After a sound victory against Holy Cross in the dome, Syracuse is now gearing up for seven straight ACC games. When looking ahead, these games will simply define their season. There’s no team that is way better than them, but there’s also no teams that are way worse than them. With four of them being on the road, ‘Cuse is going to have to “buckle up” for the rest of the season.
Syracuse’s Current State
‘Cuse has looked really solid these last two games. They’ve taken care of business at home and as a fan, that’s all you can ask for. But at the end of the Holy Cross blowout, Tommy DeVito seemed to have an injury that worried Orange fans. From what I’ve read, it seems as if he’s going to be 100% for Thursday. A poll came out today that Tommy is ranked 105th out of 130 starting college quarterbacks, also 2nd worst in the ACC. And quite frankly, it’s hard to argue against it. Take away the last two games statstics, against lower-tier opponents, and that’s about right. DeVito is going to have to get this seven game stretch started off on the right foot to be able to lead Syracuse where they want to go.
Again the last two weeks haven’t been the best competition, but the running game and defense has looked great. Neal and Adams have really solidified their 1-2 roles as backs. I think they’ve complimented each other really well and will be an effective duo down the stretch. Defensively, they’ve seemed composed and hungry since the Clemson loss. I’d like to see more out of the secondary. I think this group of cornerback’s and safety’s are very athletic and are capable of more. But if the front seven are getting to the quarterback like they have been, it does take pressure off of them. ‘Cuse will eventually run into an above average offensive line one of these weeks and it’ll be that week the secondary will have to step up.
NC State Analysis and Prediction
The southpaw slinging Sophomore Bailey Hockman is slated to get the start for the Wolfpack on Thursday night. A confusing stat from Hockman is that he has nation’s the second-worst QB rating when he has a clean pocket (77.4). I think regardless, there needs to be pressure on the quarterback in this one to force him make plays. The Wolfpack’s running game is very similar to ‘Cuse’s. They seem to have two guys that get the bulk of the carries, but possess a semi-mobile quarterback and other RBs who get touches. The one thing that concerns me is NC State’s front seven. This team has nine (!!) sacks against Florida State just a few weeks ago. Very impressive and will be something to keep your eye on throughout the contest.
This is an interesting match-up in my eyes. Syracuse and NC State somewhat mirror each other in personnel. Below average QBs, average run games and above average front sevens. I think if Syracuse’s offensive line plays well, it will enable Neal and Adams to set-up DeVito and the passing game. Both teams are well-rested and itching for their first ACC win, but I think ‘Cuse comes home with a victory.
Syracuse 31, NC State 27
GO ORANGE!
-Pat LaDouce
Photo Credit: Rich Barnes, USA TODAY Sports
Pat's Odds and Ends 