RALEIGH After N.C. State's deflating loss to Maryland in the regular-season finale, quarterback Russell Wilson sat near the back of the team charter plane, texting coach Tom O'Brien, who was seated up front.

"Do we have a chance to go to the Champs Bowl?" O'Brien said Wilson's text read.

O'Brien handed his phone to athletics director Debbie Yow. She told O'Brien that while she passed through security at the airport, Wilson had asked her the same question.

Wilson got the bowl trip he was looking for, as N.C. State (8-4) will meet No. 22 West Virginia (9-3) in Tuesday's Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla.

His lobbying demonstrated the always-upbeat way in which Wilson has led the Wolfpack over three seasons as the starting quarterback. N.C. State had just seen a goal wrenched away in heartbreaking fashion, 38-31. A spot of the ball on fourth down during the final minute prevented the Wolfpack from taking possession for what would have been a desperate attempt at a tying touchdown. With a win, N.C. State would have advanced to its first ACC championship game and a shot at the Orange Bowl.

O'Brien said players were "crushed" by the loss. Tight end George Bryan said he probably wouldn't watch the ACC championship game.

Wilson, though, has taken to heart the advice offensive coordinator Dana Bible has repeated to him. You forget the last play, because there's nothing you can do about it. You get on to the next one and make the best of whatever opportunity you have.

"We were hoping we could get an ACC championship," Wilson said. "That didn't happen. So we were looking for the next best thing. For us, the Champs Sports Bowl as players, that's what we were hoping for and that's what we were blessed to get."

Painful memory

The only time Wilson has played in a bowl, it didn't end well.

The 2008 PapaJohns.com Bowl started well enough, with Wilson passing for 186 yards and rushing for 46 yards during the first half as N.C. State built a 17-6 lead against Rutgers.

But late in the second quarter, Wilson injured his knee while scrambling for a long gain. In the locker room at halftime, Wilson learned the injury might be serious.

He ran back out onto the field with the team, but O'Brien benched him.

"I was mad," Wilson said. "I wanted to play."

O'Brien wouldn't allow it. Without Wilson, N.C. State's offense imploded, and Rutgers won 29-23.

O'Brien still stands by his decision.

"I wasn't going to let him play because obviously he's got a bright future in a lot of things, (rather) than to play in the second half of a bowl game just to win a football game," O'Brien said.

Wilson doesn't appear to be taking extra motivation from that disappointing outcome. That game was two years ago, and Wilson likes to look ahead.

He is glad the Champs Sports Bowl is on a big stage, but it hasn't changed his motivation or preparation.

"Every single day, I wake up and try to set myself up and set the team up in whatever way possible to be the best team in the country," Wilson said.

Wilson's formula has worked well as N.C. State's starting quarterback.

He was named first-team All-ACC as a redshirt freshman and has led the ACC in touchdown passes during his sophomore and junior seasons. He ranks second to former Wolfpack great Philip Rivers in ACC history in touchdown responsibility with 91 scores (74 passing, 17 rushing).

But he said he doesn't know where he stands among the great players in N.C. State history. Instead, he takes pride in little things, such as his notion that practices have become increasingly competitive since he has been in Raleigh.

O'Brien appreciates the attitude he has brought to the team.

"His mental approach, his positive outlook on everything, I think has carried him through and carried a lot of these kids through," O'Brien said. "The ability to lead this team, once he got it going himself ... we've got the opportunity to win nine games, the second-most in school history, so that would be a great accomplishment."

Last dance?

There is a chance the Champs Sports Bowl will be Wilson's final game at N.C. State.

He has yet to reveal his plans for next season. He played baseball in the Colorado Rockies' organization last summer, and there's a chance he will leave with a year of eligibility remaining to concentrate on baseball and possibly start a pro football career.

A dual-sport professional career remains his biggest goal. His father, Harrison Wilson III, survived until the final cut of the San Diego Chargers' 1980 camp, so an NFL career holds personal significance.

"My dad dreamed of playing in the NFL and playing major league baseball. ... and my dad had the same dream for me," Wilson said. "But every single day, I focus on my dream more than anything. And it's the same as his."

Whether that pursuit leads Wilson to one more football season at N.C. State is anybody's guess. He has succeeded in two sports while graduating in three years by dealing with his separate responsibilities at the appropriate time, and at this time he chooses to focus on the bowl and West Virginia.

As Yow and O'Brien can attest, after Tuesday's game is over, it won't take long for Wilson to begin pouring his energy into his next big task - whatever that might be.