Score that BC 3, O'Brien 0.
For the third straight time since he defected for NC State at the end of the 2006 season, O'Brien was bested by his former team — and his former defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani — 52-20 on Saturday at Alumni Stadium. The Eagles have now outscored O'Brien's Wolfpack 127-67 in three meetings.
It was a career day for sophomore running back Montel Harris, who scored a record five rushing touchdowns and racked up 264 yards to almost single-handedly put away the hapless Wolfpack. Prior to Saturday's game, NC State boasted the best rush defense in the ACC and had yet to allow 100 rushing yards against any opponent. BC halted that trend before the end of the first half and finished with 298 yards on the ground.
True freshman quarterback Dave Shinskie rebounded adequately from a horrific outing against Virginia Tech last weekend, going 13-for-24 with 187 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Colin Larmond Jr. led all BC receivers with one touchdown reception for 59 yards. Senior captain Rich Gunnell chipped in with five receptions for 42 yards.
Wolfpack quarterback Russell Wilson went 24-for-41 for 256 yards, a touchdown and a pick. He was replaced in the fourth quarter by Mike Glennon, who went 5-for-9 with 50 yards and an interception.
One highlight for the Wolfpack — and one area that needs improvement for the Eagles before they take on Notre Dame in South Bend next weekend — was their passing game. BC's secondary allowed 293 passing yards but made up for it with two picks.
With the win, the Eagles improve to 27-4 at home since joining the ACC in 2005. They are 4-0 at Alumni this season and are atop the Atlantic Division standings with a 3-2 conference mark.
Billy Flutie — nephew of the legendary Doug — capped off the scoring with a six-yard touchdown reception on fourth down to make it 52-20 with about six minutes remaining.
