Quick NC State preview [EDITED]

Fixed because I jumped the gun on the preview and posted it as if we were playing Saturday night. Sorry for the mistake.

The Florida State win took most of the pressure off this game. That is not a good thing. I am worried about another half-hearted effort on the road Wednesday night. While we don't need a win, a focused, solid effort would show this team is ready to make noise in March. Saturday will serve as a barometer of how focused this team is and if they are ready for a run or a "one and done" type group.

What's changed since we last met? BC beat the Pack back in January in a uneventful, controlled win. Although their record is not great, NC State is playing much better basketball. They've won four conference games and played well in losses to UNC and Virginia Tech. Their improvement has been due to better rebounding and getting a little deeper and healthier.

Keys to Wednesday night. I am usually against chucking it up, but I actually think BC should look for outside shots in this game. NC State won't apply much perimeter pressure and we stand a decent shot at picking up second chance points off of rebounds. Conversely, I think we should apply a little more ball pressure than usual as the NCSU guards are prone to turnovers.

BC can and should win this game. As I said, it won't impact much but will be very telling to the team's attitude and maturity.

Kenpom's scouting report of NC State.

Phil Steele’s Cliffs Notes: NC State

Although I only caught a few of NC State's games last year, I feel I know them better than Steele. Don't all BC fans feel that way? The longer TOB is in Raliegh, the more I expect NC State to look like TOB's BC teams. That doesn't mean much for this year though. Their program is still in a transition and still pose a risk to BC. Regardless, here are some relevant stats about the Wolfpack.

Nuggets and notes of interest
-- The Wolfpack have six offensive starters returning and four defensive starters returning. 28 lettermen return.
-- In the BC-NC State ACC series, the home team has won each game.
-- They are 11th in experience within the ACC.
-- Last season the Wolfpack were -16 in turnovers.
-- NC State was 5-6 against the spread last year.
-- NC State was outgained by their opponents by an average of 79.6 yards per game.
-- Steele predicts that the Wolfpack will be the 2nd most improved in rushing.
-- He expects their pass defense to be pourous (118th in the country!).
-- NC State has the 10th toughest schedule in the country.
-- The Wolfpack are 73rd in Steele's power poll.
-- NC State had the 24th best special teams ranking in 2007.

NC State scouting report and other links

The New York Times continues their excellent preseason work with this capsule on our opponent NC State.

Lomas Brown has taken Gos under his wing in Detroit.

A healthy Kiwi may be moving back to the defensive line.

Because of the new eagle on the way, the Mrs. and I missed our 10th reunion. Seems like members of the class of 2003 enjoyed themselves.