NC State’s KEYS to Victory over Syracuse

NC State quarterback Ryan Finley could be in for a big day against Syracuse today. The front 7 is the strength of the Orangemen’s defense, but the secondary is young and vulnerable. In the first 4 games, Syracuse has given up 6 touchdowns of 24-yards or more. Last season Kelvin Harmon had 104 yards receiving, and 3 other receivers had over 60 yards receiving. Ryan Finley had 340 yards passing last year at Syracuse, and I expect him and his crew to have another big game today.

Syracuse has been one of the best teams in the nation at stuffing the run thus far in 2017. They rank 22nd nationally in Rush Defense, allowing a meager 101 yards per game (3 yards per carry). The Orangemen haven’t allowed a single run over 20 yards in 2017. If the Wolfpack can establish the run game like they did last year (Matt Dayes had 108 yards and 3 TD’s), it could be an explosive day for the NC State offense.

Quarterback Eric Dungey could be a serious problem for NC State’s defense. Dungey has been injured quite a bit over the past two years, and the Wolfpack has yet to face him, but he is a quietly one of the better Quarterbacks in the ACC. He is completing 64% of his passes in 2017, and has thrown 6 touchdowns. What makes Dungey so dangerous is his versatility. He can beat you with his legs as well. He leads Syracuse in rushing with 233 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and 5 rushing touchdowns. In 21 career games, he has 16 rushing touchdowns. The NC State pass rush will have to play contain and not overcommit, or Dungey will make them pay. With that being said, Syracuse’s Offensive Line isn’t a strength, and their coach when asked what they could do to stop Bradley Chubb, responded with “I don’t know.” If NC State lives in the backfield, Dungey could be running all day…for his life.

The NC State secondary has been a point of concern in 2017. Senior Jonathan Alston has been targeted by the opposing quarterback on a weekly basis. Today Senior Mike Stevens will return, but how much he will play is unknown. Syracuse has two wide receivers will present NC State’s secondary with a serious challenge. Ishmael Smith is putting up gaudy numbers averaging 128 receiving yards per game and leads the nation in receptions per game (11.25). Syracuse’s running back is non existent, and Syracuse isn’t trying to fool anyone. They are going to pick you a part through dink-and-dunk passes all the way down the field. Smith and Ervin Phillips are big receivers that can go up and get the ball. The front 4 need to put pressure on Dungey like they did Florida St.’s James Blackman last week, and Dungey won’t have time to get the ball to Smith and Phillips.