It certainly wasn’t pretty, but Syracuse took down NC State 24-17 in a game that felt like a must-win according to some. SU improves to 5-1 on the year and 2-1 in ACC play. Let’s break it down:
Kyle McCord: A-
What can we even say at this point? The Ohio State transfer continues to impress, this time with his sixth consecutive 300-yard passing performance in orange. Only two touchdowns today, but it was enough to get the job done: a 28-yard strike to Umari Hatcher and a fourth-down dart in traffic to Jackson Meeks. The biggest point for me today: McCord threw the ball 42 times, which makes him more efficient than weeks prior (63 last week was just ridiculous.) Thumbs up to you Kyle, take a deserved week off.
Rushing Attack: C+
LeQuint Allen, you get an A for the day, congratulations. Everyone else, um… what was going on today? You’re coming off a phenomenal week rushing the football against UNLV with 137 yards on the ground. To build off of that, you revert back to the Dino Babers era with Dan Villari in the Wildcat? Guess what, it barely worked then and it still doesn’t work today. 33 rushes for 78 yards total usually won’t get it done, but it was enough today. Find some consistency as a unit before the competition gets tougher, please and thank you.
Defense: B
Can you call this a response? A unit that has certainly seen its struggles the past few weeks was locked in tonight. We’ll pretend we didn’t see the 75-yard touchdown pass and blown coverages in the fourth to make this interesting. Aside from that, two forced fumbles and an interception are always a recipe for success. That pick was much needed for senior safety Justin Barron. One thing though: can we generate some more pressure? SU still does not have a sack from a linebacker not named Marlowe Wax, and he hasn’t played since week one.
You could call this a tune-up, but winning in Raleigh is no easy feat. Much-needed rest is on the docket before undefeated #22 Pitt after the bye week. Oh boy.
