. "I've played as the underdog many times. I just want our players to know this is a very good team we're playing."

Last season, the Wolfpack lost four of six before rallying behind Wilson, who left the opener with a concussion but went on to become the first freshman voted all-ACC first-team quarterback.

With his mobility and mistake-free play -- he has gone a school-record 249 passes without throwing an interception -- he's a tough matchup for any defense.

"It goes in one ear, comes out the other," the sophomore said of all the preseason praise. "I'm not really worried about it. You just have to realize and be honest with yourself and get better every time you step on the field."

Meanwhile, South Carolina defensive tackle Kenny Davis was suspended for the opener for violating team rules. Davis is a 6-3, 287-pound redshirt freshman who is listed as the backup for senior starter Nathan Pepper. Davis is the third defensive lineman suspended for the season opener. Ladi Ajiboye is starting a three-game suspension for his offseason arrest, and Clifton Geathers is serving a one-game suspension for fighting outside a nightclub last month.

Saban awaits ruling on Jones and Ingram

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama coach Nick Saban won't say whether he will play receiver Julio Jones and tailback Mark Ingram in Saturday's season opener against Virginia Tech pending an NCAA ruling on their eligibility.

A university investigation concluded Jones and Ingram committed no violations by taking a Gulf Coast fishing trip paid for by Athens businessman Curtis Anderson. The university said Anderson was not an Alabama booster or fan; he described himself as a friend of the two players.

"I think that is up to the NCAA," Saban said. "I don't think it's my decision to do anything."

Jones was an all-Southeastern Conference receiver as a freshman in a receiving corps that lacks other proven playmakers. Ingram is set to replace all-SEC tailback Glen Coffee after leading the team with 12 touchdown runs as a freshman.

Rodriguez was partner with banned SC booster

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- One of the business partners involved in the real estate venture at the root of a federal lawsuit against Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez is an accused felon and banned Clemson University booster.

The partner, Clegg Lamar Greene of Clemson, S.C., was arrested Dec. 29 and charged with multiple counts of breach of trust.

According to documents provided by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Green is accused of pilfering thousands of dollars from Palmetto State Enterprises LLC between 2005 and 2007 to pay debts on various business deals, buy furniture and have cosmetic surgery.

Greene had set up the corporation several years earlier, using it to help fund several condominium developments -- including one involving Rodriguez, a former coach at Clemson. Bank documents list Greene, 71, as one of Rodriguez's co-investors on The Legends of Blacksburg, an 80-unit project overlooking Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium.

Miami DE expected to miss season opener

CORAL GABLES, Fla. -- Miami defensive end Eric Moncur is expected to miss the Hurricanes' opener at No. 18 Florida State on Monday night with a groin injury.

The Hurricanes also will be without defensive end Adewale Ojomo, who could miss the entire 2009 season with a broken jaw.

Elsewhere

• Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore said quarterback Armanti Edwards is unlikely to play in the Mountaineers' opener against East Carolina on Saturday. Edwards suffered injuries to his right foot in a lawnmower accident last month. Last year, he won the Walter Payton Award as the top player in the Football Championship Subdivision.

• Drake coach Chris Creighton suspended 14 players, including three starters, from Saturday's season opener against Grand View for an unspecified team violation. Drake spokesman Mike Mahon confirmed that starters Quinn McVey, Eric Mora and Stephen Platek are among those who will sit out.