The NC State Wolfpack football team enters a must-win game on the road against Syracuse this weekend, as two struggling programs look to take one step closer to bowl eligibility. The Wolfpack lost in heart-breaking fashion against Florida State this past weekend, as a touchdown pass with 3:09 remaining in the game was the difference in a 24-20 Seminoles victory.
For the Orange, its previous game was anything but close. The Orange was routed by Clemson 54-0 to drop Syracuse to 4-5 on the season. The defense had no answer for the Tigers’ offense and the Syracuse offense was helpless at getting into the end zone.
With both teams two wins away from bowl eligibility with three contests remaining in the season, this game is one of the most important on the ACC slate this weekend. Here’s the position battles that will determine who takes another step towards bowl eligibility.
1. Ryan Finley vs. Syracuse Defense
Finley, a redshirt sophomore, had his ups and downs against Florida State and must avoid a lackluster game on the road if the Wolfpack wants to win. Syracuse is just 105th against the pass this season, so Finley should have plenty of opportunity to find open receivers.
Finley must avoid turnovers and continue getting the ball to his playmakers.
2. Connor Haskins vs. Carrier Dome Field Goal Posts
The graduate transfer from UNC-Pembroke made both his field goal attempts against Florida State and nailed down the kicking job for the foreseeable future at NC State. He seems to have earned head coach Dave Doeren’s trust, and now it will be up to him to keep the job by kicking the ball through the uprights. If he can do it with any efficiency, then the Wolfpack offense will get a huge boost.
3. Syracuse QBs vs. NC State Defensive Ends
If Syracuse wants any chance of winning on Saturday it should probably drop its practice squad defensive end into coverage on every play in practice to avoid a similar result from the last two years. The Wolfpack has gotten two defensive touchdowns on interception returns from defensive ends that have shifted the course of the last two meetings.
In 2014 it was Pharoah McKever rumbling 82 yards for a touchdown that propelled NC State to a 24-17 road win. Last year it was Darian Roseboro, who intercepted a Zack Mahoney pass and returned it 20 yards for the touchdown. The Orange would be wise to avoid a similar result this year.
4. Syracuse WR’s vs. NC State Secondary
The Orange has gotten good production from redshirt senior wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo, a graduate transfer from Maryland. Etta-Tawo caught just 61 catches for 938 yards in three seasons with the Terrapins, but has exploded with 75 catches for 1,158 yards and seven touchdowns this season with Syracuse. He has combined with junior Ervin Philips (68 catches, 622 yards, five touchdowns) to form a formidable one-two punch.
The Orange may be playing with sophomore quarterback Eric Dungey, who left last week’s game with a head injury against Clemson, which can only help the Wolfpack secondary.
5. Matt Dayes vs. Syracuse Run Defense
Can the Orange stop Dayes? Considering the Orange are 93rd against the run this season, my bet is that it will have its hands full with the senior workhorse.
Dayes has run for 831 yards and four touchdowns this season and had a great game against Florida State, rushing for 104 yards to keep the Wolfpack in the game. If Syracuse can’t contain him on Saturday, it’ll be a long day for the Orange.
