First ACC road game of the year for the Orange
Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images
The Syracuse Orange (4-1, 1-1) hit the road again to take on the NC State Wolfpack (3-3, 0-2) in an ACC battle. It’s a 8:00 kick on ACC Network from Raleigh.
Here’s what we’ll be watching for on Saturday night as the Orange look for their 2nd road win in a row:
Kevin: Closing time
Syracuse’s high-powered offense has had some struggles in the second half of games. The Orange have scored more than 7 points in only two of the ten second-half quarters they’ve played so far in 2024. One issue is that five of Kyle McCord’s six interceptions have come in the second half of games. Another is that Syracuse has 12 pass plays over 25 yards in the first half of games and only 4 in second halves. Being able to hit some big plays and limiting turnovers can help keep that momentum rolling.
Last week the Orange did come out strong in the third quarter against UNLV so hopefully that carries forward, but to win ACC road games it’s going to be important that Syracuse keeps their foot on the gas and can close games out in hostile environments.
Max: Take advantage of a subpar Wolfpack defense
It’s been a struggle for the NC State defensive unit this season, who are allowing five yards per rush and over 36 points per game. We know Syracuse is a pass-heavy offense, but it put up a season-high 137 rushing yards against a stout UNLV defense last week. Look for the Orange to establish the run and set the tone early on. Also, if Wake Forest can drop 34 points at Carter-Finley Stadium, SU is certainly capable of doing the same.
Dom: Stopping the run is the key
With starting Wolfpack QB Grayson McCall assumed to be out, you’d imagine NC State plans to focus more on running the ball down the throat of the Orange’s defense. Syracuse’s offense should hold up alright. As Max noted, NC State’s defense doesn’t rank the best and the Orange were able to score mostly fine in Las Vegas. However, Syracuse’s losing skid in Raleigh is well-noted and efficient offense isn’t a guarantee. Stopping the run would put a ton of pressure on backup QB CJ Bailey to produce effectively.
Mike: No more nonsense
Can Jack Stonehouse have time to get his (hopefully few) punts off? Will the defense either rush more than three or at least stack the box a bit to prevent extended plays? Perhaps listen to the ‘D’ in D.A.R.T. and lower the currently over-six penalties per game? I know that all sounds a little harsh with the great start to the season, but after covering the last two extensively, it was not addressing such issues that led to a pair of disastrous free falls.
Carson: Feed the beast
Get the ball to RB LeQuint Allen as much as possible. NC State’s run defense allows nearly 160 rush yards per game and five yards per rush attempt. Allen went for 129 total yards and four scores last week against a well-put-together UNLV defense, why not ride the hot hand? There’s no need to take a ton of chances. Play this game methodically, and the Orange can most certainly get a ‘W’ at Carter-Finley Stadium for the first time since 2013.
What will you be watching for on Saturday night?
