Big Bird Game in the Big Dome +Addendum

Friday night's game against Tennessee is big for NC State. Really big.

It's the first game of the Chick-Fil-A kickoff double header. NC State vs. Tennessee on Friday night - Clemson vs. Auburn Saturday night.

Tennessee has been having a bit of a down time for the past few years. They could be very good this year - or just average. But - they are still an SEC team and a past National Champion.

Here's how I see it for NC State -

If State loses to Tennessee - it won't be the end of the world. But, we will start on a down note. We'll likely end up 8 and 4. Loses to FSU and Clemson and probably one other as well (UNC is the most likely 4th loss).

But -

If State wins - it's a huge confidence booster. We would be seriously favored through our first 6 games and go into the FSU game 6 and 0; likely top 20 ranked and facing a top 10 (possibly top 5) also undefeated FSU.

Even with a close loss to FSU - we could still be seriously looking at a 10 and 2 season or possibly an 11 and 1 season. Which would be the next step up that we've all been waiting for.

So - vs. Tennessee at the Georgia Dome is a really big game. Huge actually.

Right now the odds have Tennessee by 3 1/2 with 52 1/2 points scored - i.e. Tennessee 28 - State 24 1/2. That's pretty close in the prediction department.

It ought to be a good game.

Addendum

Tennessee 35 - NC State 21

Tennessee had 525 total yards. State had 4 interceptions. We fumbled in our end zone for a safety. David Amerson got burned on two long touchdown throws and burned on a long run.

The real key is in line speed. Tennessee's defensive line was much faster and better and State's offensive line couldn't protect Mike Glennon.


Pretty much sums it up.

Soon

Been a while since I've posted.

Work has been very, very busy. Unfortunately, my two biggest projects have been beset with problems so I haven't really wanted to write about them. Hopefully though, things will get solved and they will be completed soon.

Football



College football is just around the corner.

State, as always, is hard to predict. Each year we think we're just about to make the breakthrough - we end up with a successful season - but just not quite what we hoped for.

This year is no different.

We should be an 8 - 4 or 9 -  3 team. Could be a 10 and 2 - but don't go to Vegas and bet on that.

I think we are a realistic 8 and 4 team. I figure we'll lose to Florida State and Clemson - both of whom should have top 10 teams this year. The other 2 losses? Possibly Tennessee - who we really should beat - but since we always seem to start out abysmally slow . . . . .   And at least another loss - God, I hope it isn't to UNC.

On the other hand - when 8 - 4 is expected and a little bit of a disappointment - well - that tells you how far NC State football has come.