NCSU 17, CU 15: Another night of disappointment

Can we get off the night-time national TV games? Because we just can't seem to win them. Thursday was another example, as penalties and mistakes led to a 17-15 loss to N.C. State. I had to take some ribbing from Jacqui, my fiancee (her dad is a State grad), but that's OK.

I'm disappointed, but not crushed. Folks, we can still win out and finish 9-3. Or, just lose once more and be 8-4. Keep hope alive, or something like that.

GAME STORIES: "No big play this day," says The State; "Pack put bite on Tigers, take 17-15 victory," says the Greenville News; "Tigers fall short," says the Anderson Independent-Mail; "Pack passes 'gut check,' " says the Raleigh News and Observer.

THE STATS: Here is a complete statistical summary of the game.

OTHER STORIES: The Greenville News examines Clemson's futility on third down. The State does the same thing. The State also grades the keys to victory, has the quarter-by-quarter highlights, and continues the goofy "high five" trivia feature. Notebooks are here and here.

JUSTICE DIES: Legendary North Carolina running back Charlie "Choo-Choo" Justice died early Friday. My dad, who saw him play a couple of times, always said he was one of the most exciting players he ever saw. Justice was a native of Asheville, where I lived for seven years before moving to Northern Virginia. (Click here; I'm sure there will be a lot more coverage later in the day.) I'm sad to hear of his passing. He seemed like a true gentleman.

ACC MIDSEASON REPORT: ESPN examines the state of ACC football halfway through the year. Check it out.

BRING IT: The folks at the Georgia Tech Sports blog are talking a lot of smack about the Tigers. (They just can't get over the whipping we gave them.) Check it out, and leave a comment. I did.