One might hope that, despite the somewhat fluky nature of State’s win last Thursday in Atlanta, it was still a win the Pack could build on. Get some positive momentum, come out fired up and deliver a win for the long-suffering home crowd that hadn’t seen a home ACC win since a 2004 OT triumph over league punching bag Wake Forest. The first 2 series for each team saw NC State dominate, but score no points. Then it all went downhill, faster than a California mudslide. The Tiggers end their 3-game losing streak and defend their Textile Bowl title.
When you boil this game down to its essence, it’s the FOUR – that’s right, FOUR – NC State possessions that started inside Clemson’s 40 yard line (2 kickoff returns, 2 turnovers). The Wolfpack turned those into a grand total of THREE POINTS. That’s simply laughable, and won’t allow you to beat bad teams, let alone mediocre ones like Clemson.
NC State just called a timeout down 21 with 1:52 to go. A well-deserved boo cascades from the few remaining in the stands. I don’t like booing unpaid college athletes, but booing the timeout is entirely appropriate. Some of “us people” have day jobs, Chuck. Not that you should have one much longer.
Those who have read my internet and blog posts over the years probably notice a much less angry tone tonight. Indeed, in my 12-step recovery process, I’m way past denial and anger. I’m well into acceptance of our raw suckitude at this point. It’s really hard to imagine a more complete sucking effort than what we gave tonight. We punted and returned kickoffs well. Literally, that’s it.
There’s the final gun – Clemson 31, NC State 10. Holy shit, let the meltdown begin in earnest.
