NC State at Boston College: The Bottom Line

Like Maryland, this is not an easy game to pick. I will, however, make one, in case you were wondering.

My objective evaluation of NC State is that while they are 5-4, they are a flawed 5-4. Despite having a few reasonably-good wins to their credit, they’ve also had some irksome losses and do not come across as being all that impressive. As for Boston College, we know all about it — they’re 2-7. Some would argue that they’re much better than 2-7, and I would only say that I think based on raw talent, yes, I agree. Raw talent isn’t everything; however, in the words of Bill Parcells, “you are what your record says you are.”

The best way to approach this contest is by making lists for and against BC winning, and I’ll select the winner at the end.

Reasons Boston College will beat NC State

• Senior day. Added motivation.
• Rivalry game. Even more added motivation.
• NC State isn’t that good. You can probably guess what the counterpoint to this is, and it’s in the next list.
• You can run on the Wolfpack. They’re not Maryland, but FSU they ain’t. The run game should open up a little more.
• NC State’s offense is almost as bad as ours. Almost.
• Good track record against TOB. Outside of last year’s embarrassing loss, BC has done well against the Wolfpack.

Reasons Boston College will not beat NC State

• Rivalry game. It’s a two-way street; TOB wants the game just as badly.
• NC State isn’t that good, but neither are we. In fact, I would say we are absolutely terrible.
• NC State excels at forcing turnovers. And BC excels at giving them up.
• Spaz is our coach. He coached the FSU game like he was trying to run out the clock in the 1st quarter. His staff might gameplan their asses off, but for all we know, it’s terrible strategy.
• NC State needs the game. With a win, they’re on the cusp of a bowl game and TOB might be safe to wreak mediocrity on Raleigh for another season.
• BC has no offense. Pretty hard to win games when you barely dent the scoreboard.

After what I saw last week, I’m not sure I would pencil BC in for a win against any opponent, to be perfectly honest. I will, however — against my better judgment — give Boston College the edge as my pick to win. This is probably one of the few games Spaz and his staff actually care about, and they’re going to give it everything they’ve got. While Boston College is definitely beatable, so are the Wolfpack, and it is entirely possible that BC will get their third win in their final home game.

Though I’ll give this one to BC, I’m barely convinced of it and my pick is more motivated by not being able to stomach another loss to TOB than it is any logical reason. I have watched enough Boston College football this season to have justifiable doubts. I wouldn’t be surprised if NC State wins, and you shouldn’t be, either. It really can go either way, but hopefully, our seniors will get the chance to go out winners.

On a final footnote: there is a strong possibility that Luke Kuechly will declare for the NFL Draft following this season. I have been of that opinion since well before the season began, and I can prove it. On August 9th, I said:

"Kuechly is on every preseason watch list up the freakin Wazoo, and for that reason, we Boston College fans must acknowledge that as a junior, this may be his final season on the heights. He is projecting as a mid-first round draft pick, and there will be a lot of do-re-mi coming his way if he has another stellar season as we all expect. Like Reggie Jackson couldn’t avoid the lure of going pro a year early, Kuechly might not be able to, either."

Nothing that has happened since has changed my opinion. This may be your last chance to see him play at home, so you’d do well to take it.