NC State Wolfpack vs. Boston College Eagles
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
TV: ACCN
Line: State -3
BC Preview
Boston College are, like State and Wake Forest, dark horse candidates that have now definitively made it known they want a chance at an ACC Championship. Both are coming off grueling games and bye weeks. State with a back and forth win with LA Tech, the Eagles and low scoring loss at Clemson. There’s multiple ways this game could go, all depends on who would like to show up heading out of an extra week of rest.
The Eagles started their season 4-0 before that Clemson loss. The first three games? Cupcakes City. Blowouts of Colgate, UMass and Temple, although two of the three were at least on the road. A thrilling overtime win over Mizzou, put them back in the spotlight.
Quarterback Phil Jurkovec started the season as a player to watch, but with injury, back up Dennis Grosel has struggled to find his groove. Floating around 60% completions and a split 4-4 TD to INT ratio, he likes to run. Running back, Pat Garwo III, has a body like Person but stats similar to Knight. If this BC offense is to be competitive, they rely on buying Grosel time and committing to the ground game early (sound like anyone we know?). If this turns into a game of catchup for the Eagles, it’ll lean heavily in State’s favor.
BC’s defense is decent, but with a balanced attack, State should find opportunities to exploit. They tend to struggle to get into the backfield, but have the secondary support to cause turnovers. In fact, State and BC are tied with seven total sacks on the year, although State has steadily been improving in that area.
Keys to Winning for the Wolfpack
- Who gets running first? – Both teams rely on the ground game to set the tone for the offense. While State has been using it to wear down opponents, leading to deep threat chances with their loaded receiver core, BC is just trying to keep teams honest and allow Grosel time. State should have a big advantage on both sides of the ball. Their defense has been sound against the run, while Knight and Person have done all they could, both catching and running. Leaving the LA Tech game, Knight didn’t look 100%, hopefully the rest has the backfield duo ready to feast.
- Capitalize on Turnovers – Both BC and Leary are going to put out opportunities for turnovers. This game within the game, is going to be massive tonight. Eagles have 6 INTs to State’s 7. Both teams attack to the ball carrier and have had moments on tape that shine defensively. Last time State was on the road, they didn’t handle themselves well in doing the little things right, can’t happen again.
- Start Fast – Simply put, don’t let BC and that night crowd get into this. Work through your progressions, get a balance attack rolling on offense and absolutely fly on defense. When State has struggled most, is when they overthink, instead of do. Eagles are a solid team, but State should be able to take care of business, if they take care of THEIR business.
Predictions
This has a feeling of the first half being brutal to watch. Both teams showing rust and overcommitting and underdelivering. The over/under is 51 and can’t help but feel the under is the right way to go.
In the end, State has the better offense and defense. BC has the home crowd and a chance to step up in the Atlantic. Wolfpack win another close one, full of heart attacks and worry.
Wolfpack wins 27-23.
