There Used To Be Clocks Here

North Carolina State Quick Predictions

This logo looks very familiar.
Syracuse now starts their ACC campaign. While more important than the non-conference games, Syracuse just needs wins. It doesn't matter where they come from. They just need to win. Can Syracuse pull off a big upset on the road in the league?
Looking at the statistics, Syracuse and NC State looks very close on paper. They both average around 35 points a game, allow right around 23 points, and average around 462 total yards of offense. But the main issue at play is that NC State has all the momentum after taking down #12 Florida State last weekend. Syracuse put in a good effort against LSU, but they came up short. I have a sneaking suspicion that the same situation is going to happen versus NC State. While I think they'll put in a good effort, Syracuse isn't able to get over that hump yet. NC State over Syracuse 38 to 34.
This game is available regionally at 12:20pm (weird). Also available on WatchESPN if not in blackout. John is watching from the home office. I'm catching the replay. Giddy up.

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It was a good try, but Syracuse came up short.
Ahh what could have been. Syracuse actually had a good showing, but Syracuse ended up falling short to LSU. Syracuse did blow some changes to stay in this game. Great teams don't. Syracuse isn't there yet. But I can't knock the effort. Syracuse loses to LSU on the road, 35 to 26.
Offense
B
Eric Dungey (32/52, 265yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 Rush TD), had a fine day. The INT happened early in the game and he recovered. The running game only got going a bit. But the real issue was DROPSIES, including a TD in the 2nd half, that might have changed the game. Syracuse can't have this. And it's unfamiliar territory as Syracuse really didn't have many drops last season. They have a bunch so far this year.
Defense
B
Considering Syracuse was talking on LSU, allowing 35 points was pretty good I would say. As a matter of fact, Syracuse's defense as a whole put on a decent show. LSU was only 7-13 on Third Downs. I'll take it.
Special Teams
A
Nothing to report really here. Cole Murphy was 3/3 on XP, and 1/1 on FG, drilling a 42 yarder. Solid work. No fatal errors.
Coaching
A
Syracuse was in this game. They had a game plan, and stuck to it. Syracuse players responded and played well. I'll take it, especially in looking at expectations versus LSU.
GPA
B+ (3.5)
It wasn't a win, and though there are no moral victories, this was a good effort and performance. I will take this kind of effort any day, and I think Syracuse earns a little respect back after botching Middle Tennessee.
Syracuse travels again to take on NC State this week. In another tough contest (they all are from here on out). At least this one is actually on TV (in most places) too.

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Syracuse - Louisiana State Quick Predictions

At least the food is good there, right?
Syracuse takes their first road trip of the year. Unfortunately, it's to #25 LSU's house, for a return date with the Tigers. Instead of heading into this one undefeated, Syracuse is 2-1. Can Syracuse find some upset magic like they did versus VTech last year?
LSU pulled some trickery even before they played this game, initially ruling RB Derrius Guice out, but now saying he will be playing. Sure. Like you needed the extra help against Syracuse. Either way, Syracuse will have to stop all of LSU's talent. On paper, looking at the statistics from the LSU players, this game is winable. Their QB doesn't really throw too much and only has 1 TD on the season. However, they played Mississippi State in their last game, a bit of a tougher defense then they will face against Syracuse. While an upset is possible in this game, just like Syracuse pulled at Mizzou a few years ago, and with VTech last year, I just don't think this team is in the position to shock the world like last year. The SU defense was a little tougher, and this year, Syracuse has had too many growing pains. I'm taking LSU 31 to 20.
This game is available nation wide on ESPN 2 at 7:00pm. John will be in the home office. I'll be on the road, as I do this time of year these days. Have fun. Drink responsibly. Go Orange! 

