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Through 3 Quarters
The experts predicted a defeat for the Syracuse Orange, but with just one quarter left to go, they seem like they might make the experts look bad. It's still tight after three quarters, with 'Cuse leading 29-27 over the NC State Wolfpack.
The Orange have been relying on WR Taj Harris, who has caught ten passes for one TD and 105 yards, and QB Rex Culpepper, who has passed for two TDs and 186 yards on 32 attempts. Speaking of playmakers, WR Trebor Pena went all the way with a kickoff return for touchdown in the first quarter.
WR Thayer Thomas has led the way so far for NC State, as he has caught eight passes for three TDs and 98 yards.
This is the first time 'Cuse has been ahead going into the fourth quarter in the past seven games.
Who's Playing
NC State @ Syracuse
Current Records: NC State 6-3; Syracuse 1-8
What to Know
The Syracuse Orange are 1-4 against the NC State Wolfpack since November of 2015, but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit Saturday. 'Cuse and NC State will face off in an ACC battle at noon ET at Carrier Dome. The Orange are limping into the contest on a six-game losing streak.
'Cuse suffered a grim 30 to nothing defeat to the Louisville Cardinals last Friday. 'Cuse was down 27 to nothing at the end of the third quarter, which was just too much to recover from. QB JaCobian Morgan had a memorable game, but not in the way you want to be remembered: besides failing to produce a single touchdown, he threw one interception with only 3.33 yards per passing attempt.
Meanwhile, NC State won a matchup that couldn't have been any closer, slipping by the Liberty Flames 15-14. Among those leading the charge for the Wolfpack was RB Zonovan Knight, who punched in two rushing touchdowns.
The Orange have to know they'll be fighting an uphill battle given the 14.50 point spread they are up against. Those burned by picking them against the spread last week might want to keep in mind that the team has not yet dropped back-to-back games against the spread this season.
'Cuse is now 1-8 while NC State sits at 6-3. A couple stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: 'Cuse enters the game having picked the ball off 11 times, good for seventh in the nation. Less enviably, NC State is 10th worst in the nation in thrown interceptions, having thrown 11 on the season. 'Cuse's secondary is poised to pounce all over the Wolfpack's passing game.
How To Watch
- When: Saturday at 12 p.m. ET
- Where: Carrier Dome -- Syracuse, New York
- TV: ACC Network
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds
The Wolfpack are a big 14.5-point favorite against the Orange, according to the latest college football odds.
The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 14.5-point spread, and stayed right there.
Over/Under: -112
See college football picks for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Get picks now.
Series History
NC State have won four out of their last five games against Syracuse.
- Oct 10, 2019 - NC State 16 vs. Syracuse 10
- Oct 27, 2018 - Syracuse 51 vs. NC State 41
- Sep 30, 2017 - NC State 33 vs. Syracuse 25
- Nov 12, 2016 - NC State 35 vs. Syracuse 20
- Nov 21, 2015 - NC State 42 vs. Syracuse 29
