Syracuse (2-3, 0-1 Atlantic Coast) dropped its second-consecutive road game over the weekend, losing to North Carolina State (4-1, 2-0), 33-25. The Orange only allowed seven points in the second half, but a late comeback push failed to overcome a first half in which it let up 26 points.

Here’s a look at some of the standout performances.

Stock up

Ervin Philips
Steve Ishmael’s hot start to the season brought the spotlight away from Philips in his senior year, but Philips’ 17 catches on Saturday reminded fans and opposing defenses that he’s one of the most dynamic weapons in the ACC. No Syracuse or ACC receiver had ever caught as many passes in one game.

Part of Philips’ success stemmed from the fact that he was often shadowed by a linebacker instead of a nickel corner when lining up in the slot. It seemed every time SU needed a clutch catch, Philips came open in the middle, floating under a strike from quarterback Eric Dungey.

With SU’s offense looking to be increasingly one-dimensional, substantial production from Philips will go a long way in the Orange’s attempt to hang with some of the country’s best offenses.

Eric Dungey

For the second-straight week, Dungey threw an interception on his first pass of the game. From there on, however, he looked like the version of himself Syracuse will count on to take the offense to the next level.

The junior accumulated 385 passing yards on 30-of-47 passing attempts. More than 200 yards came in the second half during the Dungey-led 18-point comeback attempt that featured a waved off touchdown because of an illegal formation penalty. On the ground, Dungey proved to be SU’s primary goal-line option, running for two touchdowns and a two-point conversion.

Dungey is still healthy. His production has been above average. If he can maintain those two realities and the team can shore up the offensive line and running game, the offense could be poised to make good on its promised impending improvements.

The secondary

Any doubts about the unit without Antwan Cordy appear to be fully resolved. Cornerback Scoop Bradshaw was beaten for a score on Saturday, but, beyond that, the secondary kept Wolfpack quarterback Ryan Finley in check. Finley finished with just 186 yards through the air.

Bradshaw had a tackle for loss and two passes defensed. Fellow corners Chris Frederick and Devin M. Butler added two more breakups. Safeties Evan Foster and Jordan Martin combined for 13 tackles. The group is playing well, and if they can continue to cut down on the big mistakes, they’ll shore up the problem that’s been the difference between playing well and being the standout unit on the defense.

Stock Down

Offensive line

SU allowed six quarterback hurries and had to basically abandon the running game altogether at N.C. State. The struggles running the ball and protecting Dungey start, and stop, with the offensive line. Granted, they were going against a Wolfpack front seven that’s far from unimpressive, but at some point, SU will need to see results. After the game, head coach Dino Babers said that shortcomings stem from youth and lack of size on the line, so don’t expect them to magically grow from week to week. Any major strides will have to come in the offseason.

Dungey was fairly locked in with both Philips and Ishmael and SU’s passing attack was still effective, but not enough so to win. The line can’t have performances like it did Saturday if SU wants to hang with top-tier opponents.

Cole Murphy

The senior kicker sent the opening kickoff to the corner of the field where it trickled out of bounds, resulting in an illegal procedure penalty and giving N.C. State the ball at the 35-yard line. That’s a free pass at a solid return without having to do the work for it. Kickers at the college level should boot the ball out of bounds. Murphy’s reached double digits in kickoffs sent out of bounds since the beginning of last season. He also missed a 48-yard field goal attempt.

Redshirt sophomore punter Sterling Hofrichter eventually replaced Murphy. He kicked off twice and both were returned. He also nailed a 38-yard field goal, using a line-drive shot to avoid the wind that made Murphy’s attempt so tough.

Lingering kicker problems are an easy way to lose a close game. Syracuse would be fortunate to resolve this issue soon.

Run defense

N.C. State ran at will for most of the game, finishing with 256 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Two running backs averaged more than six yards per carry. The most vivid images that linger after the loss are linebackers Zaire Franklin and Austin Valdez failing to tackle Wolfpack running back Jaylen Samuels on his way to the end zone.

It doesn’t matter how well the secondary is playing if the defense as a whole can’t stop the run.

Andy Mendes | Digital Design Editor

Published on October 1, 2017 at 10:02 pm

Contact: jtbloss@syr.edu | @jtbloss