MCLAMB: NC State Found A Way
There are many traits a program must develop to take the next step. NC State, despite no longer having a chance at the Atlantic Division title, has room to grow.
If the Wolfpack’s seniors leave the program in a better place before they exit, they may look back at the victory on a cold afternoon at Boston College as the turning point.
NC State gutted out a 17-14 win over the Eagles in a game that was begging the Pack to lose.
When the going got tough, NC State instead found a way to win.
The Wolfpack consistently found a way.
The Eagles ran through,around, and by the NC State defense in the first half. After halftime, the Wolfpack found a way.
In its attempt to shake things up NC State did so, but it was for the other team. A bizarre lateral attempt from Jaylen Samuels to Ryan Finley ended up giving Boston College, who was stagnant offensively, a short field to take the lead.
All the signs were there for this to be a crushing loss after the Eagles took the lead into the fourth quarter. NC State found a way.
Nyheim Hines’ 50-yard touchdown run gave the Wolfpack the lead with 8:22 remaining in the game. The run, which for the most part was an anomaly and accounted for almost a quarter of team’s rushing attack for the game, symbolized how NC State found a way. When Hines seemed cornered on the sideline, his superb cutback inside helped him close the run out.
NC State found a way.
Ryan Finley struggled the entire evening. He completed only 13 passes in the contest but eight of them were on third down and extended drives. It did not often lead to points for the Wolfpack but it kept Boston College and its ball control offense off the field.
The Wolfpack found a way.
Once again NC State struggled with its field goal kicking. Kyle Bambard made one of four attempts and it has reached a point where Dave Doeren has to seriously consider, if he has not already, whether trying for three points is worth the bother.
Bambard’s lone field goal came late in the first half after a blocked punt gave the Wolfpack a short field with only seconds remaining in the second quarter. It proved to be the difference in the game.
NC State found a way.
What happened was something the Wolfpack has seen often.
It happened against South Carolina. It has occurred two years in a row against Clemson and Boston College did it in Raleigh last season.
What separates good teams from great ones and the great teams from those that are elite is the ability to win the 50-50 games or emerge victorious when victory may not be deserved.
The Wolfpack has been suppressed over the years by its knack for coming up short when victory seemed possible or even likely. In was inverted to an extent Saturday against Boston College. It was a game that screamed ‘heartbreaking loss.’
The Wolfpack found a way.
The tangible goals of seven ACC wins and 10 victories overall still exist. Perhaps the more fitting legacy for the seniors of the 2017 NC State team to leave behind is a mentality that represents both the University and the football program that Dave Doeren aspires to build.
The Pack are all about the grind these days. Day in, day out, NC State talks of working within the moment and winning the little battles while overcoming obstacles in pursuit of being elite. On Saturday the Wolfpack talked the talk.
There was adjustments made and there was character shown on a cold afternoon at Boston College. The hope is a new aspect of the Wolfpack’s identity was displayed.
NC State found a way.