raleigh free press

college football anyone? (part 2 of 2)

 abuse

Starting about a week after the final bowl game of each year, college football analysts and prognosticators already begin predicting the next season’s results. These predictions are in many cases just newspaper column/TV segment filler, as it is pretty ridiculous to try predicting the outcome of games that won’t be played for months. That said, I read/watch them with great anticipation, to see what the “experts” think my team will do next season. Being nothing more than an avid college football fan, here’s my attempt at how this season will go for the Wolfpack:

Sept. 1 vs. Central Florida WIN - O’Brien and Co. get win #1, but it will be closer than some might think

Sept. 8 @ Boston College - LOSS - The Eagles have too much experience for the Pack in their first road game

Sept. 15 vs. Wofford - WIN - Back home and cruising…

Sept. 22 vs. Clemson - WIN - In upset fashion, the “12th Man” home field advantage propels the Pack

Sept. 29 vs. Louisville - LOSS - The biggest non-conference home game since Ohio State - Louisville has too much offense

Oct. 6 @ Florida State - LOSS - A true rival during the Amato days, the “Chest” will be patrolling the sideline once again, but on the opposing side

Oct. 20 @ ECU - WIN - Redemption in Greenville for what was the final nail in Chuck’s coffin last year - this one will be a tough win, make no mistake about that

Oct.27 vs. Virginia - LOSS - Primed for a let down after an emotional win in Greenville

Nov. 3 @ Miami - LOSS - Hurricane buzzsaw too much for Pack on the road

Nov. 10 vs. North Carolina - WIN - Home game, rival, adrenaline = O’Brien 1, Butch Davis 0

Nov. 17 @ Wake Forest - LOSS - Always a tough place for the Pack to win and another possible let down week - this one could go either way

Nov. 24 vs. Maryland - WIN - Always a tough game, Pack pulls this one out late in the 4th….

Overall: 6-6; 3-5 in the ACC

The interesting thing about this season is that I honestly believe that the Pack could win 3 more of the games I predict as losses, finish 9-3 in the upper third of the ACC and land in a nice bowl game. If, and that is a big if, a quarterback emerges to lead this team, the Pack have a chance at a very nice season. NC State lost 8 games last year by 7 points or less, and I’m willing to bet it will be another “nail-biter” type season.

Enough of all this on-field talk. As fans, we all know the fun and excitement starts long before kickoff in one of the many parking lots surrounding Carter-Finley (or the stadium of whatever team you follow). The idea of tailgating and the traditions/rituals that surround it fascinate me, so I give you The Raleigh Free Press Top 5 Things to Look Forward to this Tailgating Season. Feel free to add to the list with your own favorites.

1. Bojangles biscuits and the first of many cheap beers (often before 8am for those dreaded noon kickoffs)
2. Remembering that no matter how old you get, it is always acceptable to paint your face/and or body in the name of college sports
3. Cold left-overs in the parking lot at halftime
4. Watching undercover cops dressed up in $50 worth of NCSU gear from the student bookstore try to blend into the crowd
5. Dusting off “that favorite” t-shirt/sweatshirt/hat that always brings the home team good luck

Filed under: College Sports