Quick Hits: Syracuse RB Sean Tucker’s final scamper puts NC State away

Syracuse Orange running back Sean Tucke
Oct 15, 2022; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Sean Tucker (34) tries to move past North Carolina State Wolfpack cornerback Derrek Pitts Jr. (24) in the second quarter at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Syracuse defeated NC State 24-9 on Saturday to remain a perfect 6-0 on the season. Here are some quick hits from the game:

  • Garrett Shrader entered the game with only one interception on the season, but threw two in the second quarter. Both ended drives in NC State territory, one coming in the end zone and the second on a deep sideline pass, ending Orange offensive threats and preventing the game from potentially becoming a blowout.

  • In the first half, the SU defense controlled the ‘Pack, allowing just 87 yards and 3.22 yards per play. Over half their yards came on one drive in the opening quarter, the second North Carolina State possession that covered 48 yards and ended in a 20-yard field goal. Syracuse allowed just one first down over the remainder of the first half after the field goal, coming on the final play before intermission.
  • Sean Tucker had a very feast-or-famine day carrying the ball. The SU running back had 98 yards on 14 carries, but picked up 84 of those yards on the four carries on which he ran for double-digit yardage.
  • Oronde Gadsden II had a strong first half, catching five passes for 94 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. Gadsden did have a bad drop on one target, but made up for it on the following play, catching a 24-yard pass down the left sideline. He finished with 8 receptions for 141 yards and a pair of scores, good for his third 100-yard effort of the season.
  • The Orange starting linebackers all turned in solid efforts. Marlowe Wax (ten), Derek McDonald (nine), and Mikel Jones (seven) were the three leading tacklers on the defense, Jones tying with defensive back Justin Barron. Jones added a one of SU’s four sacks and was credited with an additional half tackle for loss.
  • Jatius Geer had 1.5 sacks in the contest while Leon Lowery was credited with one and Caleb Okechukwu a half-sack, giving him the team lead with 3.5 on the campaign.
  • Cornerback Garrett Williams left the game in the second quarter with an injury and did not return.

» Related: Syracuse plays ‘Game of the Century’ against NC State

WHAT’S NEXT

The Orange travel to #4 Clemson (7-0, 5-0) next Saturday to battle for the lead in the ACC Atlantic Division. The Tigers took care of business Saturday night, scoring on five consecutive possessions in the second and third quarter, then holding off a late rally at Florida State and claiming a 34-28 win.

D.J. Uiagalelei threw for three scores and added another on the ground against the Seminoles, running his season total to 17 touchdown passes against two interceptions. Will Shipley provides a strong compliment on the ground, rushing for 567 yards and eight touchdowns, both marks good for third in the conference.

Syracuse and Clemson will get things underway at 12:00pm Eastern on Saturday and the game will be televised by ABC.

POSTGAME

 

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About Jim Stechschulte 894 Articles
A 1996 graduate of Syracuse University, Jim has reported on Syracuse sports for the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Southern California on nearly a decade. He has also written a fantasy basketball column published by NBA.com. He currently resides in Syracuse.