#22 NC State Keys to Victory vs Boston College

RALEIGH – The #22 NC State Wolfpack (4-1) will travel away from North Carolina for the second time this season and head to Boston College to take on their ACC rival, the Eagles (4-1). Do not let the Eagles being unranked fool you. When comparing these two football teams, they are incredibly even showcasing two stingy defenses and productive offensive lines. If the Pack want to completely put the nation on notice and make them realize they are legitimate contenders for the ACC title, they must prove that they can win on the road in a hostile environment.   

3 Keys to Victory & Score Prediction 

Protect the football: This has been a strength of the Wolfpack defense over the last three games. QB Devin Leary has yet to throw an interception since week 2, and not committing turnovers has resulted in victories. Time of possession usually can be the decider of wins and losses, and if the offense is able to establish the run game early led by Zonovan Knight, it should open up the play-action game. The number of interceptions (6) tallied by this Eagles defense should concern the Pack. But if they can put up a goose egg in the turnover column, it will ultimately change the entire outcome of the ballgame. 

Shutdown the run game: BC has a three-headed monster at the running back position with Pat Garwo, Alec Sinkfield, and Travis Levy. The group has racked up an average of 185 rushing yards a game but luckily will have their hands full against a Pack defense who has given up just 92 yards a game on the ground. If they get ahead early and take away the run and make this offense beat you in the air, the Eagles will have difficulty coming out of this one with a win.

Block out the crowd noise: It may not seem like a factor, but crowd noise as a road team is absolutely a disadvantage. The stakes will be high in an ACC battle, and BC knows if they win, they could very well be in contention of cracking a spot in the top 25 in the AP Poll. Explosive plays by the offense and turnovers for the defense can suck the energy right out of a crowd, and that is what the Pack must do. Block out the noise, stay calm, cool, and collective, and execute the game plan, and they should be able to get over their road struggles and pick up their first win.

Game prediction: NC State will continue their recent success against the Eagles, take advantage of Eagles QB Dennis Grosel’s, struggles and roll to 5-1. Final score, 24-21 Wolfpack.