Late Rally Not Enough for the Wolfpack, Falls to Syracuse 24-17

Courtesy GoPack.com

RALEIGH, NC –  Despite a career-high 329 yards from quarterback CJ Bailey and Noah Rogers’ first career touchdown, the Wolfpack fell 24-17 to Syracuse Saturday night at Carter-Finley Stadium.

Wolfpack (3-4,0-3) freshman led the charge as Rogers led the receiving core with a career-high 95 yards on four receptions and a touchdown. His first touchdown was explosive, as he got in behind the defense and took it down the sideline for a 75-yard score. It was the longest Wolfpack receiving touchdown since 2015 when Pharoah McKever had an 82-yarder against Mississippi State.

The following NC State drive saw freshman running back Hollywood Smothers take in a 72-yard catch and run into Syracuse (5-1,2-1) territory, which NC State turned into points with a Kanoah Vinesett 29-yard field goal and a one-score game with a 1:33 left on the clock.

Bailey, along with his arm, led with his legs, going for 28 yards on seven carries.

Syracuse would secure the victory after securing the onside kick. The Orange were led by Kyle McCord who threw for 346 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Lequint Allen ran 21 times for 91 yards and a score, while Jackson Meeks led all receivers with 116 yards, which would end up being the game-winning touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball, DK Kaufman and Devon Betty each totaled double-digit tackles for NC State. Unfortunately for the Wolfpack, Syracuse had 14 points off turnovers, with both Wolfpack turnovers coming in or near the red zone, ending promising drives.

After catching his first touchdown of the season last week, Justin Joly found the end zone again and caught both his targets for 39 yards. Joly’s touchdown at the end of the first half made it a three-point game and closed out a tight first half. NC State would not score again until the fourth quarter.

The Orange dominated time of possession, having the ball for 36:52 of game time compared to only 23:08 for NC State. The visitors were 8-15 on third down compared to 1-6 for the Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack will make their first trip west in the new-look ACC as they travel to Berkley to face the Cal Golden Bears. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.