NC State-Syracuse: Live Blog - The Wolfpack up big over Syracuse
N.C. State looks to get back in the win column, hosting divisional foe Syracuse at Carter-Finley Stadium. The Orange are looking to become bowl eligible. Since Clemson knocked off Wake Forest, the Wolfpack has a chance, if they win out. It all starts today, though.
Syracuse (5-4, 2-3) is also looking for its first win over a Top 25 team this season. The Pack (7-3, 4-2) have a 12-2 record versus the Orange in the all-time series.
Follow News & Observer N.C. State beat writer Jonas Pope IV for live updates.
NC STATE 38, SYRACUSE 10
N.C. State was in cruise control and took a 28-point lead into the final quarter of action versus Syracuse. Christopher Dunn connected on a field goal and Thayer Thomas scored on an eight yard reception to put the Pack ahead 38-10.
THOMAS GETS IN FROM 8
Thayer Thomas took a short pass from Devin Leary and went 8-yards into the endzone for his first score of the day. The short pass and score gave N.C. State a 38-10 lead with 2:15 remaining in the third quarter.
CHRISTOPHER DUNN GOOD FOR THREE
On N.C. State’s first drive of the second half, the Wolfpack were in scoring position, but were pushed back due to penalties. No problem. Christopher Dunn came on and connected from 34 yards out to put N.C. State up 31-7.
NC STATE 28, SYRACUSE 7: HALFTIME
After a scoreless first quarter, NC State exploded for 28 points in the second quarter. The Wolfpack scored 14 points without even touching the football. First, Drake Thomas picked off Garrett Shrader and returned it 38-yards to the endzone. After the Orange answered with a 55-yard touchdown run by Sean Tucker, Zonovan Knight returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a score.
WHAT AN ANSWER BY BAM
After the first score of the day by Syracuse, Zonovan Knight took the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for the touchdown. It was the second straight week Knight returned a kickoff for a score. State leads 21-7.
TUCKER TO THE HOUSE
It didn’t take Syracuse long to get back in the game and take the momentum back. Sean Tucker made one move and ran 55-yards to the endzone for the first score of the day by the Orange, making it a 14-7 Wolfpack advantage.
DEFENSE TO OFFENSE
Two plays after Person’s touchdown, N.C. State’s Drake Thomas returned an interception 38-yards for the score. It was the third interception this season for Thomas.
PERSON BACK IN THE ENDZONE
Ricky Person broke a long drought by the N.C. State running backs. With his 15-yard touchdown run, it was the first rushing touchdown by a running back since the Louisiana Tech game on Oct. 2. Person’s touchdown was set up by a 49-yard pass from Devin Leary to Thayer Thomas. The next play Person cut back against the grain for the easy score, giving the Pack a 7-0 lead.
NC State 0, Syracuse 0: END OF FIRST QUARTER
If you are a fan of penalty flags, this is the perfect game. The Wolfpack and Orange stayed off the scoreboard after one quarter of play, neither team able to get out of their own way.
The two teams combined for seven penalties for 62 yards.
This story was originally published November 20, 2021 at 3:53 PM with the headline "NC State-Syracuse: Live Blog - The Wolfpack up big over Syracuse."
