When it rains it pours
North Carolina State, losers of 3 of their last 4 games are in another must win position. However, tomorrow to get back on track, they will have to do it on the road without the team’s leading rusher junior Matt Dayes. Dayes, who was injured in the loss to Clemson last weekend, will undergo season ending foot surgery. His 108.1 yards rushing per game and 12 rushing touchdowns will be missed.
With the loss of Dayes, the Wolfpack has now lost it second premier running back. The first was senior Shadrach Thornton, who was dismissed after repeated team violations and run-ins with law enforcement. The load will now fall upon Mr. Versatile Jaylen Samuels and a bevy of young, talented but inexperienced running backs.
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The preseason trajectory for this team’s success has moved from a promising dark horse capable of challenging leaders Clemson and Florida State, to simply a good football team fighting for a bowl spot.
To some, that is fine and dandy.
To others… it is just another chapter in a long string of disappointments.
On Saturday, Boston College (3-6, 0-6) hosts NC State (5-3, 1-3) in Chestnut Hill, MA. Last season, the Eagles rolled into Carter-Finley Stadium and demolished the Wolfpack 30-14, who was in a similar position desperate for a win. BC finished that afternoon with 310 yards rushing to the Wolfpack’s dismal 43 yards.
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Fast forward to tomorrow. NC State needs this win desperately because with only three games remaining against #16 Florida State, Syracuse and UNC…there are no cupcakes. The last thing NC State will want is to have the Tarheels come into Raleigh with everything on the line and a chance to burst our post-season bowl hopes. That is a rival’s dream game.
Despite the adversity, I believe Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren will somehow manage to do something that hasn’t been accomplished at BC since they entered the league, and that’s win at Chesnut Hill.
PREDICTION: NC State 38 – Boston College 24
When: Saturday, November 7, 2015
Time: 12:30pm
Where: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
TV: ESPN 3