NC State whips Syracuse Orangemen 42-29
Mission accomplished.
NC State (7-4, 3-4) did what it needed Saturday afternoon when they jumped on Syracuse (3-8,1-6) early en route to 42-29 victory.
In doing so, the Wolfpack avoided overlooking the struggling Orangemen, in lieu of their arch rival match-up against North Carolina next weekend.
NC State, already bowl eligible, was fighting for respectability in an Atlantic Division dominated by the likes of Clemson and Florida State. The Pack lost to both within a three-week span and with a victory next week, NC State will finish 3rd overall in undoubtedly the tougher division.
In honor of military appreciation day, the Wolfpack dressed in grey uniforms and dark helmets. With the team jacked up and the crowd pumped , the Pack moved the ball with ease on the ground and through the air. It really did not matter. Red-shirt senior Jacoby Brissett played like the veteran he is by leading the offense to 511 total yards including 21 of 33 passing for 235 yards and two touchdowns. The Wolfpack rushing attack would also roll up 276 yards on the ground.
Syracuse, losers of eight in row, played poorly after giving #1 ranked Clemson all they could handle last week at home.
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NC State led 21-9 at halftime in an impressive half that was not indicative by the score. The closest Syracuse would get would be 21-16 when the Orangemen scored on their first possession of the second half. The crowd’s fever pitch was at its highest when Syracuse QB Zack Mahoney’s pass was picked off and returned 20 yards for the pick-six by Darian Roseboro giving the Pack a 35-16 third quarter lead.
Overall, the Wolfpack played well offensively and defensively and seem to have adjusted to the sudden losses of its two premier running backs in Shadrach Thornton and Matt Dayes. Saturday’s game was a real confidence booster.
Now, on to those dastardly Tarheels…
Reggie Gallaspy II– 13 carries for 81 yards (1 TD)
Dakwa Nichols- 12 for 78 yards (1 TD)
Nyheim Hines– 6 for 70 yards (1 TD), 5 catches for 69 yards
Jaylen Samuels- 6 for 47 yards, 1 catch for 7 yards
Jumichael Ramos– 8 catches for 83 yards (1 TD)
David J. Grinnage- 2 catches for 31 yards
UP NEXT: North Carolina (10-1, 7-0)
Where: Carter-Finley Stadium
Time: Saturday, November 28, 2015 @ 3:30 PM
TV: ABC, ESPN 2