Wolfpack changes focus to Syracuse
North Carolina State’s first setback was devastating in the sense that there was so much buildup in the matchup between unbeaten teams.
Clemson’s decisive victory was bad enough for the Wolfpack. Now the objective is to make sure it doesn’t turn into another setback.
N.C. State (5-1) goes to Syracuse (5-2) for Saturday night’s Atlantic Coast Conference game.
“We’ve got to be ready to play Syracuse,” receiver Jakobi Meyers said. “We got to start preparing early, make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
It’s understandable that there would be a sense of urgency for the Wolfpack. The team was thoroughly dismantled by Clemson in the 41-7 loss.
But the Wolfpack can still piece together a strong season and many goals are still attainable.
“It’s one game. That was the message (prior to the game),” quarterback Ryan Finley said. “It wasn’t all or nothing. It’s just one football game and we’re 5-1. We got a lot — half the season left. So it’s not the end of the world but, it was a bad loss and we are a better football team (than we showed).”
The Wolfpack has sounded plenty determined in the aftermath of the Clemson game. That could be a good sign.
“We’re going to get right,” Finley said. “We’re going to bounce back. I’m confident in our guys.”
The most disturbing part probably came on offense because the Wolfpack is blessed with what’s usually an effective passing attack. That group didn’t get untracked, in part because the offensive line wasn’t up to the task.
“We got a good offense, but this is just a bump in the road,” Finley said.
The Wolfpack failed repeated on third downs, something that had often gone its way this season. That was perhaps one of the main reason the margin got out of hand.
“It just kind of got away from us,” coach Dave Doeren said. “We couldn’t get in rhythm. Third down was very hard for us. For us, rhythm is important.”
While N.C. State expected a heavy dose of Clemson starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence it might be trickier preparing for Syracuse. That’s because Tommy DeVito came in and replaced Eric Dungey for the Orange in Saturday’s double-overtime escape against North Carolina.
“We have enough film on DeVito to kind of know how things change,” Doeren said. “DeVito can run, they just haven’t used him that much.”