OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Boston College
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Boston College matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
State 28, BC 20
State is the more complete team, but it’s a tough setup -- night game and probably bad weather --which likely impacts State’s passing game more (although I’m not sure about that).
With that being said, I think State can run it better as well.
Just don’t give the game away. Pack gets it done.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
State 27, Boston College 20
This has been the most difficult game, thus far this season, for me to make a pick on. Miss. St felt like a trap and Clemson seemed like the right time and right place, but this one, I have gone back and forth on all week.
I sent the IPS guys a note earlier in the week saying I’d be taking BC, but as the week went along I started feeling better about the Pack’s chances. I definitively believe that State is the better team one to one in this thing, but a night road game very often levels the playing field (which the betting line indicates).
If BC is able to go over State’s head a time or two to Flowers on some chunk plays then I’m not sure the Wolfpack can overcome that, but if State can limit Flowers and force BC to march up the field using their running game and underneath passing game then I think State comes out with a win. In any account, this would be a big one for State to get… maybe I should’ve picked BC.
Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
State 28, Boston College 23
There are pieces of this Boston College team that I really like, but as a whole, I think NC State is better on both sides of the ball. The Wolfpack needs to win the explosive play battle, and that includes keeping Zay Flowers in check. While I expect the atmosphere to help Boston College, if NC State can grab the lead first, I don’t think they lose it.
Ethan Barry (IPS Writer)
State 27, Boston College 24
I’m really torn on this game and view it as a complete toss up. I think BC caught a big break getting a bye after the Clemson game, but obviously we know this isn’t a typical Clemson that you can expect a hangover afterwards. I trust State’s defense and think they will be fresh enough to hold up throughout the game.
I don’t love the Pack’s offense here, but three things I like: 1) the defense will keep Zay Flowers in front; 2) the offense has not turned the ball over; 3) State has done very well as a favorite in these spots. Give me the Pack in a close one for those reasons.
Jake McSwain (IPS Writer)
State 31, Boston College 17
I will get straight to the point by saying this is a game NC State should (and will) win.
I think the defense rebounds nicely and limits the damage that Flowers is able to dole out. I would look for the unit to force at least two turnovers.
I think the offense may regress a bit, if anything, but provides enough to not be sweating it out at the end.
BP Cox (IPS Contributor)
State 28, Boston College 17
The Wolfpack comes off a much needed bye week if nothing more than to allow their emotions to rest. After losing on the road to an average Mississippi State, Coach Doeren and the Pack were finally able to toss the Clemson monkey off their back, even if this year's monkey was more like the toy monkey with the cymbals.
And to top it off, they had a slugfest with a Louisiana Tech team that will make sure its opponents get everything it has. Now the true grind can start with deep Atlantic Division competition, sans Clemson, obviously.