Hard To Believe +Addendum

I can't believe what I'm going to say. In fact - it's probably better to say I can't believe NC State Football is in a position for me to say what I'm going to say.

We're overrated.

We're number 14 in the AP Poll that just came out.

I don't think we're the 14th best team in the country.

We're composed of 1, 2, 3 and a couple 4 star recruits.

We have one of the best (very possibly the best) coaching staffs in the country able to take these level recruits and develope them into a top competitive football team. We have about 5 or 6, possibly more, guys who will end up in the NFL. Those are the numbers you see from top echelon football schools. Normally, State would have 1 or maybe 2.

Why over-ranked?

Because those very same top echelon schools get the 3, 4 and 5 star recruits. If you're Ohio State, Alabama, Penn State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Michigan, Florida State, Southern Cal, Texas and so on - recruits come to you. At schools like NC State - we have to go after the recruits.

So - these teams start with a natural advantage. Their kids are a step quicker, bigger, talented and just better to start with.

These are the teams that populate the top 15 spots year after year.

Sometimes these teams drop down a bit (Clemson, FSU, Nebraska). And schools playing at the top of their ability, like NC State, occupy some of those top 15 positions.

But - let's be real.

We play at Notre Dame next Saturday. Notre Dame is ranked right about where they should be - number 9. Yes - Notre Dame is a top 10 team.

We could win close, lose close or lose BIG. What won't happen is NC State winning in a blowout over Notre Dame.

As long as we play well - which we will - I don't care. I'm beyond happy with this team win or lose.

And looking down the road - next comes Clemson. And afterwards we have to play one of the best teams no one is talking about - Wake Forest. And Boston College is getting much better and could give us trouble.

A top 10 or 15 school would not be overly concerned with that schedule. Yes - a top 10 or 15 school had better not have a let down playing them - but winning should be pretty much a given.

Not with NC State. We can't let our guard down or overlook anybody left on the schedule. Including UNCheats. We have to bring our A game every Saturday.

And that - is why I believe we're now officially overrated.

I think we're legitimately one of the best 20 to 25 schools. Which, hopefully, we can build on - land more and more 3, 4 and 5 star recruits - and someday be a top 10 or 15 school.

We'll see what happens.

#14 NC State @ #9 Notre Dame. Saturday. 3:30 PM. NBC


Addendum

ESPN Football Power Index is a reliable, realistic team ranking:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/statistics/teamratings

Notre Dame ranked 5; NC State ranked 17. That's probably more like it.