That's a deeply nostalgic take that ignores how rivalries actually function in real time. The soul of a rivalry isn't killed by roster movement, it's sustained by the institutions and the fans. The animosity between the fanbases hasn't diminished one bit, and the stakes on the field are often higher now with the expanded playoff. Last year's game decided the ACC's top contender behind Florida State, and NC State's defense held opponents to under 20 points per game, a stat that means more than any individual player's tenure. You're romanticizing an era where players stayed, but the games themselves weren't always consequential. Now, with conference realignment, every matchup carries more weight for the future. The idea that you can't hate a transfer is absurd. Grayson McCall came to NC State and immediately became a central figure in this rivalry's narrative. The continuity is in the programs, NOT just the players. Dave Doeren's system has been in place for over a decade, creating a consistent identity that opponents must prepare for, regardless of who the quarterback is. The "Thursday night battles" you miss were great, but last year's game had a higher combined SP+ rating than most of those early 2000s contests. The gravity comes from winning, and with NC State winning three of the last five, the tension is absolutely still there. The portal didn't erase decades of shared history, it just added new chapters. The rivalry feels different because the entire sport has evolved, but to call it hollow is to dismiss the current players who are laying it all on the line in a game that still defines their season.