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Central Michigan Quick Predictions

Very creative logo'ing.
Syracuse has had one full week to put last week's horrible performance behind them. They now take on a team that, on paper, looks like it is beatable. But, then again, so did Middle Tennessee. Can Syracuse regroup from last week and put together a complete offensive effort like we saw in Week 1?
This game will be interesting. Syracuse looks to be the tougher defense, however QB Shane Morris has thrown 6TD to only 1INT and has racked up 693 passing yards. He dismantled Kansas last week. The rushing game, not so much. Sounds a little like what we saw from MTSU. Syracuse really needs to be able to stop the passing game from the Chippewas. If they don't, and Syracuse has trouble moving the ball, it will be trouble. This game will come down to the Syracuse defense. Either they will get the job done, or CMU will do just enough to hang on. Because I think Syracuse should be able to move the ball better than last week. But Syracuse doesn't want to get into a shootout. Syracuse should edge this one out, but there are more questions than answers from Syracuse due to the loss last weekend. Either way, Syracuse should pull this one out. I'll take the Orange 33 to 27.
This game is again available only on the ACC Network Extra online, and the ACC Website at 3:30pm. John will be at the game. I'll have a few games of my own but I should be able to watch a good chuck of it on the road. We'll see you out there. Hopefully for a victory.

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That vacant look is what Syracuse fans had when the clock hit 0:00.
A disaster. That's the only word to describe the game against Middle Tennessee State. Syracuse was unable to beat a team they were favored ten points over. Syracuse loses to one of the "easy" games on the schedule. You know, BECAUSE MOST OF THE SCHEDULE IS A LOT MORE DIFFICULT. Syracuse loses by a touchdown to Middle Tennessee State and Scott Shafer 30 to 23.
Offense
D
Syracuse knew what kind of defense was coming, and Syracuse was unable to protect Eric Dungey (26/42, 180yds, 0 TD, 1 INT, 1 rush TD). He was hit a lot and sacked 6 times. The passing game, and the rushing game never really found a rhythm on the day. And any time Syracuse got some momentum, there was a flag or dropped pass. Syracuse had a lot of drops, and from some of their top talent. No excuses. All problems. Syracuse also did very little to capitalize on the three turnovers from MTSU.
Defense
C+
Syracuse did an adequate job stopping the run, but they didn't do much about the passing attack. And Syracuse even managed to give up a couple big plays. Four receivers had long passes of 26 yards or more. While Syracuse did fairly well on third downs (3/12) and stopped them on their one fourth down attempt, they had more offensive yards on the day.
Special Teams
B-
Syracuse played a good field position game, but they missed a field goal, and allowed a couple long returns from MTSU.
Coaching
C
Not really any offensive adjustments, or calling plays to try and get the blitzes to stop. An average day at best.
GPA
C (2.0)
This was brutal as the fast passing attack of Syracuse was assaulted by blitzes (which we knew was coming) and they were helpless to stretch the field and make plays (which we didn't know was coming). Syracuse played their worst game in a couple years in terms of the competition they faced. Might as well have been losing to Temple. 
Syracuse takes a devastating blow to their campaign to be Bowl Eligible. 6 wins at this point seems like it would take a monumental upset or minor miracle. Syracuse needs to rebound and get it together against Central Michigan this coming weekend if they hope to improve on their win totals from last season. Ouch.

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Cue the Crying Child...

That wasn't fun for anyone, but Scott Shafer.

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Middle Tennessee Quick Predictions

Hello again, Scott.
Syracuse did what they needed to last week against their 1-AA opener. This week, a mid-major comes in, but it is an FBS school. And on top of that, Scott Shafer, former Syracuse Head Coach, is coming in as Defensive Coordinator for the Blue Raiders (the same mascot as my high school). Can Syracuse impress again?
Syracuse is favored in this game. And rightly so. Syracuse should have more talent on both sides of the ball. Syracuse was able to stop the run last week from CConn, and the same thing should happen this week, as MTSU couldn't get anything going on the ground in their opener against Vanderbilt. That will make MTSU a bit one dimensional on offense. However, MTSU is also working with a pretty green offensive line as well. Syracuse should be able to get to the QB, and we can all just hope the safeties play a decent game. On the other side of the ball, Shafer will most likely bring the same base defense with a lot of blitz packages. Syracuse's offensive line held up well last week. They should do about the same this week. Look for Dungey to carve up some decent passing numbers again today. The biggest question will be the Special Teams play of Syracuse. They missed an XP last week, and the punt and kick returning was something to be desired. If Syracuse can lock down special teams, I think Syracuse can roll today. I like the Orange in this one, obviously. The question is by how much. I think Syracuse will do well. And while I appreciate the effort Scott Shafer gave to the Orange, and it's sad it didn't work out, Syracuse is going to put work in today. The experts are picking Syracuse by 10. I think it will be more. I'll take the Orange, 34 to 17.
This game is available internet only again at 3:30pm on WatchESPN. I'll be in the home office. John is at the game. Thanks again Scott, but sorry. GO ORANGE!

