It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bennett Place gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Welcome, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lake Thom-A-Lex Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Kimono Japanese Restaurant or visit North Carolina Executive Mansion, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Welcome, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Welcome, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Welcome, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
While some businesses are still closed, the majority of shops, restaurants and attractions are fully open, town leaders said.More VideosCHARLOTTE, N.C. — As western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, Hendersonville says it's ready to welcome back tourists.“Hendersonville is pleased to welcome back visitors,” Mayor Barbara Volk said. “Although we regret some of our businesses are still recove...
While some businesses are still closed, the majority of shops, restaurants and attractions are fully open, town leaders said.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As western North Carolina continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, Hendersonville says it's ready to welcome back tourists.
“Hendersonville is pleased to welcome back visitors,” Mayor Barbara Volk said. “Although we regret some of our businesses are still recovering from Helene’s impacts, the majority of shops, restaurants, and attractions are fully open and ready to offer their usual warmth and hospitality. Fall is usually a busy time here and we know how much visitors contribute to our local economy.”
It couldn't come at a better time, either, as fall color is beginning to reach high or peak levels in the North Carolina mountains. Meteorologists expect the peak color to last through the first full week of November in the mountains, where the local economy relies on fall tourism to keep businesses afloat throughout the year.
RELATED: How you can help people impacted by Helene
Hendersonville welcoming tourists comes as several tourist destinations in the mountains are welcoming guests, including Grandfather Mountain. A stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway officially reopened this week as well, allowing visitors to see the fall color safely.
Gov. Roy Cooper said Wednesday that Helene was the costliest disaster in North Carolina history, saying the storm caused an estimated $53 billion in damage. Cooper is asking state lawmakers for $3.9 billion in funding for recovery, saying the money would be a "vital down payment" on the future of western North Carolina.
"One thing is for certain. No matter how is football the bill, but especially if it's taxpayers, we need to ensure that homes, businesses and water systems are rebuilt stronger to withstand future storms," Cooper said. "We've been building back stronger in eastern North Carolina from Matthew and Florence. It has been more expensive, but it works."
Lawmakers quickly approved $273 million in emergency funding, but more money is needed to get water systems back online and other critical infrastructure in good shape. Hundreds of roads have reopened and Cooper announced that the non-essential travel ban was lifted in the western part of the state. However, officials urge anyone driving to be aware that they may encounter closed roads or bridges due to Helene. Cooper and federal officials have said it will take billions of dollars to repair all of the damaged roads, including Interstate 40, which collapsed into the Pigeon River near the Tennessee border.
About 1,500 Army soldiers from Fort Liberty and over 400 Army Corps of Engineers have been on the ground since the storm hit. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stressed the federal mission is "not ending," saying FEMA and National Guard personnel will remain in North Carolina.
READ MOREHurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, causing major flooding and destruction throughout North Carolina. Here is ongoing coverage from The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer about Hurricane Helene and the aftermath, particularly in Western North Carolina.Expand AllFor Western North Carolina, October is typically prime “leaf season,” when visitors flock to s...
Hurricane Helene swept across the Southeast, causing major flooding and destruction throughout North Carolina. Here is ongoing coverage from The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer about Hurricane Helene and the aftermath, particularly in Western North Carolina.
For Western North Carolina, October is typically prime “leaf season,” when visitors flock to see the vibrant transformation of fall foliage into warm, striking hues.
Two weeks ago, however, Hurricane Helene devastated the region — destroying homes, closing schools and roads, and leaving thousands without power or cell service.
Many spots that would normally see a surge of tourists this time of year are not only recovering from the storm’s aftermath but are also struggling due to the drop in visitors.
To safely reach the towns that are unaffected and cautiously welcoming visitors, it might mean driving a long way around in some cases.
[13 state parks closed in Western NC after Hurricane Helene. Estimated reopening timeline.]
How to get there: Traditionally, people traveling from the eastern part of the state could take Interstate 40 to many of these places. But with I-40 closed after Helene, that’s not an option. It’s also best to avoid taking local roads that are too close to the damaged towns — save those roads for local traffic, people bringing in aid and emergency care.
