#15 NC State vs. #18 Syracuse: A Few Thoughts Leading Up to Kickoff

#15 NC State and #18 Syracuse are set to kickoff in two hours. Here are a few thoughts on the game.

• This is the first Top-25 matchup at Syracuse since 2001.
• The game is sold out. This is the first sellout at Syracuse since 2019 against Clemson. The last sellout before that? 2013 with Clemson in the Carrier Dome.
  • NC State has played in front of a sold out crowd in every game in 2022.
• NC State needs to force Garrett Shrader to pass the ball.
  • He’s thrown the ball much better in 2022, completing 70.9% of his passes, throwing 10 touchdowns to only 1 interception, with a Passing Efficiency Rating of 176.2.
  • For comparison, in 2021, Shrader completed 52.6% of his passes, with 9 touchdowns to 4 interceptions, with a Passing Efficiency Rating of 113.7
  • Syracuse is averaging 190.4 rushing yards per game.
  • Shutting down Syracuse Running Back Sean Tucker is no easy challenge, but the Wolfpack has proven to be able to handle opposing Running Backs all year long.
  • If they can force Shrader to throw, with Tyler Baker-Williams in the secondary, I bet the Wolfpack pick off the Orange QB a time or two.
• NC State needs to establish the run like they did at the end of theFSU game.
  • The Wolfpack are only averaging 141.0 yards rushing per game, which ranks 11th in the ACC.
  • Last week though, NC State put up an impressive 182 yards on the ground against FSU.
  • If the Wolfpack can run the ball effectively, and control the time of possession, they will take the pressure off of backup Quarterback Jack Chambers.
• This should be a low scoring game, boasting the two best teams in Scoring Defense in the ACC.
  • Syracuse ranks 1st, giving up a minuscule 14 points per game, and the Wolfpack rank 2nd, giving up 15.7.
  • The lower the score, the better the Wolfpack’s chances with Leary out.
• Turnovers.
  • NC State is playing in front of a loud sold out crowd in the Dome.
  • Win the turnover margin, take the air out of the crowd.