Posted by NoleCC

By Randy Bartley

We seemed to have survived the second home game of the season. I, along with everybody in the stadium, was thrilled when we came out on the first drive and scored in just over 2 minutes. I was then shocked to watch our defense come out and look like they’ve never seen a screen play. The dismay continued throughout the first half as the defense looked terrible, but somehow limited NCSU to just 10 points. At least the defense showed back up in the second half, with a pick-six and putting a beating on NCSU’s quarterback, Daniel Evans. The on-sides kick following the pick-six caught everybody off guard, although trying it a second time wasn’t that great of an idea.

On the plus side of things, we got to watch the ‘Noles move the ball down field on big pass plays. I thought the catch Greg Carr made in the third quarter looked amazing and upon seeing the highlights Sunday morning, I saw his defender had a helping hand in falling down. I am extremely happy the receiving corps has been able (decided) to continue catching the ball. The offense has stopped looking completely offensive. It was annoying that every time Antoine Smith broke off a decent run, we got called for holding. It was also annoying that the three guys sitting near me were 1) not watching the game OR 2) a little too drunk and had to start screaming about penalties the Seminole defense was picking up in the first half, when they were completely obvious.

The lightning delay was an awesome waste of time and very poorly handled. First they announced that the game is being postponed and will be replayed at a later date. Then they wait several minutes to announce that weather updates can be found on some radio station. Then a few minutes later they announce the game will continue in 40 minutes. The fans at the game then got to sit through some mostly blue skies and right before the delay is over it finally begins to rain. My conspiracy theory is that the Jeff Bowden retirement fund (funded by concessions) was lagging and this was a great way to get people to buy another drink or dog. After the game, it was rumored that there was lightning WAAAAAAAAAY off in the distance. On the plus side the rain that went on for about 25 minutes was kind of refreshing.

As for the non-game high and low-lights, the flyover was very cool. The helicopter that passed over our side of the stadium came in really low, which made for a very cool flyover. The real highlight of the game may have come in the third quarter when the NSCU cheerleaders were out running with the flags and spelled “WOFPALCK.” Good job cheering you team on. Maybe they need to get themselves a Speak-N-Spell (http://www.99er.net/spkspell.html). Their band also opted to try to have a band-off throughout the duration of the game. I don’t mind the opposing teams bringing in their own band, but I hate when the two bands are constantly trying to play over one another.

I should also mention these two highlights: both Miami and Florida losing. I’d also like to take this moment to tell all my friends who laughed at me Saturday morning when I said that UNC has looked good the past couple weeks, I told you so (and yes, I realize they barely held on after blowing a 27 point lead).

(Editor’s Note: I laughed at Randy. My apologies.)