The Syracuse Orange (4-5, 2-5) visit the NC State Wolfpack (4-5, 2-4) tomorrow as NC State celebrates the forthcoming Philip Rivers era. Kickoff is at Noon and Jorge Sedano, Rodney McLeod, Kendra Douglas have the call on the ACC Network.
Here’s what we’re predicting:
Kevin: Syracuse 28, NC State 23
The Orange get in front early and are able to work the clock. This feels like a game where the Syracuse defense scores, but then gives up a big play to CJ Bailey to cut it to a one-score game. Late in the game,
it’s a couple of tough runs from Ahmad Miller that seal a critical win for Fran Brown’s crew.
Dom: Syracuse 28, NC State 20
The big key here is Syracuse taking advantage of a far weaker defense compared to Clemson. NC State is middle of the pack in most of the key defensive stats, but the one that stands out most: third-fewest sacks of all the ACC teams. Syracuse’s O-line buys Angeli a little more time in the pocket to get the ball to his playmakers, while the run game is better across the board and keeps the ball moving. Syracuse lets up a little more defensively, but ultimately, a rebound performance from the offense has the Orange prevailing in Raleigh.
Augie: NC State 27, Syracuse 24
Syracuse has had its fair share of struggles when traveling down south in the past few seasons, and I think NC State is a bit better than they are publicly perceived. The loss against Vanderbilt was a fluke that would be hard to replicate had the Wolfpack run back that situation again, and there should be some new excitement surrounding the program given the hiring of Phillip Rivers to be the head coach next season. I think CJ Bailey can play, and the Orange will have a difficult time preventing him from using his legs over the course of 60 minutes. I also think the Orange will make a costly mistake trying to be too aggressive late in the fourth. I lean the Wolfpack on a walk off field goal.
Max: Syracuse 28, NC State 17
Syracuse should be able to take advantage of this NC State defense that is a step down from the Clemson side they saw for homecoming. No Shavane Anderson is a pain, but Ahmad Miller has been a workhorse and made the best of his carries. As long as Steve Angeli hits his targets accurately and the defense continues their great run of play, the Orange have this one
Tanner: Syracuse 35, NC State 10
With the possibility of a Bowl game still a possibility the coaching staff has to maximize the next two weeks, I expect Coach Brown to keep his foot on the gas the entire way in this one, with the Orange rushing attack doing a lot of the heavy lifting in this one against a defense that allows just over 140 yards on the ground this season.
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Now it’s your turn
