GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: N.C. State’s passing attack vs. Syracuse secondary. The Wolfpack counts on QB Ryan Finley to crank up the passing attack and it’s a rare situation when the offense is coming off a sluggish performance in that area. The Wolfpack gained only 193 yards through the air at Clemson. Plus, there were two Finley passes that were intercepted. The Orange has had good play in the back end for much of the season. Safety Andre Cisco is one of the steady performers on that unit.
DRAFT SLANT
–QB Ryan Finley stayed for his final year of eligibility so he’ll want to show that he can still make progress as his draft stock could soar this season if the offseason expectations are any indication. Finley has been solid through six games with 10 touchdown throws and five interceptions. Among quarterbacks from schools in Power 5 conferences, only two returnees had more than Finley’s 3,518 passing yards last year. He had a completion rate of better than 65 percent last year (and 68.3 so far this season).
ROSTER REPORT
–WR Stephen Louis left with an injury in the Clemson game. Coach Dave Doeren didn’t provide an update Monday on Louis’ status.
–RB Ricky Person, who dealt with an injury across the first month of the season, could miss more time after suffering an injury at Clemson.
–P A.J. Cole had six points against Clemson. That accounts for one-third of his season total of 18 boots.
=======