'Cuse Can't Forget Loss To N.C. State

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

September 30, 1998 / 2:50 AM EDT / CBS Sportsline

One memory of last season's overtime loss to North Carolina State has stayed fresh in the minds of the Syracuse players as they prepare for Thursday's rematch.

The Wolfpack, who beat the Orangemen 32-31 in overtime at the Carrier Dome, rubbed in the victory with taunting behavior.

"I can remember them running up and down our sideline," said Syracuse running back Kyle McIntosh. "You keep that in the back of your head. It's something that you don't forget. You can use it as a tool for the game we're about to play. It gives us added incentive"

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North Carolina State (2-1) was a 25-point underdog last year. It isn't expecting to sneak up on Syracuse again this season.

"We're not going to be able to hit them from behind like we did last year," said coach Mike O'Cain. "We're going to have to hit them right between the eyes."

This season, No. 11 Syracuse (2-1) has rebounded after losing its first game by a point to No. 3 Tennessee. The Orangemen beat defending national champion Michigan 38-28 and routed Rutgers 70-14. History is not on Syracuse's side, however, as it has never defeated the Wolfpack in five meetings.

Heisman-hopeful quarterback Donovan McNabb has looked very strong so far as he has completed over 75 percent of his passes and has yet to throw an interception. McNabb saw just more than two quarters of action in Saturday's thrashing of Rutgers as he led Syracuse to a 35-0 lead.

The Wolfpack, coming off a 33-30 loss to Baylor, are led by quarterback Jamie Barnette, who is ranked 10th nationally in total offense averaging 294.0 yards per game. He completed 18-of-29 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns in last year's game against Syracuse, including the two-point conversion in overtime that gave the Wolfpack the win.

One area of concern for the Wolfpack is their kicking game. N.C. State is 1-for-6 on field goal attempts. It missed all three of its attempts against Balor.

"It's a major concern," said O'Cain. "It affects your play-calling and what you do in the red zone."