Final Thoughts and Prediction: Boston College vs NC State

Game News and Notes

The 4-1 Eagles come off the bye week to host the #22 NC State Wolfpack Saturday night. State also enjoyed a week off and are enjoying their own 4-1 start, but with a big win over Clemson in overtime. Dave Doeren’s program has won eight or more games three out of the past four years, and are on their way to continuing that streak.

AJ Dillon and company dominated the last time the two teams met in 2019, but neither team was particularly good. A spry Dennis Grosel only had to complete six passes because the ground game was utterly dominant. The series between the two has gone back and forth mostly, and BC actually has the edge on their ACC counterparts. We all know BC’s recent history against ranked teams, and in fact have had two such losses against NC State.

Matchups to Watch

After Clemson, the onus has to be on the offense to put points on the board and finish drives. They need to play clean, and hopefully have some decent officiating. BC can win on the offensive line. NC State has limited rushers to 3.4 yards a clip, but from the looks of it, no one really tried. BC can show them something they haven’t seen yet on the ground. Pat Garwo and company will run behind a strong line even without Tyler Vrabel (maybe) and need to do damage. Let’s control the clock in this one as opposed to the others. I really don’t want to see any shot taken downfield. Seems like the wind might be a factor, and a ball floating dying in mid-air is not something I would care to experience. Play it short and quick. Someone like Jaelen Gill could be a big factor here.

On the flip side, Devin Leary and the NC State passing offense have been up there in terms of efficiency. They don’t go for many explosive plays, so this could be a la Mizzou, except with a more experienced quarterback. He’s not going to take any unnecessary shots, and plays behind a big offensive line. The BC corners can’t let him hit easy completions to a solid group of veteran skill players, and the linebackers will be working extra on Saturday.

Oddsmakers

BC +3

o/u 52

BC +130 / NC State -150

Prediction

27 BC - 24 NC State

The Narrative

Connor Lytton for the win! With the wind at his back, the freshman nailed a long field goal and kept the Eagles ACC hopes alive. After struggling early in the contest, the BC secondary locked up the NC State receivers to get the offense the ball back. It wasn’t pretty, but the offense played within its confines and didn’t try and do too much. They slowly wore down the Wolfpack defense, and did just enough to get the win. A couple of missed kicks from NC State helped too. BC moves on to Louisville, and NC State heads to the U. The ACC remains an enigma.

Let’s get loud, wolves fear loud noises