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Eric Dungey picked up right where he left off, playing very well.
Syracuse has a very tough schedule. They need to win the games that are winable. And starting the year again with an FCS school is winable. Syracuse did the job, and started the season 1-0, in a convincing victory that was never in doubt. Syracuse rolled over Central Connecticut (CConn), 50 to 7.
Offense
A
Syracuse's passing attack showed no slowing down from last season. Granted, Syracuse was playing against smaller pass defenders than they will be seeing the rest of the year. But, it was a good day for Eric Dungey (28/36, 328yds, 3 TD, 0 INT, 2 Rush TD), who was out early in the 4th quarter. Syracuse spread the rushing attack around, but Dontae Strickland and Moe Neal are clearly getting a good chuck of the work, with Markenzy Pierre right behind. And Steve Ishmael and Ervin Philips can grab almost any ball near them.
Defense
B
Syracuse surprisingly did very well on pass coverage in breaking up passes, as well as making difficult tackles in space. However, Syracuse allowed some fairly big runs between the tackles from CConn. And those athletes aren't the level they will see in the coming weeks. That is a huge red flag. Either way, they only allowed one score on the day and only allowed two plays of 20 or more yards. Alarm bells may ring in the future, but for now you have to like how they handled the outmatched CConn offense.
Special Teams
B-
Cole Murphy missed an XP, and Syracuse really wasn't ever able to get a punt return going. But again, they were against CConn, so you gotta live with that.
Coaching
B
No real hard decisions to make in this one. Syracuse called a confident passing attack, and mixed in runs. Babers lost a challenge, but they probably should have won it as it was clear the officials blew the ball dead when there was a clear fumble. I can't hate the clear message they have clearly given to Dungey all off season to be a bigger pocket presence. It has paid off.
GPA
B (3.18)
Syracuse did exactly what they needed to. They only let CConn score once, and they hung 50 on them. Syracuse marched down and scored on their first drive, after a few big plays and only a few minutes of game time. This game was never in doubt. Against an FCS school, it's exactly what you need to do. 1-0 and on to the next one.
Syracuse now has a long week, and they have Middle Tennessee coming in on Saturday. Scott Shafer makes his return to Syracuse. They are paying $1 Million for MTSU to come in, so Syracuse needs to win. For a lot of reasons.

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Cue the Smiling Child...

Syracuse wins their season opener, so we get a happy child.

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Central Connecticut Quick Predictions

Blue Devils? Real creative CConn.
The 2017 season is here. And Syracuse has their (definitely now) traditional 1-AA (or FCS if you're modern) season opener. CConn comes in looking to make some waves. Can Syracuse again start the season perfect?
CConn comes in off a fairly uneventful season. They went 2-9 overall, 1-5 in conference. More importantly, they were 0-6 on the road. Junior QB Jacob Dolegala did pretty well last year. But the team had trouble stopping teams from passing on them. And with Syracuse running the no huddle, something I'm sure they don't see executed well very often, Syracuse should be able to blitz them and have a big time air raid kind of day. As with most FCS teams, they will probably find some success with trick plays or just sheer ballsy play calling as losing this game has no consequences for CConn. But the talent on Syracuse will be too much. This isn't a very good 1-AA team that could make a go of an upset against Syracuse. SU over CConn 51 to 13.
This game is available on the ACC Digital Network (WatchESPN) at 7:00pm. Internet only baby! John will be in the Dome. I'll be watching on my phone while I have a football draft. Football is back. GO ORANGE!

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