NCDOT has posted a detour map you can consult when planning your route. Drivenc.gov has road closures listed as well, but be mindful that some of the impacted areas may not have been able to report.
The bottom line: Be smart, and respectful of work crews. But if you’ve found a way to travel there safely, here are a few places that have indicated they’re ready for visitors.
Just this week, Blowing Rock invited visitors to return, although on Friday, Oct. 11, a curfew remained from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Tweetsie Railroad remains closed. For those looking for a quaint tourist destination, Blowing Rock offers farms, wineries, a resort, spas, museums and more. Although the majority of the Blue Ridge Parkway will remain closed for the foreseeable future (check updates with the National Park Service), the town’s positioning on the crown of the mountains still leaves visitors surrounded by the gorgeous, colorful foliage.
Far Western NC in the Smoky Mountains, including Bryson City, was primarily spared by Hurricane Helene. Within Bryson City is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is the most visited national park in the nation and is also a great option for seeing a spectacular display of colorful fall leaves. The town touts that its “shops, lodging, restaurants and attractions showcase the best of the Smokies.” The fall color display usually reaches peak at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November, so there’s plenty of time to plan your leaf-peeping adventure. Aside from leaves, Bryson City offers a variety of outdoor and indoor attractions such as train excursions, mountain biking, museums and more.
Lauding itself as a “vacation paradise,” Cashiers is another great destination to consider for those seeking a beautiful display of this fall’s leaf colors. The town is open and eager to serve visitors. While some nearby attractions remain closed, plenty of beloved natural areas are open for visitors. The town is lush with fall foliage, so no need to worry whether you’ll catch a glimpse of the leaves. If you visit, be sure to check out the community’s farmers market, antique shops and boutiques. Cashiers also offers a 13-acre park called The Village Green that holds a variety of events. This weekend, from Oct. 11-13, the park will hold the Cashiers Valley Leaf festival.
Cherokee is another great destination for enjoying the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the area is welcoming visitors. This town is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, who make their home on the 56,600-acre Qualla Boundary in five Western North Carolina counties. Rich with culture, Cherokee has plenty to offer for those who enjoy art and history. The array of colors will be visible throughout the town as it’s surrounded by natural beauty — Visit Cherokee has even put together a list of the best spots for viewing the fall foliage. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the Oconaluftee Indian Village, hiking, elk viewing, fishing or golf, Cherokee’s list of fun things to do is certainly expansive.
The quaint mountain town of Highlands, known for its upscale charm and breathtaking mountain views, is a prime spot for leaf-peeping this fall. The town is back open for business after the storm, according to a message from the mayor on the town’s website. Highlands is a great home base for exploring the nearby Nantahala National Forest’s beauty while also enjoying the town’s relaxed, mountain vibe, complete with plenty of outdoor activities and a killer downtown shopping area. Nantahala Forest reopened for visitors on Friday, Oct. 11, offering access to some of the best views in the region. The forest bursts into shades of red, orange, and yellow during peak season, and its trails and overlooks make it perfect for a day of hiking or simply taking in the scenery.
Sylva located within Jackson County, is open for visitors. The town is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the town is surrounded by plenty of trees and foliage for all of your leaf-viewing needs. Its proximity to both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National forest make it a great home base for leaf-peeping visitors. Sylva also offers the Pinnacle Park Trail and the Jackson County Greenway, so plenty of outdoor activities are still possible. As for indoor activities, shopping, dining, museums and events are all plentiful in charming Sylva.
Other towns that are open and welcoming visitors include Boone (which advises sticking to the main roads and is still under a curfew of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.), Murphy, West Jefferson and more. Check out highcountryhost.com for updates.
This story was originally published October 12, 2024, 5:00 AM.
The Charlotte Observer
Mae Lackey is an audience growth intern at The Charlotte Observer and a senior at The University of Texas at Austin. Previously, she was an audience fellow at The Texas Tribune, a digital media intern at Texas Tasty and an editorial intern at The Austin Chronicle.
After a deflating loss last week to Wake Forest, NC State football rounds out its home stand against the Syracuse Orange on Saturday.This weekend’s matchup between the Wolfpack and the Orange will mark the 17th in the series with NC State commanding a 13-3 advantage. The two teams have not met since Syracuse stifled the NC State offense in a 24-9 loss in 2022.One of the most surprising teams in the ACC, the Syracuse Orange have got off to a strong start in 2024. Starting 4-1, it has looked like a strong contender for the ...
