Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Syracuse matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
State 34, Syracuse 13
I expect NC State’s offense to play better this week, and I look for the defense to take advantage of a potentially turnover-prone situation at quarterback.
Both running backs get rolling, and State cruises to the victory.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
State 35, Syracuse 17
I think we see a much cleaner Wolfpack team against Syracuse, and as a result, it’s a fairly convincing win for NC State. Syracuse has been horrible against the run, so on paper, you'd think State should be able to find success with Person and Knight. While I don't expect the Pack to shut down Syracuse offensively, they're woeful – and that's putting it mildly. Anything above 17 would be a mild disappointment for me.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
State 34, Syracuse 23
I think the Pack bounces back from a poor offensive performance last week to score quite a bit more against the Orange than the Flames. However, Cuse being the home team will sneak in a few scores to keep it interesting throughout.
James Johnson (IPS Football Analyst)
State 37, Syracuse 7
A good team against a very bad team. NC State gets the win. The question is: how does it feel afterwards?
The defense continues to make plays on the back end and show improvement. Offensively, penalties are reducing, putting the Pack on schedule and allowing Bailey Hockman to get a rhythm. The Wolfpack covers and then some.
Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
State 27, Syracuse 10
Coming off an emotional win and playing as the heavy favorite, the key to this to game will be NC State’s intensity and motivation. Can Dave Doeren have this team focused? If so, it’s potentially a blowout. If there’s a lack of focus, coupled with turnovers and penalties, this game could leave everybody with an uneasy feeling.
Ethan Barry (IPS Writer)
State 27, Syracuse 13
I feel pretty confident about the Pack winning this game, but the number is too high for me. I think State comes out a little slow, but Syracuse is too bad offensively to make them pay, and the Pack will eventually be able to put them away and the game will never seriously be in trouble.
State is not a good garbage-time team and I think Syracuse covers with a late score.
Andrew Schnittker (IPS Writer)
State 42, Syracuse 14
I'll say NC State wins 42-14. This is a bad Syracuse team, and the Wolfpack should have no problem if it's locked in the way it has been for the most part this season. I think Bailey Hockman has a bounce-back game and the run game keeps it rolling after a solid outing against Liberty. I'd expect a big game on defense this week and for the takeaway bone to make an appearance or two. Wolfpack wins big.
BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
State 31, Syracuse 16
Following a victory over then undefeated and ranked Liberty, NC State finds itself at 6-3. Most were anticipating a high scoring game with Liberty; instead, they got a defensive battle.
I anticipate a similar vibe to start the Syracuse matchup. However, Syracuse does not have the offensive prowess to make the sustained drives. This will keep the Orange defense on the field, and I believe a full plate of Bam & Ricky mixed with some shots downfield will land the Wolfpack a W.
