I am in a mountain condo on my blackberry, so don’t expect updates every 5 minutes or graphics of any kind. But I am ready and willing to sort of live blog today, for the last time in 2008.
I feel really good about today’s game, which I fear means impending doom.
3:04 – Eugene loses fumble on first offensive play. This is not starting well.
3:06 – Irving can’t hold onto tough INT. Rutgers converts on 3rd and long. Touchdown is imminent. We are going to have to score almost every possession today.
3:12 – I was wrong – Scarlet Knights forced to settle for 3? Nope, fake FG run in for six.
3:43 – While I ate my steak, the Pack scored 10 points. It would likely be 14-6, if not for a bad 3rd down drop by Andre Brown. So far, the WRs have come up huge. The RBs? Not so much. Wilson near flawless, with only 2 incompletions (throw away to avoid sack, and Brown’s drop). 10-6 Pack after 15 minutes of play.
3:50 – Teel misses wide open receivers on back to back plays. Rutgers punts from our 40 once again. Mike Archer still bending and not breaking.
3:54 – Circus catch by #13 (can that really be the Owen Spencer we know and love?).
4:01 – We are completely shutting down Rutgers’ run game. Maybe everyone does, but I like it anyway.
4:03 – I worry about this review. Thought he made the first down. Wait a minute, it’s not being reviewed! State takes over after a pretty weak punt. Still 10-6.
4:09 – Very weird and ineffective rugby-style punt by Pierson. Rutgers will take over in Wolfpack territory. Both offenses have really slowed down after quick starts.
4:17 – Nice defensive stand by Archer’s unit. Rutgers kicker shanks a bunny field goal. No wonder they ran a fake on their first attempt. State needs to bleed some clock on this possession, and not give Rutgers’ offense another shot this half.
4:25 – These officials suck. Sucking in our favor, but still…
4:30 – Spencer back to his usual butterfingered self. So Russell takes matters into his own hands on a great 15-yard scramble.
4:36 – Touchdown, Andre Brown!! That drive was all Russell, all the time. Let the 2009 Heisman campaign begin. As I’ve said, I would take him over Tebow right now. 17-6, 38 seconds left in the half. Shitty kickoff gives Rutgers a shot. Fuck.
4:39 – I can never remember a game being officiated more in NC State’s favor. This is pretty bad ass! 17-6 Pack at the half.
5:08 – If the coaches want RW to stay on the sidelines, they will have to shoot him. Critical 4th and 1 here.
5:10 – First and goal.
5:12 – Nice, timely holding call by our friendly zebras.
5:13 – Rutgers certainly practiced their gadget plays over the break. I’ve never seen an OT throw a pass in a game at any level.
5:15 – Shitty kicker time. He finally makes one. 17-9 Pack.
5:18 – Holy shit, we really are going to try playing Beck. Fuck me.
5:20 – Time to throw deep, Harrison. Jesus, that was a bad throw even by Beck’s meager standards. And the punt is blocked. Rutgers ball on our 15. Wilson needs to go back in, without question.
5:25 – One point game, all the momentum with Rutgers. Wilson is the only answer.
5:31 – We completely waste a huge kickoff return by Graham. Beck is worse than usual today. You have to think Tom O’Brien is simply taking the long view here – this game is a glorified exhibition, and he isn’t going to take any chances with 2009. Rutgers is going to win big unless our defense or special teams can come up with a score.
5:37 – Clem gets a pick, State ball on Rutgers 19. Should have been worth 3, but Beck throws it directly to a Scarlet Knight. Double fuck.
5:43 – First and goal. Stick a fork in this one, the Pack is done. It was still a good season.
5:52 – Here’s where we are – 13 minutes left, down 2. We need to run the kickoff back to the Rutgers 25 or better so Josh can kick a field goal.
6:01 – Wow, Evans had one more series of magic in him after all. That was the most unexpected thing I have ever seen. 23-19 after failed 2-point conversion.
6:16 – Second drive does not end well. Rutgers ball up three.
Final Score – Rutgers 29, NC State 23.
