The NC State football team will play its last Thursday night home game of the season Oct. 10, when it faces Syracuse in Carter-Finley Stadium at 8 p.m. for Military Appreciation Day.
The Wolfpack (3-2, 0-1 ACC) and the Orange (3-2, 0-1 ACC) both had byes this past weekend to prepare for the upcoming mid-week conference game.
Let’s take a look at how the NC State defense matches up with Syracuse.
Quarterback vs. Defensive Line
Quarterback Tommy DeVito from Syracuse has been a solid offensive mark for the Orange throughout the season, with 106 total completed passes for over 1,200 yards. The sophomore has thrown for 11 touchdowns while also rushing for 73 yards on the year, showcasing his agile abilities behind and in front of the line of scrimmage.
Graduate defensive tackle Larrell Murchison will be DeVito’s biggest threat, as he leads the Pack in sacks with five. Murchison has been an essential part of the defensive line for two years, as he’s already racked up 21 total tackles on the season, 13 of which were solo.
Wide receiver vs. Defensive back
Wide receiver Trishton Jackson has separated himself from other receivers, as he’s climbed the ladder to become DeVito’s main target on the field. Jackson has a total of 393 receiving yards on the season with five touchdowns. The junior had his most impressive game of the season against Maryland, when he tallied seven receptions for 157 yards with two touchdowns.
Junior cornerback Chris Ingram will spend most of the game focused on Jackson in an attempt to intercept or deflect any passes that come his way. Ingram currently has two interceptions, 30 tackles and four passes deflected.
Running back vs. Linebacker
Running back Moe Neal has had a stunning season with the Orange, tallying up a total of 317 rushing yards and averaging 63 yards per game. As a senior, the running back has easily become a prime target for the Syracuse offense, as he’s racked up three touchdowns this season.
Sophomore safety Tanner Ingle will have his sights set on Neal throughout the match, as Ingle is leading the Pack in tackles with 33, 20 of which were solo tackles. Along with taking down running backs, the safety has also made plays happen, with one forced fumble on the season and three passes deflected.
Tight end vs. Defensive line
Aaron Hackett is Syracuse’s leading tight end, with over 100 receiving yards and three touchdowns this year. With his longest reception of 14 yards, NC State will not have to cover Hackett deep in the field, but the defensive line will have to keep him guarded at all times.
Junior linebacker Louis Acceus has become an essential asset to the defensive line, as he’s shown 22 tackles on the season with 1.5 sacks. The 5-foot-11, 223-pound junior has proven himself not only in tackling, but also with his agile abilities to move around the offensive line to get to his target.
Kickoff between NC State and Syracuse with also have live coverage from @TechSports on Twitter.
