N.C. State shocks Florida State, which will have long lasting ramifications in BCS picture
It's hard to project a team into the BCS Championship Game after one month, but it seemed like No. 3 ranked Florida State had a good shot to go undefeated after beating Clemson two weeks ago. The Seminoles looked strong on offense and defense and their schedule didn't seem that tough.
Then N.C. State ruined those plans.
N.C. State, which lost last week to a Miami team that was destroyed 41-3 by Notre Dame on Saturday, pulled off one of the two major shockers (let's not forget how surprised everyone was when Louisiana-Monroe beat Arkansas) of the college football season so far, beating Florida State 17-16.
[Related: Excited Florida player nearly knocks out own teammate]
The finish was befitting of the colossal upset. The Wolfpack, which didn't have an easy time moving the ball against Florida State, converted two huge fourth downs on their final drive. On fourth and 10, N.C. State quarterback Mike Glennon completed a 12-yard pass down the middle to Quintin Payton. Even though the Wolfpack was at the 2-yard line, the last 2 yards were tough to get. Florida State pushed the Wolfpack back a yard on the next three plays. But on fourth and goal, Bryan Underwood came free underneath and caught a touchdown. The extra point gave N.C. State the lead and shook up the national championship picture.
This was a huge win for N.C. State coach Tom O'Brien, who was only four games over .500 in six seasons as Wolfpack coach heading into Saturday's game, and was starting to feel a little pressure for his job.
[Related: Florida shows toughness in gritty defensive win over LSU]
And while there are many more weeks to sort out the national title picture, there's no longer any chance that an undefeated Florida State team creates controversy at the top of the BCS standings.
- - -
"Like" Dr. Saturday on Facebook for football conversations and stuff you won't see on the blog. And follow Dr. Saturday at its new home on Twitter: @YahooDrSaturday
Other popular content on the Yahoo! network:
• Y! News video: Kid executes ninja-like dodge ball move
• NFL video: Week 5 lock to win
• Virginia Tech player makes bizarre find of scissors on UNC field
• Indians name Terry Francona manager, pass over Sandy Alomar
