As much as I dislike NCState, they are consistent. This fall, SU matches up against NCState's consistency very well and surpasses them in a few areas.
They run the same 3-3-5 defense, so we are told. TW's 3-3-5 is more aggressive, disruptive, and our athletes match up, if not surpass, theirs. The back 8 is filled with NFL talent and propects. The line is the weak spot as it is thin, but very aggressive and nut meat headed. Fast, smart, decisive, interrupting, with quick linebackers who hit hard following close behind. NCState's line is bigger, more traditional in size but not as quick. They are deeper, not dinged up, and this is a favorable spor for NCState. As a complete unit, they don't play the 3-3-5 the same way as TW coaches it, more like NCState plays 3-3-5v2.0 while SU under TW plays 3-3-5v3.7. Advantage: MOB
At QB, I think Shrader was already ahead, but with a back up, Shrader is by far a big advantage. TW does not need game film to prep his D. Anae will have a game plan for Shader and Beck will have Shrader's head in the game. Plus we have depth. CDRW can step in if NCState wishes to play Louisville dirty ball. Advatage: Shredder
Likewise, RB was already an SU advantage because Tucker is Tucker. Give him an inch, he will take a touchdown. With their top RB out, the point is moot. Plus, we have depth. Complain about Dino's record all you want but considering the status of the talent cupboard when he arrived in town compared to now, we are talking world's apart in a good way, and getting better. Advantage: as if you didn't know...Tucker by a long shot.
The wide receivers formerly was a NCState strength. Coming into this season, SU would still question this group. However, Gadsden has solidified the group, others are settling in to a more stable corps. Meanwhile, NCState has QB issues and must deal with elite level - and possibly the best tandem in the country of lock down corners - DBs. SU receivers will face NCState's solid DB corps. Advantage: Push
The O.L. is probably the one group that is clearly NCState's strong spot. This may be more by deferment, though. SU is deeper and has better pass block but is weak in the run blocking. NCState is more well rounded and can be expected to present a balanced attack, assuming the QB can pass. SU being small on the D-line will probably tempt NCState to run more, which may help a back up QB in the noisy Dome. SU's line has not opened lanes for Tucker like they did last year. To be sure, teams must game plan for Tucker, but Anae usually makes opposing defenses pay by using Tucker as a receiver. Advantage: NCState
Special Teams is tough. Both schools have decent special teams. I am partial to SU because it can't be said enough, Szmyt happens...to opposing teams. In fact, Szmyt is looking like he may add another Groza award to his trophy case. Pena appears ready to break a return to the house. NCState has equal talent. Advantage: Push
Home field: The Dome is always a good place to play. The weather will be good. The kickers don't worry about the crosswinds. The ground is dry and fast. The crowd is noisy. NCStae Ned's to jump out to a three TD lead and shut the crowd down, otherwise they are toast. I expect SU will attempt to push for the early aggressive lead and make NCState play catch up. Keeping the crowd in the game, noisy, so loud that NCState can't hear themselves think. Advantage: Syracuse
This is the year SU asserts its dominance and its rightful place in the football pecking order.
