COLLEGE FOOTBALL / BOWL REPORT : PEACH: NORTH CAROLINA STATE vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE, Tonight : Coach Really Looking Ahead

North Carolina State Coach Mike O’Cain sees tonight’s game in Atlanta as an opportunity for his team to earn a spot in next year’s preseason rankings.

“It gives us a chance to take a giant step,” the coach of the No. 23 Wolfpack (8-3) said of the game against No. 16 Mississippi State (8-3). “I don’t think this win would jump us to the top 10, but it would get us into the top 15 probably, a big step into next season and an opportunity to start next season in the top 20.

“This season we started in the top 30 maybe because of the way we ended last year,” O’Cain said. His 1993 team was routed, 42-7, in the Hall of Fame Bowl by Michigan--the third consecutive bowl setback for the Wolfpack.