WRAL Sports Fan

Duke

Cutcliffe says this might be O'Brien's only year to 'chirp'

By Ken Medlin

Nov 25, 2008

Tom O’Brien’s assertion that N.C. State has the best football program in the state drew a sharp response from Duke coach David Cutcliffe Tuesday.

O’Brien made the statement after State whipped North Carolina on Saturday, giving the Wolfpack its first sweep of in-state rivals in its division since 1986.

“If I were Tom O’Brien, I’d be saying that,” Cutcliffe said. “This might be the only year he can ever chirp like that. When you’ve got chirping right, you better chirp.

“But listen now, program’s a big word. You’re good that day, you won that game – program’s a different animal. Let’s go look all the way through that program and see what we have, OK?”

Also Tuesday, Cutcliffe said he expects quarterback Thaddeus Lewis to play Saturday when the Blue Devils face North Carolina at 3:30 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium.

Zack Asack started for Duke in Saturday’s loss at Virginia Tech and completed two of nine throws for 20 yards, with four interceptions.

Lewis’ left foot was injured in Duke’s 31-7 loss at Clemson on Nov. 15.

Cutcliffe said Tuesday he did not know how much Lewis would play Saturday.