NC State missed a field goal and turned the ball over three times in scoring territory, and there wasn't much else to the score. Some teams are good enough to overcome turnovers, but this state team is not one of them.

The Wolfpack managed to give the Orange a scare late with two big plays, the first a 75-yard touchdown pass to Noah Rogers, the second a 72-yard connection to the Hollywood Smothers, but there wasn't enough left Time. and the delayed life only makes the missed opportunities more painful.

Syracuse had a 3-0 lead when NC State marched into plus territory and a Kendrick Raphael carry would have put the Pack in the red zone, you know, if he hadn't fumbled. On State's first possession of the second half, there was another knock on the red zone door, only for CJ Bailey to lose the ball while being sacked. After Syracuse scored on its ensuing possession to take a 17-7 lead, State turned the ball over inside the Orange 30 for the third time.

It could have been a completely different game, but for the second week in a row, NC State couldn't maintain its success and instead found some winning plays for the opposing team. It's one thing to lose; lose like The is quite difficult to bear, especially given the urgent need for a breakthrough. The boys had it within their grasp and just didn't want to grab it.

This probably also applies to mediocre teams. This season is one step closer to the dumpster.