I know what you mean. As Cards fans, we have seen this many a time over the years, mostly with hoops because the games are so close together.
I could never understand how players would not be ready to play a tough conference game because they're looking ahead to a non conference game a week later. For me, this is more on the coaches than the players.
If the coaching is focused during the week on next weeks game as much or more than the current week game, the players may not be as prepared.
I don't see this with Jeff Brohm. The NC State game is a breakout moment on the season. Yes, the team is 4 and 0 but they're not ranked and beating ACC bottom dwellers is not exactly the we're here moment.
I would be shocked if the players are sloppy or obviously distracted in this game tonight. It's not like they're playing Georgia or Michigan next week. Louisville has had recent success playing the Irish, so this can't wait to play them mentality shouldn't apply to this group.
I think it's more of a fans thing because of some piss poor coaching in the past. This team already looks different than any of Satterfield's teams and I fully expect them to be ready to play a tough road game.
Doesn't guarantee a win because the Wolfpack could play over their heads and play their best game on the season.