Syracuse football vs. N.C. State prediction and odds for week 7 college football

Syracuse football emerges from a much-needed bye week where it could rest and recharge its roster, and now the Orange is preparing for a huge Atlantic Coast Conference clash on the Hill this coming Saturday afternoon.

The ‘Cuse (5-0), at present, is one of two unbeaten teams remaining in the ACC, along with top-five Clemson. Up next, the Orange will host N.C. State at the JMA Wireless Dome.

The Wolfpack (5-1) is No. 15 in the latest AP poll and No. 13 in the most recent Coaches poll, while Syracuse football checks in at No. 18 in both polls.

It has been nearly 25 years since two squads ranked inside the top 20 of the polls went toe to toe in Central New York, and that will occur this Saturday, Oct. 15. Hopefully, the Loud House will be crazy loud when N.C. State comes to town.

In week five, the Orange destroyed Wagner, and then the ‘Cuse had a by week. The Wolfpack meanwhile, lost a hard-fought contest at Clemson in week five, 30-20. This past Saturday, N.C. State snuck by Florida State, 19-17, at home.

Syracuse football vs. N.C. State odds week 7

When I penned this column, WynnBET had installed the Orange as a 3.5-point favorite in its battle with the Wolfpack. This sounds reasonable. Even though N.C. State is ranked higher, the ‘Cuse is on its own turf.

At the time of this writing, the over/under was set at 44.5 points.

Syracuse football vs. N.C. State prediction week 7

One huge thing to monitor in this game is whether N.C. State starting quarterback Devin Leary plays. The talented QB injured his shoulder in the Wolfpack’s two-point triumph over the Seminoles last weekend.

Media reports that I’ve read this week have quoted N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren as saying that Leary should be back at some point in the 2022 season, but a timetable for his return hasn’t been disclosed. Such a timetable also might not even be known at this juncture.

All-time, Syracuse football is just 2-13 versus N.C. State, including a 41-17 dismantling of the ‘Cuse by the Wolfpack in Raleigh, N.C., during the 2021 stanza.

I know that I’m a SU alum and homer, and that I often have Orange-colored glasses on. All good. But something about this current Syracuse football roster is special. Leary’s absence, if he doesn’t suit up versus the ‘Cuse, would be a big, big development.

I hope that he is okay, and I hope that he plays. Either way, I’m going with Syracuse football to win this ACC collision.

Injuries, how to watch, live stream, next game
On the injury front, fullback/tight end Chris Elmore, linebacker Stefon Thompson, wide receiver Isaiah Jones and defensive lineman Terry Lockett are all unfortunately out for the remainder of the 2022 campaign.

Add another Orange player to this list. An article from Emily Leiker of Syracuse.com notes that Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers has confirmed that defensive lineman Denis Jaquez Jr., too, is out for the rest of the 2022 term. Sending Denis positive vibes and love.

The ‘Cuse will host N.C. State beginning at 3:30 pm this Saturday. The ACC Network will provide television coverage (lame).

For Orange and Wolfpack fans who want to stream this game, you can check it out on fuboTV.

Following this pivotal ACC encounter, Syracuse football will hit the road to square off with No. 4 Clemson. The kick-off is scheduled for 12 pm on Saturday, Oct. 22, with TV coverage on ABC (yay!).

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.