Undefeated #18 Syracuse football (5-0 overall, 2-0 in the ACC) starts the back end of its 2022 football campaign, as they get set to take on #15 N.C. State Wolfpack (5-1 overall, 1-1 in the ACC) at the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday at 3:30 pm eastern time on the ACC Network.
The Orange is looking to keep their hot streak going, coming off the bye week, as they begin the hardest part of their schedule. Let’s take a look at the three key players to watch out for in this game against N.C. State.
These are the top Syracuse football players to watch in week seven versus N.C. State.
Quarterback Garrett Shrader
The Syracuse Orange quarterback is having himself a season to remember, by completing 90 passes out of 127 attempts, 10 touchdowns, and only throwing one interception. Shrader has been able to think, not only with his arm, but with his feet as well, as he has rushed for 219 yards on 62 attempts.
Shrader will need to think fast against this N.C. State defense, as their ability to rush the opposing team’s quarterback makes them a threat to get to Shrader quickly and cause him to make mistakes. Either throwing or running the ball, Shrader will need to be fast and help the Orange get going on offense early.
Running Back Sean Tucker
The Orange running back is looking for another performance he can be #PL34SED about this season, as he rushed on 110 attempts for 546 yards and five touchdowns this season. He also has 19 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown, making him a threat for both running the ball and catching it as well.
Tucker will have to find the holes in the N.C. State defense to find the open field and break through defenders at the same time. His speed and catching ability will have to come into use early for the Syracuse Orange offense in order to make a possible upset happen.
Defensive Back Darian Chestnut
Syracuse football defensive back Darian Chestnut is a major factor for the Orange to have success in this upcoming matchup. Darian has 15 total tackles, 12 solo and three assisted, with one interception for a touchdown this season.
Darian will have to stop an N.C. State offense from making the deep pass and getting the easy first downs in tight situations. He will have to stop an N.C. State offense from making big plays through the air and covering the receivers who have the ability to make the opponents miss in the open field.
These three players are the key players to watch out for against N.C. State, as Syracuse football is looking at a possible bowl game this season. We will see if the Orange can defeat the Wolfpack at home at 3:30 pm eastern time on the ACC Network.