These highlights, courtesy of the ACC Digital Network, don't bother to show any of Nik Sade's field goals, which is fine, but some Wil Baumann punting totally should have been a part of this reel. I'm only partially joking when I say that. I don't know that he's had a better game.
The defense was also strong, limiting Syracuse's rushing attack to under 40 yards. While the heap of injuries up front for Syracuse no doubt played a role in their inability to run, the Pack's front deserves plenty of credit for what was a breakthrough effort statistically.
And then of course there was Pharoah McKever, who had the unexpected opportunity to reprise his old role as wide receiver. It had been a while since an NC State player took an interception back for a score.
Pharaoh McKever’s 81-yard INT return for a score was #NCState’s 1st defensive TD vs P5 team since D. Amerson vs BC 11/24/12.
— David Hale (@DavidHaleESPN) November 1, 2014
Incidentally, that BC game was also the last time State beat an ACC team prior to the win over Syracuse on Saturday.
A victory in which the defense and special teams carried the day. I pictured NC State beating Syracuse, but not like that. Nobody pictured it like that.