To wrap up our Syracuse football coverage from the NC State game, here’s our weekly report card. ITLH breaks down who did well and who sucked.
The Syracuse football team suffered its’ third loss of the season this past weekend at the hands of NC State. The Orange once again came out very flat in the first half, struggling to get anything going on the offensive side of the ball. Syracuse headed into the locker room down by a score of 26-7.
Syracuse once again was punched in the mouth in the first half and didn’t respond well, allowing points on every one of NC State’s drives and only scoring on one of their offensive drives.
A fired up Dino Babers reportedly delivered an inspiring halftime speech to try to fire his team up a bit. What was encouraging to see was that the Orange responded to this halftime speech, made some adjustments and scored on their first drive of the second half.
All day Eric Dungey was spreading the ball in between his two favorite targets Erv Philips and Steve Ishmael. Philips finished the day with an astounding 17 receptions for 188 yards while Ishmael chipped in six catches for 120 yards.
One thing though.
If there is one thing that has become evidently clear in the Dino Babers era, it is that if you want to play wide receiver in college football Syracuse is a great school to choose. You will get the ball and have the ability to make plays. Give Babers some time to bring in his recruiting classes and I think we will see some future NFL receivers on the outside for the Orange.
The defense was shaky all throughout the game giving up a total of 33 points, 26 of which came in the first half. NC State has a very good offense led by senior quarterback Ryan Findley and senior H-back, Jaylen Samuels. But Syracuse’s defense wasn’t able to get the stops needed in the first half in order to keep the score close heading into the locker rooms.
Much like the offense, the defense came out much more fired up and were able to contain the NC State offense in the second half, only allowing seven points. Senior linebacker’s Parris Bennett and Zaire Franklin once again led the team in tackles at one and two. The Orange defense did not force any turnover’s which allowed NC State to get comfortable on offense.
Let’s see who Graded well this past week: