Posted: 11/10/2009 by Jed Williams
N.C. State has already seen its roster shredded by injuries, its defense dismantled by big plays and its season doused in disappointment. Now, over the next three weeks, the Wolfpack can flip the script.
Three games remaining, three opponents still with much to play for, three pride-salvaging, hope-inducing opportunities for the ‘Pack to spoil some ACC rivals’ holiday parties. Here’s the order, what’s at stake for each and why all three – experts be darned – are winnable:
- Clemson (6-3, 4-2) – Saturday @ Noon, Carter-Finley Stadium:
Implications: The Tigers look exactly like the team many pundits thought they could resemble if the quarterback play steadied and the coaching didn’t’ implode. CU is equally athletic and explosive on both sides of the ball (Tommy Bowden left Dabo Swinney with some nice leftovers). Swinney’s squad is scorching, having won four straight and scoring at least 38 in each of the four. The surge has CU sitting in the Atlantic Division penthouse, inching closer to a Tampa ticket.
Why the Wolfies: At some point, Clemson will be Clemson. For one inexplicable day, they’ll suffer brain lock and fumble away a sure thing. They always do. Why? It’s Clemson. Tiger paws know what I’m talking about, and so too does most of the rest of the ACC. They already lost astoundingly to Maryland (aka “the new Duke”). When does Palmetto paralysis part two befall the Tigers? With a QB that up-and-down, and a coach that young, why not Saturday? Just mark that twenty-eight fellow…
- Virginia Tech (6-3, 3-2) – Saturday, Nov. 21, Blacksburg, Va.:
Implications: Well, the Hokies have sabotaged many of their lofty ambitions stumbling against Alabama, crumbling at Georgia Tech, and fumbling (literally) against UNC. No national title for the ACC’s traditional heavyweight, and likely not even a share of conference glory. But by winning out, VT can notch 10 wins for a sixth straight year, a feat matched by only Texas and USC. It’s a point of pride for Frank Beamer’s bunch, and no one rallies around a cause like these guys.
Why the Wolfies: The aura is gone from this group, if it ever existed. They were flat in Atlanta with the Coastal at stake and looked like the more mentally fragile, physically whipped team when Carolina strutted out of Lane with a Thursday night “w.” Tech never loses at home on Thursday night, especially to unranked basketball schools. Until now, that is. And this is far from a vintage Bud Foster D (309 rushing yards allowed to GT should be a dead giveaway). There’s no reason why Russell Wilson can’t run out to “Enter Sandman,” dance around and deliver his magic. Tech’s offense isn’t good enough to pull away, and if behind, isn’t volatile enough to catch up.
- North Carolina (6-3, 2-3) – Saturday, Nov. 28, Carter-Finley Stadium:
Implications: UNC’s season has taken some oddball turns and could take several more before this blood rival bash. After a home humiliation to Virginia and a late collapse against FSU, many cast Carolina’s season as a wash. Now, after pulling off a VT-Duke double, UNC is positioned to win nine, redeem a woeful start to league play and play in a bowl game with field temperature above freezing. Depending on which group of Tar Heels show up, that is.
Why the Wolfies: Let’s be frank, this is N.C. State’s season. There will be no top-tier finish and likely no bowl. UNC’s O passing game isn’t good enough to abuse the State secondary the way WFU and FSU did. And the ‘Pack should have mojo aplenty on its side after last year’s 41-10 rampage in Chapel Hill.
If we’ve learned one thing above all others about N.C. State over the last three years, it’s that Tom O’Brien finds a way to prime his team to perform at its best in November. It salvaged the ‘Pack’s season last fall. Why not again this time around?!