Pack to scrimmage Thursday

Attention to detail and limiting mistakes will be key objectives Thursday as N.C. State takes the field for its second preseason scrimmage.

“We’re going to play a little more of a game situation,” coach Tom O’Brien said. “There’s going to be penalties marked off, and it’s going to be more realistic. Obviously penalties and mistakes are really going to come into play, and things like that. We’re going to have to play smart, and we’re looking for great effort.”

The most important development for N.C. State Thursday might occur off the field, as linebacker Nate Irving is scheduled for a doctor’s appointment. Irving, who was injured in a June 28 car crash, will have the leg he broke examined.

He already has had doctors examine his lung, ribs and shoulder, which also were injured. If O’Brien gives an update on Irving’s status, he will do so after the scrimmage, according to N.C. State sports information director Annabelle Myers.

N.C. State currently lists Irving as out indefinitely.

- Booster club activities for O’Brien next spring will venture far beyond the traditional speaking circuit. The Wolfpack Club has scheduled an unusual fund raiser with O’Brien for May 15-22 of next year in Killarney and Dublin, Ireland.

O’Brien and his wife, Jenny, will join athletic director Lee Fowler and wife Carol as hosts on a tour of Ireland. The travel package will include rounds on three championship courses for those who like to golf.

Details are available from the Wolfpack Club. O’Brien, who calls Ireland “my homeland,” has been a frequent visitor there.

“Anytime I can go to Ireland, it’s fun,” O’Brien said.

- Redshirt freshman Brandon Barnes and freshman James Washington are making progress at running back.

Behind starter Jamelle Eugene, the freshmen are competing with veterans Toney Baker and Curtis Underwood for playing time.

“They’re still growing, still learning, still very much in the development stage,” said offensive coordinator Dana Bible. “But we like how they’re coming along. Each day you can see one more step.”

Ken Tysiac