Beck: N.C. State unlike Nebraska in one way

Yes, it’s hot here in North Carolina – unusually hot, even for August.

But N.C. State’s Harrison Beck – who’s fighting for the starting quarterback job – said it’s even hotter in Nebraska this time of year. Beck is a sophomore who transferred from Nebraska.

“It’s like someone is holding a torch in your face (in Nebraska),” Beck said. “Here, it’s really humid.”

Beck said the media attention for football in Nebraska also far exceeds that at N.C. State.

“That’s all they have in (Nebraska),” Beck said. “There’s media out there that stretches the whole side of the football field (at practice). It’s more of a circus there.”

UNC's Austin sloppy so far?

Mega-recruit Marvin Austin appeared sluggish during the portion of North Carolina’s opening practice reporters were allowed to watch. He was the last one in line to run through many of the defensive line drills, and position coach John Blake had to tell him to put his shorts back on after he took them off. Moments later, Blake had to tell Austin to tie the drawstring in his shorts because they were falling off his rear end.

Though Austin looked sloppy, Durham’s Greg Little appeared ready to immediately become one of the team’s best receivers. He runs precise routes, adjusts to the ball when it’s in the air and catches with his hands rather than his chest.

Another wide receiver, 6-5, 210-pound Rashad Mason, has the best-looking physique in the freshman class. He isn’t as polished as Little, but should make an impact at some point simply because he has outstanding physical tools.

Can ECU D make up for Pinkney?

East Carolina will miss quarterback James Pinkney, who led the Pirates to the Papajohns.com Bowl as a senior last season.

But the Pirates’ defensive line is so strong that great quarterback play might not be necessary to get the team back to a bowl. Tackle Khalif Mitchell spent two years at North Carolina before transferring, and end Marcus Hands was a North Carolina signee before he enrolled.

Freshman tackle Linval Joseph is listed at 6-6 and 344 pounds, and coach Skip Holtz said he has the physique to help the team immediately.

“We’ve come a long way when you look at the front seven,” Holtz said.

Duke's season off to bad start

Losing starting linebacker Michael Tauiliili to a suspension after an arrest is a devastating way for Duke to begin its season. Coach Ted Roof suspended him after he was charged with driving while impaired, simple assault and other offenses.

There isn’t much positive to say about Duke’s football program, except that it has 11 returning starters. Tauiliili was Duke’s best defensive player, and his predicament gets a team desperate for good news off to a miserable start.

- Ken Tysiac