Despite stellar performances from graduate quarterback Ryan Finley and junior wide receiver Kelvin Harmon NC State football fell behind early and was unable to complete a rally in a 51-41 loss to Syracuse on Saturday night in Syracuse, New York.

The Orange (6-2, 3-2) jumped out to a 24-7 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Pack (5-2, 2-2) was able to pull within 27-20 at halftime and had the ball down 44-41 late in the fourth quarter but couldn’t finish the comeback.

Finley had a career-high 473 yards and three touchdowns, but threw an interception with the Wolfpack trying to drive to take the lead. Harmon had the best game of his career with 11 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

Sophomore wide receiver Emeka Emezie had four catches for 89 yards including a 67-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Senior running back Reggie Gallaspy carried the ball 19 times for 65 yards and one touchdown.

On the other side of the ball, things weren’t as rosy. Orange quarterback Eric Dungey threw for 411 yards and three touchdowns a week after getting benched in favor of freshman Tommy Devito in the fourth quarter. Syracuse ran the ball for 81 yards as a team.

Syracuse wide receivers Sean Riley and Nykeim Johnson each had over 100 yards, 164 for Riley and 136 for Johnson. Taj Harris and Jamal Custis had over 80 yards receiving apiece as well.

Another big factor in the game was penalties. Each team had nine, but the Pack had 95 yards worth of penalties while the Orange had 65 yards. Combined with allowing 561 yards and losing the turnover battle, it was too much for the Wolfpack to overcome.

NC State still has a lot to play for this season as a 10-win season is very much still on the table, but this loss effectively eliminates any chance of a New Year’s Six bowl for the Wolfpack.

The Pack returns to action next Saturday with Florida State coming to Raleigh. The game will kickoff at 3:30 at Carter-Finley Stadium and will be broadcast on ABC or ESPN2.