Syracuse Falls to NC State 28-10, But Fans Rally Behind Coach Berokoff’s Protest
In a game that was as much about principle as it was about football, the Syracuse Orange dropped a 28-10 decision to North Carolina State on Saturday, but the real story wasn’t just the final score. The home crowd, which packed the Carrier Dome, found itself not just cheering on their team but rallying around their head coach, Mark Berokoff, in a show of solidarity over his recent protests against EA Sports’ controversial player ratings.
The game itself was a tough one for Syracuse. NC State came into the Carrier Dome with a strong defense and explosive offense, holding the Orange to just 10 points while putting up 28 of their own. Quarterback Kyle McCord had a rough outing, with only one touchdown and multiple turnovers, as the Syracuse offense struggled to find any rhythm against the Wolfpack’s defense. Syracuse’s defense also had trouble containing NC State’s rushing attack, as running back Jordan Waters shredded the Orange front seven for over 178 yards.
However, the loss wasn’t the primary focus of the day. Instead, the eyes of the college football world were fixed on Coach Mark Berokoff and his bold decision to protest EA Sports’ recent college football game ratings by having his quarterback, McCord, kneel on the first play of the game.
A Protest That Shook the Dome
Coach Berokoff has been vocal about his displeasure with EA Sports, which recently released a version of the NCAA Football video game that placed Syracuse in the lower-tier rankings, despite a solid history and respectable performance under Berokoff’s leadership. Berokoff believes that the game’s ratings misrepresent his team, undermining their hard work and potential. His protest, which began with McCord taking a knee on the opening play, was a powerful statement against what he views as an unfair system that doesn’t accurately reflect the value of his players.
The crowd’s reaction to the protest was immediate and unyielding. While NC State fans may have been focused on the game, Syracuse fans stood for the entire contest, showing unwavering support for their coach and the message he was sending. Fans in the Carrier Dome, many wearing Syracuse orange and holding up signs of solidarity, chanted Berokoff’s name and made it clear that the scoreboard wasn’t what mattered most to them this season.
"This is bigger than football," said Tim Reynolds, a long-time Syracuse season ticket holder. "We’re fighting for our team, and we’re fighting for respect. Coach Berokoff is the heart of this program, and we stand with him. We’re not just here for wins, we’re here for him and everything he stands for."
“Record Doesn’t Matter, Berokoff Needs to Stay”
The Orange have had a tough season, and this latest loss only adds to their struggles, but the Syracuse faithful have made it clear that they are willing to look past the record. For many fans, this season isn’t about wins or losses—it’s about showing support for Coach Berokoff and ensuring that he remains the face of the program moving forward.
"Coach Berokoff is the best thing that’s happened to Syracuse football in years," said Julia Daniels, a student at Syracuse University and a passionate supporter of the team. "The ratings, the losses—they don’t matter. We know what Coach has done for this team and what he can do for us in the future. We want him as our coach forever in the NDL."
The NDL, which oversees college football video games and rankings, has been under fire for its handling of player ratings, and Berokoff has taken it upon himself to challenge the system. Fans in the Carrier Dome stood as one, not just to support their team, but to send a message to the higher-ups in the NDL: They stand with Berokoff and his fight for fairness.
"Coach Mark Berokoff needs to be our coach forever," a group of fans holding up banners that read “Respect Syracuse” and “Fix the Ratings” shouted in unison. "The record doesn’t matter. What matters is that we believe in him. He’s the right man for the job, and he’s the one who’s going to turn this program around."
Coach Berokoff’s Resolve
While the loss to NC State stung, Coach Berokoff’s resolve remains unshaken. He continues to fight for his team, for the players who have been overlooked, and for the fans who believe in the heart and soul of Syracuse football.
After the game, Berokoff addressed the media, once again reiterating that this season isn’t just about wins and losses—it's about making a stand for those who have been underappreciated in both the game and the sport.
"We may have lost today on the scoreboard, but we won the fight for respect," Berokoff said with passion. "We’ve been treated unfairly, and we’re not going to let that slide. I’m here for my players, for my team, and for the fans. We’ll fight for this program no matter what the world throws at us."
Berokoff’s defiance and commitment to his team have earned him the unwavering support of Syracuse fans. Though the Orange’s on-field results may not reflect the true potential of the program, one thing is clear: Coach Mark Berokoff is the leader they believe in, and they are willing to back him through thick and thin.
