Observations

Special teams, which have broken down a number of times for N.C. State in the past few weeks, cost the Wolfpack at a key time Saturday.

N.C. State had seized the momentum with two field goals to close to within 14-13 in the second quarter before Jeff Smith broke loose for a deflating, 42-yard kickoff return to the 50-yard line.

Six plays later, Montel Harris scored on a 12-yard run, starting a run of 31 consecutive Boston College points.

Freshman cornerback Rashard Smith, the lone new starter in N.C. State's secondary, had a decent day except for one big mistake.

Smith was in good position in the first quarter on a deep fade route but misjudged the ball as Colin Larmond caught a 59-yard touchdown pass from David Shinskie. Smith did have a big, diving pass breakup, and he broke hard to level wideout Rich Gunnell for a 3-yard gain two plays before the long touchdown pass.

After a penalty-free game against Duke N.C. State did not commit a penalty in the first half Saturday.

The streak of more than 96 minutes without a penalty ended when the Wolfpack was called for a block in the back on a kickoff return with 8:38 remaining in the third quarter. N.C. State finished with three penalties for 30 yards.