NC STATE +3.5 2.2% play
This line is the way it is, because NC State will likely be without their star QB Leary, but the back up is a 25 year old with plenty of experience, enough to manage the game and not turn the ball over, which is my handicap here. NC State should be able to establish the running game here when you look at the fact that Syracuse is completely under sized in this match up. Syracuse DT weight 266lbs, in their 3-3-5 scheme. NC State’s OL average 317 lbs across the starting 5. Also without Leary in the second half the defense stepped up and shut down Florida State offense and held them scoreless and I see much of the same with a team stepping up in the absence of their QB.
Syracuse offense has looked great with the addition of Robert Annae, Garret Schrader looks like he has taken the next step, but a closer look and this team has not faced anyone. Their toughest opponent was Purdue, a game they were outgained by 200 yards and should have lost, don’t get me started that was a MAX POD for me. Overall this is a step up in competition and the best defense Syracuse has faced thus far. NC State’s DC Tony Gibson’s defense did hold Annaels Virginia offense in check in 2020 picking Brennan Armstrong off 3 times and hold them to under 100 yards rushing. Schrader had a rough game against this defense in 2021. I know the sentiment is that he has improved, but he has not faced a defense that can stop the run and pass.
Syracuse off the bye, but that’s not always a good thing when you are 5-0 and playing your best football you really don’t want the break. They’ll be the fresher team here, but overall the pace of the game will be slow, and NC State has a top 5 special temas unit. Points will be at a premium as this total suggests opened 44.5 down to 42 or 41.5. I’ll take NC State +3.5.
