A Month Away

College Football is a month away.

After this past Basketball Season, I've become a discouraged NC State alumnus and Wolfpack Club member.

Two basketball seasons ago, we were pretty much out of talent except for Cat Barber. Our second best player got injured in the first half of the first game.

(And was recently denied an additional medical hardship season this year by the NCAA. Because he played in one game. One bleeping game. Those assholes better treat UNC-CHeaters just as crappy).

Our team, outmatched in just about every game, especially the ACC games, still played all out till the buzzer. Shorthanded, we ended up under 50% by one game. Great coaching and motivation.

So the next year (last year), when we had a full, talented, deep roster, with a superstar guard, a superstar center and a starting lineup that would start at just about any ACC school except for maybe Dook and CHeats, we were going to return to the big-time. Heck, we were so deep - our second position guys would be starters at most other schools.

It was a given. With the talent and coaching that kept us competitive when we were out-manned the previous year - it was a sure thing. Dook, CHeats, Louisville - watch out. We're coming after you.

We sucked.

Worse record than even the year before.



New coach. Starting over.

Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.

Football

So what does this have to do with football? Nothing. Not a damn thing.

But, it has made me not want to be optimistic. I put too much emotion into what was gonna happen with basketball. Never again will I do that.

Most pre-season football polls have NC State somewhere between #25 and #30.

If you go to ESPN's Power Ranking Index - they have us at #22 and losing only to FSU, Notre Dame and Clemson. It has us winning close over Louisville and losing close to Notre Dame. So those are toss-ups.

On the other hand, in the summary - it predicts us at 7.5 - 4.5. I guess they figure we'll pull some "NC State S*%t and drop 1 or 2 games we should win. Or lose 3 and upset someone else. Who knows.

There's a lot of talk about a breakthrough season.

A couple of sportswriters (delusional or trolling) have us as a Dark Horse to make the College Football Playoffs. Yeah - right. Somebody's smoking some pretty good stuff.

I'm not buying it. I'm not jumping on the bandwagon.

I'm going to the games, tailgating, and I am going to enjoy myself. I expect nothing. 7 and 5 would be a solid improvement and fine with me. If we do have a breakthrough season, I'll be elated. If we stink up the place? Oh well, so what else is new? Same as it ever was, Same as it ever was.

As long as we beat UNC-CHeaters - I'm happy.

Anyway - we'll see.