Many N.C. State fans were frustrated Monday when they learned N.C. State wouldn’t be able to be considered for any of the ACC’s bowl slots.
That rules the Wolfpack out of the EagleBank Bowl in Washington, D.C., which would have been an easy destination for fans to reach.
But coach Tom O’Brien didn’t seem the least bit flustered during his weekly radio show or afterward, even though the EagleBank Bowl would have matched him against his alma mater, Navy.
O’Brien didn’t come out and say this, but there is one significant reason the Wolfpack would be better off if they can secure an at-large bowl bid elsewhere. The EagleBank Bowl, though it would be convenient for fans, is scheduled for Dec. 20.
There isn’t enough time on the calendar for N.C. State to hold its full allotment of 15 pre-bowl practices before that Dec. 20 game. O’Brien considers those pre-bowl practices vital.
He said Saturday that the extra practice associated with eight straight bowl appearances while he coached Boston College were pivotal in building his program.
“That all adds up and accumulates over the years,” O’Brien said.
N.C. State’s postseason possibilities are the Hawaii (Dec. 24), Motor City (Dec. 26), Independence (Dec. 28), PapaJohns.com (Dec. 29) and Texas (Dec. 30) bowls. None would be as convenient for fans’ travel plans as the EagleBank Bowl. But all would provide the Wolfpack with more opportunities to practice.
– Ken Tysiac
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Practice before bowl key for Wolfpack
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5 comments:
NC State will be in a bowl game. Period. They are the best team in the ACC "right now", having won four in a row in the conference, and no quarterback is hotter or more efficient than Russell Wilson. NO chance they will not be selected by someone.
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Delusional! Your last 4 weeks means nothing! You are 6-6! PERIOD!! That is NOT worthy of a bowl!
Tarheel fan here, and as much as it pains me to say it - NC State is playing better football than anybody in the state right now. I disagree with "delsional". The past 4 weeks DO mean something - State has turned it around and should be considered for an at-large bowl.
Delusional is pretty harsh. I don't think we will play a bowl game though. I agree that a 6-6 record shouldn't be allowed. I will agree though on possibly being the best team in the ACC here at the end.Let's not forget where Miami was before 2 or 3 weekds ago. They where leading. No one else in the ACC is as balanced right now then NC State. GT has a stellar defense but ok offense. BC's starting QB is out other wise I'd say it was BC. VT is all defense and special teams. We got hot...but hot to late. I'd love to see them in a bowl but I don't think it will happen. The one in Washington was it. You can't finish 3rd to last and hope to get one of those other bowls. Doesn't really work that way.
I hate the Wolfpack, but they are playing better than anyone in the ACC right now.
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