Preview: NC State /Syracuse

The good news is that Syracuse is as hungry for a win as NC State. That’s GOOD news because it means they are struggling also. Saturday afternoon NC State (4-4), (0-4) take on the Syracuse Orangemen (3-5), (1-3) at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York. The Wolfpack, coming off a bye last week, is reeling from 4 consecutive loses: Florida State, Clemson, Boston College and Louisville. After a 4-0 start, the competition level rose significantly and the resulting record exemplifies the negative trend downward. In the four losses, the Pack passed for 56 fewer yards per game and 4 fewer touchdowns compared to the 4 wins. The team is rushing for a staggering 136 fewer yards and 9 fewer rushing TD’s. This has got to change if the Wolfpack is going to right the ship this season.

Back to basics.

NC State coach Dave Doeren has had a week to prepare for the Orangemen who are without starting senior QB Terrel Hunt who broke his leg earlier this month. Insert true freshman quarterback A. J. Long who thus far has had mixed reviews. The plan should be simple. Stop the run and RUN the ball. The Wolfpack defense should be healthier and stronger with the return of several suspended players including T.Y. McGill and Justin Jones up front. Jacoby Brissett has thrown for 1,796 yards, 16 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. He needs to get back on track.

Oct 18, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) throws a pass against Louisville Cardinals safety James Sample (2) during the second half of play at Papa John

This could be a ruse by Syracuse coach Scott Shafer, but he did say earlier this week that his team could be without the services of up to 6 offensive starters for the game Saturday due to injuries. Wide receivers Ashton Broyld and Brisly Estime have definitely been ruled out and the others are questionable.

Lastly, not to necessarily dump on the Orangemen, but last week ESPN reported the Syracuse basketball and football programs were the focus of a NCAA investigation. Maybe this revelation will further dampen a struggling team’s spirit and motivation. Hey, the Pack needs every advantage it can muster at this point…right?