OUR FINAL TAKE: NC State vs. Syracuse
Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Boston College matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
NC State 27, Syracuse 21
This is a tough one to pick because I feel like NC State will find a way to win this game, but I don’t trust the Pack winning a shootout – which means the defense has to come up big tonight against Syracuse.
I’ve gone back and forth on it, but ultimately I do think State finds a way to get the win with the defense forcing multiple turnovers while also getting a big play on special teams.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
Syracuse 31, NC State 23
Much like our FSU prediction, I really have no idea what to make of this one. Syracuse has a ton of their own problems going on right now, including a very poor rush defense.
However, it's hard to have much confidence in the NCSU offense right now. The defense can only do so much without the offense pitching in on the effort.
With all that said, all eyes will be on Bailey Hockman and what he can do coming off a bye week. He’s been taking reps with the first team and fully preparing to be the starter. If he handles his business, I think the Pack can take this one, but I'm just not going to count on it.
Rob McLamb (IPS Beat Writer)
NC State 38, Syracuse 31
The Wolfpack had plenty of time to both stew about its loss at Florida State and prepare for Syracuse, a team that NC State lost to in 2018.
NC State will use that and the Thursday night atmosphere to jump out to a lead, but Syracuse has an offensive style that lends itself to rallies, especially when the opposing defense is in game management mode. Expect the Wolfpack to have a win somewhat similar to its Thursday night home victory over Louisville in 2017.
Jacob McSwain (IPS Writer)
NC State 34, Syracuse 17
I have a feeling in this one. I think State puts some of their demons behind them and puts a good amount of points on the board. I feel confident in them covering the spread and I predict the defense is going to look better than most expect.
Daniel Wilson (IPS Writer)
NC State 47, Syracuse 38
Both teams will come away with a lot of points, but there’s something about the Thursday night lights at Carter-Finley Stadium that ignites the Wolfpack in a special way. It’s hard to bet against NC State with all of that on the Pack’s side. Though the instability at the quarterback position is worrying, this should be a win for State.
Ethan Barry (IPS Intern)
NC State 31, Syracuse 26
I think the Wolfpack rallies the troops against a little bit of adversity and puts together its best effort of the year to this point. It won't be pretty (it never will be this year), but the quarterbacks will show some flashes and the offense will do enough to get out to an early lead. The defense helps build the lead with red zone stops and then hangs on late.
James Johnson (IPS Film Analyst)
NC State 34, Syracuse 30
Really not sure how to call this game. Basically a tossup, but the Syracuse defense and a rowdy Thursday night crowd may be what is needed for the NC State offense to put up some points and the defense to get some red zone stops. State gets just enough of each to squeeze out a win.