Wednesday, August 29, 2012

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.

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