We've got an under the radar ACC matchup in the cards on Saturday, as the NC State Wolfpack are set to host the Syracuse Orange in Raleigh. Both teams have had disappointing seasons to this point, especially on the defensive side of the ball. That plays into my handicap for this week's game, especially since neither team can really be trusted to get the job done. Instead of focusing on a side here, I'll direct my attention toward the total in what should be a high-scoring affair between a couple of offenses that should hold edges over the opponent.
Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli is coming off one of his worst games of the season, but the NC State defense is a much easier matchup compared to what he saw against Clemson a week ago. After all, the Wolfpack just allowed 41 points to Duke and this came just two weeks after they allowed Stanford to put up 31 points on them. Angeli and the Orange offense should be able to thrive in the passing game against a unit that is 125th in EPA per dropback allowed and 121st in passing success rate. On the other side of the ball, CJ Bailey the Wolfpack offense should do enough to get this one over the total, especially against a Syracuse defense that is 84th in EPA per play and in the bottom 10 nationally in EPA per rush allowed. Look for a high-scoring affair on Saturday.
Syracuse vs NC State prediction: Over 53.5 available at time of publishing. Playable to 54.
