MCLAMB: It Wasn't Pretty, But It Doesn't Have To Be
Some paintings are masterpieces while others never see the gallery.
It was not pretty for NC State, excluding the final score, but the Wolfpack slogged out an important win at Pittsburgh to move to 6-1 overall and, more importantly, 4-0 in the ACC.
The last time the Wolfpack was undefeated halfway through the conference season was 15 years ago.
Pittsburgh took the initiative early and put NC State on the back foot. Wolfpack fans, hypersensitive after seeing their beloved team come up short in winnable games over the years, were likely feeling queasy.
The current team, given a blueprint on how not to play following a season-opening loss to South Carolina, dug in and showed resolve.
NC State has killed off games lately with Nyheim Hines carrying the ball. On Saturday it was the junior who kickstarted the Wolfpack almost single-handedly as Ryan Finley was uncharacteristically off his game early.
Hines was perceived to be most effective late because his speed was hard for a tiring defense to deal with. As great as the runs to seal wins were for him to excel early is chef-d'oeuvre for the Wolfpack, especially considering it was when the offense needed him most.
The schedule, never easy for NC State, is about to become even tougher. Only one of the remaining five games, the season finale versus North Carolina, is one where the Pack will be clearly favored.
With three of the next four on the road and a home matchup versus Clemson that has the making of being one of the biggest games at Carter-Finley Stadium in many years, the Wolfpack has much work ahead.
Winning the day means emerging triumphant in whatever the particular endeavor for that time is while focusing singularly on the task that it leads to.
The bye week comes at an important time for NC State. The Wolfpack has a great chance to emerge out of it relatively healthy and primed for the stretch run.
To win the bye week would be as important as each of the six victories this season for NC State. Things went wrong for the Wolfpack at Pittsburgh and there is a compelling need to fix them.
It was a tortured route to get there but the Wolfpack eventually won by double digits on the road in a game that it trailed in the first quarter and was tied at halftime.
The victory Saturday may not be its best masterpiece at this point, and NC State will certainly hope there is more beautiful artwork to be made in the coming weeks.
It was pretty enough though. The Wolfpack found a way and the win at Pittsburgh deserves a spot on the wall with the rest of them.