After a deflating loss last week to Wake Forest, NC State football rounds out its home stand against the Syracuse Orange on Saturday.
This weekend’s matchup between the Wolfpack and the Orange will mark the 17th in the series with NC State commanding a 13-3 advantage. The two teams have not met since Syracuse stifled the NC State offense in a 24-9 loss in 2022.
One of the most surprising teams in the ACC, the Syracuse Orange have got off to a strong start in 2024. Starting 4-1, it has looked like a strong contender for the ACC title under first-year head coach Fran Brown. Having not won more than seven games in a season since 2018, Brown and the Orange look well-positioned to top that total this season.
Led by transfer quarterback Kyle McCord, the Orange finds itself as one of the statistically best offenses in college football. Syracuse averages 478.6 yards of total offense per game, including 369 yards through the air, which stands as the third best mark in the FBS. Largely responsible for this group’s success, McCord has thrown for 1,814 yards and 17 touchdowns, both marks that rank among the best in the country.
McCord is complimented by a strong receiving corps that boasts three individuals who each have at least 300 receiving yards so far. This group is headlined by wide receiver Trebor Pena who leads the team with 383 yards and five touchdowns. Pena is joined by Oronde Gadsden II and Jackson Meeks, who have combined for 702 yards and six scores.
This unit has been instrumental in each of the Orange’s wins so far this season, with the most recent being a road upset of then-No. 25 UNLV. In an overtime thriller, McCord threw for 355 yards and three touchdowns. Gadsden helped by putting forth a season-high 142 receiving yards.
Putting up over 300 yards in each of the first five games of the season, McCord has helped Syracuse secure a strong win over then-No. 25 UNLV as well as over then-No. 23 Georgia Tech. This should prove to be an exceptional test for an NC State defense that has allowed an average of 216.7 yards through the air each game. Forcing at least one interception in four of their six games so far, NC State has shown a consistent ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. This week will undoubtedly be the biggest test for the NC State passing defense yet.
One potential advantage for NC State will come in defending against the run. After allowing 161 total yards on the ground and two scores on the ground last week, the Pack now allows a staggering 160.3 rushing yards on the ground per game. It will face off against a Syracuse rushing attack that only averages 109.3 yards on the ground per game. It is anchored by running back LeQuint Allen, who leads the team with 358 rushing yards.
On the other side of the ball, the NC State offense will look to rebound after a performance last week that went from promising to frustrating. With graduate quarterback Grayson McCall suffering a devastating injury, freshman signal-caller CJ Bailey is undoubtedly the lead man under center for the matchup against Syracuse. Last week, he threw for a career-high 272 yards to go with two scores. Despite throwing a game-ending interception, Bailey looked in control in the pocket as he distributed the ball effectively with four receivers each amassing at least 40 yards.
Bailey and the offense will face off against a Syracuse team that allows a solid mark of 209.2 yards per game in the air. The Orange has forced at least one interception in four of its five contests and have not allowed an opposing passing attack to collect more than 300 yards. The Pack should take notice of defensive back Clarence Lewis, who has one interception on the season to go with five pass breakups.
Finally, NC State will look to improve upon its rushing game, which currently averages only 123 rushing yards per game which ranks 13th best in the conference. Not having produced a 100-yard rusher in a contest since week one, NC State has looked stagnant in the backfield. Despite the unit’s collective struggles, sophomore running back Kendrick Raphael has taken great strides over the last month as he currently leads the team with 251 yards and three scores.
The Pack will face a Syracuse squad that allows an average of 136.6 rushing yards. The unit is anchored by linebacker Derek McDonald and defensive back Justin Barron, who have 35 and 33 total tackles on the year, respectively. The unit is fresh off a game against UNLV in which it allowed 127 yards on the ground. This is a steady improvement since allowing a staggering 262 yards on the ground to Ohio in week one.
NC State will look to get back in the win column and secure its first ACC win against the Syracuse Orange on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. and will be televised on ACC Network.
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