Syracuse was routed on Saturday by NC State, 41-17. Here are some quick hits from the game:
- It was a feast-or-famine game for Sean Tucker. He had rushes of 10, 17, 55, and 16 yards, then seven yards on nine other carries. Still, it was enough for Tucker to break Joe Morris’s school record for most rushing yards in a season, surpassing his mark of 1,372 yards in 1979 (42 years ago).
- The North Carolina State defensive line was the best unit on the field, as they paved the way for the Wolfpack to amass 14 tackles for loss, including five sacks. Tucker’s long carries of 55 and 16 yards came when he cut back immediately after getting a handoff designed to go the opposite way, avoiding the first line of the ‘Pack defense entirely. On his 55-yard score, Tucker needed just a block from Garrett Shrader at the line to break free after changing direction after the handoff.
- Shrader has had just one game in his last five where he has completed over half his passes. He is 56-for-123 (45.5 percent) for 601 yards in that span.
- Airon Servais had an erratic day snapping in the shotgun formation. One snap went well wide of Shrader entirely, only getting bailed out on a penalty after the quarterback got rid of the ball, and another had to be picked up off the ground to be handed to Tucker.
- The Wolfpack did their darnedest to be hospitable hosts, committing 12 penalties for 96 yards. They gifted SU 37 yards and three first downs on a single drive in the first quarter, but the Orange were not able to make points out of that help.
- Syracuse’s special teams units have become anything but. In addition to allowing the 97-yard kickoff return touchdown, the Orange gave up punt returns of 14 and 11 yards, as well as passed up an opportunity at a 54-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter.
» Related: ESPN writer says Syracuse has 50-50 shot at a bowl game
- The Orange will close their 2021 schedule by hosting #18 Pittsburgh next Saturday. The Panthers (9-2, 6-1) secured a Coastal Division championship and a berth in the ACC title game be defeating Virginia on Saturday, 48-38.
- Kenny Pickett has led the way all season for Pitt, throwing for 3,857 yards and 36 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Jordan Addison is Pickett’s top target, snaring 74 passes for 1,272 yards and 15 scores, including all four of Pickett’s touchdown tosses against Virginia.
- Kickoff is set for 7:30pm and the ACC Network will televise the game.
For more Syracuse coverage, Like our Facebook page, follow us @TheJuiceOnline and listen to our podcast.
