Well that was nerve-wracking. The NC State football team finally broke into the win column again with a 35-20 road victory over the Syracuse Orange on Saturday, pulling away in the fourth quarter of a tight game. The Orange had several opportunities to take this game from the Wolfpack, but an interception by senior corner Jack Tocho and the tough running of senior running back Matt Dayes held the Orange back.
The game was a must-win for head coach Dave Doeren and company, and sets the Wolfpack up to potentially finish strong this season. For all the struggles this year, the Pack could still win seven games this season, which would be the weirdest seven-win season in the history of football.
1. Bowl eligibility is still in reach
The Wolfpack needs only one victory to reach bowl eligibility, and with winnable games against Miami (FL) and UNC-Chapel Hill left on the schedule, it’s not a stretch to believe NC State can salvage bowl eligibility from this season.
This sets up an interesting question: If the Wolfpack gets to a bowl game and wins it, is this considered a successful season? Coming into the season, I think most fans would’ve taken a 7-6 season with a bowl win considering the schedule, but then East Carolina, Notre Dame, Florida State and Miami (FL) all turned out to be worse than expected. The seven wins might feel hollow this time around.
2. Dayes close to 1,000 yards rushing
Dayes needs only 61 yards to break 1,000 yards rushing on the season. If/when he does so, he will become the first Pack rusher since T.A. McClendon in 2002 to rush for 1,000 yards. Dayes was a sparkplug for the Wolfpack offense again this weekend, rushing for 108 yards and three touchdowns.
Saturday’s game will be Dayes’ senior day, and for many, the last chance to see him live in a Wolfpack uniform. When his college career ends, he will go down as one of the best running backs in NC State history.
3. Red zone woes end
The Wolfpack finally ended its red zone woes by scoring four out of five times it entered the red zone. The only time it didn’t score was when redshirt sophomore quarterback Jalan McClendon threw an ill-advised interception in the back of the end zone in the second quarter.
If the Wolfpack wants to be successful against Miami and UNC-CH, the trend of scoring in the red zone will have to continue.
4. Samuels reemerges
The Wolfpack offense looked way more dangerous with the increased usage of junior tight end Jaylen Samuels. Samuels rushed three times for 26 yards and touchdown, adding in six catches for 66 yards.
The patented JaySam jet sweep play worked its magic again, as he beat the Syracuse defenders around the corner and to the pylon for the score in the second quarter.
Offensive coordinator Eli Drinkwitz waited entirely too long to use Samuels as a focal point of the offense again but hey, better late than never, right?
5. Special teams woes continue
The Wolfpack didn’t attempt a field goal against the Orange, as the team took care of business in the red zone. However, the special teams gaffes just continue to pile up, as the Orange blocked a punt in the third quarter that nearly swung the momentum again in the game. Luckily for the Pack, the defense hunkered down and forced a field goal.
It may be too late to save this unit this year, but improving the special teams play will be a focal point of the offseason for the team.
