OMG WTF

The winning touchdown with 8 seconds left.

There's 2 ways to look at sports.

On one hand - it's only a game. There's much more important stuff going on with conflict, war, poverty, the environment and all sorts of other troubling things going on in the world.

On the other hand - wouldn't it be great if we could all cooperate, solve the big problems and live in a world where sports could be the only 'contest' we'd enjoyably contend with?

Going in to last nights game, NC State was in trouble. 1 win (over a Division 1AA school) and 2 losses to schools we definitely should have beat. The difference between the top tier teams and the rest of us is only a few recruits and a few plays in each game. So close, and yet so far. Just a few short years ago NC State was on the cusp of entering the top ranks of college football. An 11-2 season, bowl win over Notre Dame and the nation's top overall defense.

Then we started back peddling. Assistant coaches left in droves (still don't know why). Even with 3 FIRST round draft picks from last year's team - we had to squeak our way into a minor bowl game.

This year's 1-2 start had the team on the brink of falling apart. In the loss to Southern Miss, back up quarterback Daniel Evans came into the game late and put together 2 impressive drives. This week he was given the starting job. All week, the topic was "if Evans can put together a good game . . ." We didn't even have to win - just be in the game.


Daniel Evans and his mom prior to his first start as NC State's quarterback.

The Setting

We arrived last night to a packed parking lot with ton's of tailgating. In the stadium 45 minutes before kick off - the stands were already filling up. You could feel the buzz in the air.

It was an exciting game. Both teams played their hearts out.

When BC got the ball with about 2 minutes left with the score 15 to 10 - you knew the game was over but felt proud for NC State. Some left for their cars but the vast majority stayed so we could applaud the team for their effort after the game ends.

With 53 seconds left BC goes for it on 4th down. At this point, BC coach TO'B makes what is a very critical call. With the score 10 - 15 a field goal (granted long at 46 yards) would put BC up by 8 requiring not only a touchdown but a 2 point conversion as well just to put the game into overtime. Also, seeing 3 more points go on the board can only be deflating to the NC State players.

Instead, BC goes for the first down. Big gamble to to keep possession with so little time left. At the game, I was wondering why BC wasn't kicking the field goal. In hindsight, if I were a Boston College booster / fan - I'd be freaking livid.

The Fat Lady is warming up on the sidelines.

The Drive

NC State makes the big 4th down stop! Big cheers for the play.

Still, it's not gonna happen. No way we can go 72 yards in 43 seconds to get the touchdown - I mean, let's be real here. But what a great game!

The offense is stoked and goes on the field.

Going from memory here -

Pass is caught but ruled out of bounds.

2nd down - 18 yard pass for a first down. The crowd rumbles.

Another completion mid-field but running furiously to get out of bounds - the runner is tackled and the seconds are flying off the clock. The ref takes his own sweet time setting the ball. The crowd is screaming for his head.

The Fat Lady warbles.

24 seconds - Evans hits Dunlap for a 20 yard gain first down. We're now so loud I worry that our offense will have trouble hearing Evan's snap count.

Ball is set - Evans smartly spikes the ball to stop the clock.

16 seconds on the 34 yard line.

Evans takes the snap - being pressured - scrambles - finds Dunlap in the end zone back corner with single coverage - steps up - throws - Dunlap leaps - catches the ball - gets hammered on the way down - hangs on to the ball - Touchdown! Pandemonium in the stands.

It ain't over till the Fat Lady sings.

Incredible, emotional win.

Here's an ESPN compilation from YouTube that gives you a feel for the game and the final drive.



I sit in the south individual club seats. This past year the north end was built with club seats as well. You have to pay rather big $ to get these seats so they tend to be occupied by older, established fans and as a rule we're somewhat sedate. This home video was taken from someone in the new north end club seats. These folks are not rowdy students - they're family folks. It was the same at our end as well.

Coach Amato wears his emotions on his sleeve. He loves the game and he loves his players (ESPN video). Notice in the clip that we're all still in the stands. We didn't leave until the last player left the field.

Epilogue

You felt great for the win and felt bad for Boston College.

Both teams played so very hard.

I hope BC wins the rest of their games. They very well could.

NC State could also end up with an awesome season. We won't win every game from here on out - but an 8-4 or even 9-3 season is not out of the question.

Maybe - just maybe - this will be the turn around year and get us back on track to becoming a perennial power.

I really enjoy college football and basketball.

Thanks to JCK, Nephew and JTN (aka JFC) for going to the game with me.

Addendum

Went to the local Opera Sunday. They are really professional - but - I did doze a little during the first half. Don't ask me what it was - I don't know. I'd have to look it up on the program. I'm pretty sure it was a 'chick flick' though.