Belk Bowl
Louisville vs North Carolina State
Dec. 27, 8:00 pm ET
Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
Website: http://belkbowl.com/
TV: ESPN
Line: NC State -1
Making This All Possible
Belk is a mall staple in the Southeast and with over 300 department stores most folks in Charlotte are no stranger to them. Personally I grew up on Belk and the “everything we do at Belk is all for you!” ad-campaign runs through this NC boy’s veins. They have a great selection of Tommy Bahama gear for the dudes out there.
Get To Know: North Carolina State
The Wolfpack are 7-5 but don’t let their 3-1 out of conference record fool you, this is the same team that got blasted by Big East co-champ Cincinnati 44-14 in September. Along the way to this game the Pack have overcome injuries at the defensive line, shown some impressive outings against UNC and Clemson on defense and against Maryland on the offensive side of the ball. Tom O’Brien needs a win here as folks are growing restless in Raleighwood.
Get To Know: Louisville
Charlie Strong has the Cardinal in their second bowl game in as many years and after the mess that Steve Kragthorpe left there just going to a bowl is a minor accomplishment. This Louisville team has been through ups and downs but after starting the season 2-4 and amongst the nation’s worst Strong’s guys rebounded to win five of six on the strength of the nation’s 14th ranked scoring defense.
You Should Know…
This is actually the bowl that your’s truly went to in 2004. The artist formally known as the Continental Tire Bowl and then the Meineke Car Care Bowl is now as fancy as it wants to be with the Belk Bowl designation. A fun trip, even for a kid from Charlotte as the NASCAR ride along is superb, the luncheon is good and there is plenty to get int around Charlotte.
If You’re Going
This is actually my town folks so there are a lot of things I’d recommend you partake in that must be pared down. If you’re in the downtown area for the game I recommend skating away from the EpiCentre and checking out Connelly’s, Ri-Ra’s or another of my favorite spots; Dandelion for your booze and food enjoyment. Late night eats can be had at The Midnight Diner. It’s packed but well worth it all folks.
If You’re Watching At Home
Given this is the only bowl game in my native lands I recommend that you find a way to enjoy this game with some native cuisine, pulled pork with a vinegar sauce. Mustard is for the Sakerlina in you and we can’t have that. If you can’t get pulled pork enjoy another North Carolina delicacy, the chili slaw burger, so popular in the state that our Wendy’s carry a version of it. Chili plus cole slaw plus cheese on a burger yields one of the best tasting burgers, ever.
Prediction
Louisville is not very good at scoring the football this season and they lack a truly intimidating presence on the offensive side of the ball. Charlie Strong when from being 2-4 to a shot at the Orange Bowl so you have to wonder where the players’ minds are going to Charlotte instead of the Miami possibility that hung out there.
Ultimately I’m going with Tom O’Brien, the man is 7-2 in bowl games and that’s because he prepares his teams better than most coaches. He’s been in this game in Charlotte before and I expect Mike Archer and Jon Tenuta to really force this Louisville offense into some mistakes. Should be a fun defensive battle to watch as both teams look to get momentum for their future.
NC State 24, Louisville 17
