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Amato Deflects Questions About Future At State

Nov 20, 2006

Raleigh, N.C. — Chuck Amato wouldn't answer questions Monday about his job status at North Carolina State. But the Wolfpack head coach maintains that the program is in "good shape."

Amato acknowledged that no one is happy with the way the season has gone. N.C. State is in the midst of a six-game losing streak with East Carolina looming on the horizon in the regular-season finale for both schools.

Amato said it's been a season of inches. Five of the team's six Atlantic Coast Conference losses have been by eight or fewer points. He's urging his offense to produce early.

N.C. State has scored one touchdown in the first quarter all season -- in the season opener against Appalachian State.

Wide receiver Darrell Blackman said the players aren't allowing the speculation about Amato's future to affect them. He said the players are focusing on the game.