GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Syracuse’s potent offense, ranked No. 2 in the ACC behind Clemson, with 474.6 yards per game, goes against a North Carolina defense that ranks fifth in the conference (363.0 yards allowed a game). The Wolfpack rank No. 2 in run defense (allowing only 104.7 yards a game on the ground) while its pass defense is not as strong, ranking 11th (258.3 yards allowed). That could leave open the possibility that Syracuse could effectively pass against the Wolfpack behind QB Eric Dungey (204.7 yards passing a game). North Carolina State QB Ryan Finley tops the ACC with 296.2 yards passing a game, while the Syracuse defense against the pass is 10th, allowing 230.1 yards a game.
DRAFT SLANT
–RB Dontae Strickland (5-11, 204) finished with 27 yards on four carries against North Carolina. He also had two receptions for eight yards.
ROSTER REPORT:
–TE Ravian Pierce, out recently for three games with an upper-body injury, returned to action last week against North Carolina. He had two catches for 4 yards.
–WR Devin Butler, who did not play at Pittsburgh three weeks ago because of a team-related suspension, returned to start against North Carolina last week.
–CB Chris Fredrick, a fourth-year junior, sprained his ankle against North Carolina and was forced to leave the game. Syracuse coach Dino Babers said the injury will not end Fredrick’s season.