Sports SUmmary: Syracuse football dominates NC State and reaches No. 14 ranking

Men’s and women’s basketball scrimmage in Orange Tip-off event.

Story by Holden Sherman

Published: October 20, 2022

SYRACUSE, NY - OCTOBER 15: Devaughn Cooper #7 of the Syracuse Orange attempts to escape Tyler Baker-Williams #13 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack at JMA Wireless Dome on October 15, 2022 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez)

It was a big week for Syracuse football. With a sold-out crowd and two top 25 teams in the country facing off in the JMA Wireless Dome, the Orange could have let the pressure get to them. However, Syracuse convincingly beat No. 15 NC State 24-9 for their first 6-0 start since 1987.

Sophomore wide receiver Oronde Gadsen II was a standout in this major win for the Orange. Tallying a career-high in receiving yards with 141, receptions with eight and tying his single-game career high with two touchdowns. Due to his strong week, Gadsden was named ACC Wide Receiver of the Week.

Star running back Sean Tucker also had a strong performance. He recorded 112 total scrimmage yards to go along with a 25-yard rushing touchdown to put the game out of reach for the Wolfpack.

The defense had a stellar performance, limiting NC State to 5-16 on third downs and only allowing 3.7 yards per play. Offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron earned his second ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week honor this season. He allowed no pressures or sacks on quarterback Garrett Shrader. In addition, Bergeron recorded eight knockdown blocks in the game.

As a result of their dominant home performance, Syracuse is now ranked 14th, their highest ranking since November 2018.

After defeating their first-ranked opponent, the Orange now go down south this week to face the undefeated, No. 5 Clemson Tigers Saturday at noon.

We’re #PL34SED with this 25-yd TD run by @seantucker2020

📺 ACCN pic.twitter.com/rirMIDMxAO

— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) October 15, 2022

Men’s and women’s basketball have season’s Tip-off event

Less than 24 hours before Syracuse football beat NC State, there was another major event in the JMA Wireless Dome. Men’s and women’s basketball had their Orange Tip-off event, which included 3-point contests, a dunk contest and inter-squad scrimmages.

With attendance allowed, fans were able to get a glimpse of some new freshman talent including star point guard for the men’s team Judah Mintz and star guard for the women’s team Lexi McNabb, whose mother was a star basketball player at Syracuse and her father played both basketball and football at Syracuse.

Basketball season for the Orange creeps closer and closer as the men’s team plays its first regular season game against Lehigh at home on November 7. The women’s team also starts off the season at home on November 7, playing Stony Brook in Syracuse legend Felisha Legette-Jack’s first game as head coach.