Tom O'Brien and Boston College reunite on Saturday and on the overplayed, beaten-to-death scale of 24-hour news cycles, this one's actually under the radar.
Even O'Brien, who won 75 games in 10 seasons at Boston College before taking the N.C. State job in Dec. 2006, acknowledges the second meeting with his former team feels different than the first.
"I don't know if it's old hat, but it doesn't seem the same as last year," O'Brien said. "It certainly has different feel to it that I've been here for a year-plus."
In 2007, BC and N.C. State met in the second week of the season. The Eagles won 37-17 at Chestnut Hill. O'Brien and BC quarterback Matt Ryan hugged after the game and O'Brien even offered Eagles safety Jamie Silva grooming advice before the game.
Ryan and Silva are gone but O'Brien still has connections to the Eagles.
"You look at the depth chart and a lot of names on there are guys that I recruited," O'Brien said.
Don't expect O'Brien and former boss, BC athletic director Gene DeFilippo, to spend Friday night at Sullivan's together.
After BC won the Atlantic Division last season and tied a school-record with 11 wins under first-year coach Jeff Jagodzinski, DeFilippo said the program was having more fun under Jagodzinski, a not-so-subtle shot at O'Brien, a Marine.
"I don't care what he said," O'Brien said. "That's over with I don't have any comment."
Comments
NCSU hasn't had empty seats
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:32 — Anonymous (not verified)NCSU hasn't had empty seats in about 8 years, unlike the rest of the schools in the state.
you're FOS. i've seen
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 23:59 — gvillegatryou're FOS. i've seen plenty of empty seats over the last 3 years ...
Empty seats?
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 15:05 — SAC (not verified)Barring a minor tropical system dropping tons of rain, I doubt there will be many empty seats in the Carter. The loyal wolfpack nation will show up. See you in section 7/8!
ever thought JPG is tyring
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 12:53 — gvillegatrever thought JPG is tyring to get some butts in the seats for saturdays noon kickoff?? now, i'm sure that was not the sole reason, but I'm willing to bet it played a role.
and, yes, there will be plenty of empty seats on saturday loyal wolf fans! unfortunatley, i'll be there and can report back in the early evening.
just wondering...
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 16:09 — noneyabusinesswhy are you going to be there?
My family has life time
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 23:55 — gvillegatrMy family has life time rights. I go to root for the other team as long as it does not conflict with other games. I also like to tail gate and play corn hole!
Your family must be proud.
Thu, 10/02/2008 - 17:26 — noneyabusinessYour family must be proud.
quite proud or they'd tell
Thu, 10/02/2008 - 21:47 — gvillegatrquite proud or they'd tell me to stay home. i bet it pisses you off someone like me has the oppurtunity to go to EVERY home/away game while you sit at home and wish!
Bless your heart.
Fri, 10/03/2008 - 08:54 — noneyabusinessBless your heart.
Apparently...
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 11:01 — JPDOhioit is a slow news day.
its over JPG
Wed, 10/01/2008 - 10:34 — izzykareemso why are you trying to start something?