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Another Saturday, another slightly awkward reunion.

Three weeks ago, it was Tom O'Brien's return to Boston College, a trip that -- all things being equal -- the N.C. State football coach would much rather have avoided. This week, the Wolfpack reconnects with its former coach, Chuck Amato, who is directing the linebackers at Florida State. Also, North Carolina plays host to the school where Butch Davis made his college football reputation -- Miami.

As Davis noted, his reunion with the Hurricanes is different from the one O'Brien had in Chestnut Hill, Mass., because of the time gap. None of the players on the Miami roster was recruited by Davis, so there's no personal connection. The only issue Davis is likely to face this week is the lingering bitterness from when Davis left Miami for the NFL's Cleveland Browns.

"One thing I learned is that you never say never," Davis said. "One thing that I do feel very confident about saying is that it was not my intention at the time to leave Miami."

But, as the Davis story goes, contract talks with Miami stalled and Cleveland came in with an offer he couldn't refuse.

As for State, nearly all of the players on the current Wolfpack roster were recruited by Amato. As was the case with O'Brien and the Boston College players, there still is an emotional bond between the Wolfpack and Amato.

"He's just a funny guy," said N.C. State defensive tackle DeMario Pressley. "I miss him. I can't tell you that I don't."

QB SWAP: Another Saturday, another announcement about the starting quarterback at N.C. State.

Daniel Evans, who started the season opener for the Pack, is back at the No. 1 spot, because the previous starter, Harrison Beck, is out with a separated shoulder suffered Saturday against Louisville.

If you're keeping track at home, here's how things have unfolded. Evans started the opener against Central Florida, but struggled and was replaced by Beck. Beck played well in the second half and was the starter against Boston College. Beck tossed five interceptions against the Eagles, prompting a relief appearance by Evans -- but Beck held on to the starting job. Beck left early in the Clemson game with a knee injury, giving way to Evans again. Beck returned to health and started against Louisville before giving way to Evans -- again -- after hurting a shoulder.

O'Brien said that Beck would not lose his starting job, assuming the shoulder injury does not keep the third-year sophomore out for too long.

"Obviously, if Lou Gehrig shows up, then maybe you've got to change your rules," O'Brien said. "But for the most part, you don't lose your job because of injury."

ATTRITION: You can, however, lose a lot of talent because of injuries. Just ask O'Brien.

Before the season he repeatedly talked about the importance of keeping a thin roster healthy. The Wolfpack has failed miserably in that department. Beck joined six other names on the injury report for the Florida State game. That's not even including running back Toney Baker (Ragsdale) and tight end Anthony Hill, who are out for the season with knee injuries. Nine State players have had knee surgery since the spring.

Also included in State's roster attrition are cornerback Levin Neal, wide receiver LaMarcus Bond and punter Nathan Franklin. O'Brien announced Monday that all three had asked to be released from their scholarships and planned to transfer.

UNC ATTRITION: The Tar Heels aren't immune from the injury bug, either. Starting cornerback Kendric Williams went down with a knee injury against Virginia Tech and will miss the rest of the season.

SILVER LINING: Pressley was at least able to report that Baker is making progress in his recovery from a season-ending knee injury. At first, the former Dudley standout said, Baker was naturally despondent over having to miss the entire season. Now, though, Pressley said his friend and teammate is throwing himself into the rehabilitation process.

"I can tell that he's really picking it up," Pressley said. "Next year, he'll be great."

Contact Jim Young at 373-7016 or jyoung@news-record.com