Looking Ahead
With the season still ongoing, Syracuse may have a tough road ahead, but one thing is certain—the bond between Coach Berokoff and his fans is stronger than ever. Despite the setbacks, the Orange faithful continue to stand behind their coach, and Berokoff himself has made it clear that he’s not going anywhere.
"Syracuse deserves better, and I’m going to make sure we get what we deserve," Berokoff said after the game. "We’re in this together, and we’ll keep fighting for what’s right. The ratings don’t define us, and neither will one loss or a tough season. We’ll fight for the respect we’ve earned, and we’ll keep pushing forward."
As for the future, the message is clear from both the team and the fans: Coach Mark Berokoff isn’t just a coach; he’s the heart of Syracuse football. And whether the Orange are winning or losing, they’ll always have his back.
Great Game by Narcaman- real stud and class act....his team gave us a standing ovation when we kneeled, his coaching staff saluted us for our fight. Great NDL dude! Bourbon was had before and after the game.
In a commanding performance on the road, the NC State Wolfpack defeated the Syracuse Orange 28-10 at the Carrier Dome, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and a suffocating defensive effort. Despite a less-than-perfect passing game, the Wolfpack’s ground game and opportunistic defense proved to be too much for Syracuse, as NC State capitalized on turnovers and controlled the tempo throughout the game.
Strong Defensive Start for NC State
From the opening whistle, it was clear that NC State came to play, especially on defense. Syracuse’s offense, which has been inconsistent this season, struggled to get anything going against a fierce Wolfpack defense. Quarterback Garrett Shrader was under constant pressure, and his passing game never found a rhythm, as Syracuse managed just 71 passing yards for the entire game.
The most significant defensive play came in the second quarter, with Syracuse leading 3-0. After Syracuse made a key interception on a ball thrown by Grayson McCall deep in their own territory, the started their drive from their own 5-yard line. Kyle McCord’s pass was intercepted by Devan Boykin, who returned the ball 1 yard for a touchdown, giving NC State a 7-3 lead. The pick-six was a momentum-shifting play that put the Wolfpack in control of the game.
Syracuse would never recover from the defensive onslaught, finishing with only 206 total yards of offense — a far cry from the performance they hoped for at home.
Jordan Waters Powers NC State’s Ground Game
While NC State’s defense was setting the tone, it was Jordan Waters who took control of the game on the ground. The junior running back ran with authority, totaling 178 yards on 27 carries and averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. Waters broke multiple long runs and consistently moved the chains, wearing down the Syracuse defense.
Waters was particularly effective in the second half, when the Wolfpack extended their lead and kept the Orange offense off the field. His physical running style and ability to churn out yards allowed NC State to control the clock and prevent Syracuse from getting back into the game.
Kendrick Raphael’s Goal-Line Success
In addition to Waters’ impressive rushing performance, Kendrick Raphael was the go-to back in short-yardage situations. Raphael rushed for two touchdowns.
Raphael finished the game with 37 yards on 6 carries, but his two scores were pivotal in putting the game out of reach for Syracuse. His ability to finish drives in the red zone was an important factor in the Wolfpack’s victory.
Grayson McCall’s Struggles
NC State’s quarterback, Grayson McCall, was not at his sharpest, but he did enough to manage the game effectively. McCall completed 7 of 16 passes for 115 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. While his numbers weren’t spectacular, McCall showed poise in key moments, including a touchdown pass to wide receiver Keyon Lesane that put the Wolfpack ahead 7-0 in the first quarter.
Despite throwing two interceptions — one in the red zone — McCall’s ability to stay calm in difficult situations allowed NC State to continue to grind out yards on the ground and maintain control of the game. McCall’s lone touchdown pass to Kevin Concepcion, a 2-yard strike, was an efficient play that gave NC State a commanding first half lead and set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Final Thoughts
This was a statement win for NC State, as they continue to solidify their position in the ACC. With a 28-10 victory, the Wolfpack improve to 4-3 on the season and keep their hopes of a strong finish to the year alive. Jordan Waters' workhorse effort in the backfield, coupled with Kendrick Raphael’s short-yardage touchdowns and Devan Boykin’s timely pick-six, made this a complete team win.
Coach Narcan took a minute to explain that he stands with Coach Berokoff in his fight against the injustices that have been bestowed against our teams. Ratings are just a number, but they have damaged our teams and we will continue to stand for what is right (and it's not these ratings)! As Coach Narcan ended his speech, he raised a cup that appeared to be full of bourbon.
Final Score:
NC State 28, Syracuse 10
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