A lot of hype surrounds this weekend's BC-NC State game because of one man—Tom O'Brien.

O'Brien won seven straight bowls at Boston College before hitting the road for North Carolina. Although he was often criticized by BC fans for being too conservative to get the Golden Eagles over the hump, I think he'll get a good reception when he's announced at the Heights today.

There's also a game to played—and the fact is that the Eagles are just plain ol' better than the Wolfpack.

Against Wake Forest last week, Matt Ryan did two unusual things for a BC QB: He attempted over 50 passes (52) and threw for over 400 years...not to mention five TDs.

The question mark for the Eagles is on the ground, where their leading rusher against Wake, Andre Callender, managed only 49 yards. BC put up 38 points—none of which came on running plays.

Defensively, BC gave up 28 points, but it should have been more like 14. An early INT and a second-quarter fumble return for a TD gave the Demon Deacons two easy scores.

BC gave up only two total yards on the ground—and that was without DT B.J. Raji.

If NC State is going to beat the Eagles, it's going to have to be with the pass. O'Brien is a run-oriented coach, but BC is too strong up front.

QB Harrison Beck almost brought his team back from a 22-3 deficit last week, and will have to be on his game this weekend. The Wolfpack also have O'Brien's knowledge of the Eagles to their advantage—and will look to exploit weak spots to keep this one close.

As for my prediction—I think the Eagles defense will outplay the visitors. Matt Ryan will have another huge day, and Andre Callender will get his rushing yards in a 31-10 BC win.