Several members of the Inside Pack Sports staff predict the winner of the NC State-Syracuse matchup.
James Henderson (IPS Publisher)
State 28, Syracuse 13
I believe this game sets up well for NC State. The Pack’s run defense should be able to slow down Syracuse’s offense, and NC State’s offense is clicking right now.
In a low-possession game, look for the Pack's offense to win it with the defense holding Syracuse to a touchdown and a couple of field goals.
Steve Williams (IPS Football Recruiting Analyst)
State 28, Syracuse 24
This one really makes me nervous. I’m going with State because it’s at home. How State responds mentally to a physical loss last week is going to be key.
Bryant Carson (IPS Football Analyst)
State 27, Syracuse 17
State now gets to finish this season with a two-game home stand, and they need to win both of them.
I do think this is a bounce-back game of sorts for the Pack, but I expect a sluggish start. I think this one is close going into the half with the Pack coming out and taking hold in the late third.
Phillip Danford (IPS Football Analyst)
State 23, Syracuse 13
Hard. Tough. Together. The mantra of NC State football is being tested this week. Following an emotional loss, how will this team come out and play? Are they going to let Wake Forest beat them twice, or show they deserve their spot in the CFP rankings?
From the in-game perspective, the pathway to stopping the Syracuse offense is pretty straightforward. Contain the run game and force Shrader to throw from the pocket. Offensively, play to your strengths and protect Devin Leary.
Ultimately, I expect Syracuse to play a better game than last week as that contest versus Louisville is very much an outlier on their season. But, NC State is the better team, and if they play to their level, I see few pathways for a Syracuse win.
Ethan Barry (IPS Writer)
State 27, Syracuse 23
Two ends of the spectrum In this game: Syracuse has been in nearly every game they’ve played in and State has handled all of the lesser teams they’ve played by multiple possessions. Something has to give in that regard and I think it’s State, because it’s a tougher spot for the Pack than it is for the Orange -- even though it’s the second week of a road trip for Syracuse.
Plus, it’s a brutal matchup for the Orange offense, but their defense is good enough to win the game. I don’t think it’ll be enough to win the game, though, as State’s defense and Devin Leary do enough to hang on in the fourth quarter.
BP Cox (IPS Photographer)
State 45, Syracuse 35
If the Wolfpack have any chances to make the ACC title game they must win out and other teams pick up some L’s.
I see the Pack coming out focused and assertive. I think Leary finishes with 300+ and three TDs in a great performance.
