NC State Preview: Just Another Brick in the Wall?

Hello All,

And here we are again, at the type of crossroads that has been the downfall of this team too many times over the past 8 years: the follow-up to an emotional win.

We all know the drill: after a draining win, a team can go one of two ways. It can carry over the confidence and momentum gained to its next battle; or, has been the case for the 'Canes too often, it can come out flat, unable to get back up to the level required to win in major college football on a weekly basis.

North Carolina State is a solid team with the ability to be great in spurts.

Sean Glennon is a solid quarterback that can be great when given time to scan the field.

If the defense continues to improve, and can get pressure on the pocket, then Glennon will force some bad throws and our increasingly effective secondary will have a chance to make some plays.

If not...well...see College, Boston.

The play that resonated most for me from the Georgia Tech game, in reflection, is the 4th and 1 stop in overtime.

Last year, the defense would have folded like a cheap suit in that situation.

This year, they fought and, in the end, won.

Is that toughness going to transcend the season for this team, or was it a flash in the pan moment for a young team?

That is the question we will see answered, and NC State is a good yardstick. Toughness doesn't just mean hitting hard, it means being able to tune out everything in the atmosphere and concentrate solely on the task at hand.

It means following up an emotional win with a strong performance, and not going through the first half motions.

That is the crossroads the 'Canes face, and the one they must master, before they have any chance of returning to elite status.
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Last week, I went 7-1 overall, and 4-3 against the spread, to bring my season record up to 9-6 (7-7).

OHIO STATE over Michigan State (-3)

Something tells me Sparty is going to have a tough time scoring enough to win this game. Maybe its that they barely beat a Directional Michigan last week. Who ever knows?

aTm (-14.5)  over ARKIE

Arkansas is a dumpster fire but I highly doubt the Ags have the dogs to beat them by three scores with a freshman quarterback. John L's boys will cover. SMIIIIILLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

GEORGIA (-14) over Rocky Top

This is always one of my favorite games to watch. I love the uniforms, I have a soft spot for the schools, and Tyler Bray melting down in the 3rd quarter of a road SEC game is always must see television.

CLEMSON over Boston College (+9)

This is easy....

TEXAS over Oklahoma State (+2)

almost too easy....

OREGON STATE over 'Zona (-3)

Yup, there it is. He had to pick a road dog in the Pac 12. Guess you can't teach an old moron new tricks.

Clear eyes, full hearts, Go 'Canes.