The "Flames" of a million prayer candles still won't make Jesus love this school.
The 2019 Syracuse Football Orange open the season on the road, down in Lynchburg, VA against the Liberty Flames. Liberty is just moving up to FBS eligibility and has new Head Coach Hugh Freeze.
Let's get a few things out of the way. Basically non-football related. First, this university was founded by Jerry Falwell, Sr. Here's a small sample of some really awesome, open-minded, tolerant, welcoming things he's said:
AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals; it is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals.
If you're not a born-again Christian, you're a failure as a human being.
The whole global warming thing is created to destroy America's free enterprise system and our economic stability.
He's been dead for a bit, but luckily his son, Jr., took over as president of this fine institution of learning. Here's a gem from him:
In my opinion, Donald Trump lives a life of loving and helping others as Jesus taught in the great commandment. He cannot be bought; he's not a puppet on a string like many other candidates... who have wealthy donors as their puppet masters.
I'm not ripping on anyone's religion or beliefs, and am a Catholic myself. I'm just calling out blatant hypocrisy when I see it. This thing only exists for profit (not to be confused with prophet) and I just can't imagine that the Jesus in the Bible would ever sign on to much of anything either of these Falwell dudes have soapboxed.
Whether or not Syracuse should be playing this school is a discussion to be had in a different forum, though I know there are several Syracuse fans very salty about this. With valid points, to be sure, but there are lots of schools out there with other opinions we might not like, and quite frankly Syracuse doesn't have a squeaky clean history (even in recent memory) with what should seem to be common sense human decency issues, so who am I to really cast a stone here?
And so, onto football. Liberty competes as an independent, and as it enters its first year of FBS eligibility, it faces some huge hurdles. QB transfer Malik Willis just learned he will not be eligible this season and has to sit out, so that leaves the Flames to start Stephen Calvert. Willis was the "dual-threat" quarterback, while Calvert is the traditional pocket passer. Now that Syracuse knows what it's facing, it'll be easier to prepare and probably easier to defend, though Calvert had some decent numbers throwing downfield last year. However, he's prone to interceptions, and this veteran Syracuse defense is one that loves to create turnovers. On offense for Syracuse, Tommy DeVito inherits the reins from Eric Dungey. NJTom has a completely different style than Eric, so we won't see a ton of QB runs or scrambles or hurdling or clotheslines, but instead we'll see a gunslinger who can get the ball downfield accurately and has some talented receivers to help him out. And with a great running game led by Moe Neal, the Orange offense has the ability to keep the defense on its heels and run up the score. The Syracuse O-line is young and its ability to hold for passes or block for runs will really be the the difference. With better talent there, I see Syracuse winning 53-17, blowing by the Vegas spread.
The game is exclusive to the ESPN+ subscription-only service at 6:00pm EDT. Liberty Head Coach Hugh Freeze might be watching that way, if his immune system can't handle people yet and he's coaching from a hotel room. Brian and I will both be north of the border and listening to the dulcet tones of Matt Park on the radio call via SiriusXM 203 or other app type things. If we happen to not be driving, you can catch us on the tweets @jbren and @BH_Orange44. It's okay to be giddy like a kid on Christmas morning: GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Bad Religion, Football, Preview
The season with the most expectations in a long time is about to begin.
Syracuse is back, which means Orange::44 fires back up for the upcoming football season. John and I give our season previews, just in time for the season to be back in session.
Brian's Season Preview
The Orange earned their first ten win season since 2001 last year. Now the Orange are back on the radar. No team will be overlooking Syracuse this season. But Syracuse has a chance to really make an impression on College Football. One year can be dismissed as a fluke (not that anyone is doubting Dino Babers at this point), but two years in a row proves actual success and improvement. Now Syracuse embarks on their most important season in decades. How will they do? Here we go.
Syracuse at Liberty
Liberty is an independent in FBS. They are also a school founded by a terrible person and continues to be run by terrible people preaching terrible things. Syracuse rolls to open the season.
Syracuse at Maryland
Now we start to get serious. Syracuse has their first challenge of the year. While Syracuse will be in their second game on the road, this game is going to be like the Western Michigan game last season. Just scores on scores. Ultimately, Syracuse should end up winning by a couple TDs however. I like the Orange to enter their big matchup with Clemson, much like Clemson, undefeated.
Syracuse vs. Clemson
I hesitate to predict this game because of how big of a deal it is. Probably the biggest game at Syracuse since 1998. The Dome is a sellout. And likely (doubtful Clemson loses to Georgia Tech or Texas A&M) #1 undefeated defending National Champions. Syracuse has obviously played Clemson tough the last two seasons, winning in the last Dome match. And frankly, I do think this game will be close again. However, due to the fact Touchdown Tommy will be in his first season as the starter, and this is a massive game, I just think he'll make one mistake and that will be the difference. Again, Syracuse will be respectable, and put in a good showing, but I think they'll come up just short again sadly.
Syracuse vs. Western Michigan
Last year Syracuse won in a shootout at Kalamazoo to start the season. The result should be the same in the Carrier Dome this year, no matter what happens the week before. You know, unless the whole team gets injured or something. This will again probably be high scoring, but because this won't be the first game of the season, the defense should be a little more ready to stop the Bronco's offense. I expect Syracuse to bounce back after the Clemson game.
Syracuse vs. Holy Cross
Welcome to Worcester. Dollah 25, Bishop. But that will be a loss for the Crusaders in Syracuse as this is the FCS game on the schedule.
Syracuse at NC State
This game will be the most interesting on the schedule. The only Thursday night tilt on the season for Syracuse, NC State has some talent and looking for a breakout year. Syracuse should be well prepared for this one however, as they will be coming off a bye week (#BeatTheBye). This should be another close game, but just due to the fact Syracuse is coming off the bye, I'll take the Orange in this one. But don't be surprised of Syracuse drops this one though.
Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh
Syracuse needs redemption after losing in OT to Pittsburgh at Heinz Field last season. The good news is Syracuse has played well against Pittsburgh at home the last couple of years. Syracuse should have taken care of business, but Eric Dungey had one of his worst outing in the last couple of years. It almost seemed like they were running in mud when there wasn't. Either way, no let down this year. The Dome should be rocking for this one.
Syracuse at Florida State
Syracuse kind of announced their presence with authority last year by crushing FSU in the Dome. This year, Syracuse heads down to Tallahassee and will earn their first win there. FSU is still rebuilding, and despite the talent on the team, Syracuse should be able to again get to the quarterback against virtually the same offensive line, and they will come away with another solid win.
Syracuse vs. Boston College
It's a bit surprising that this game isn't the weekend after Thanksgiving to finish the regular season. But after Syracuse finished an exclamation point on last season by finishing off a dejected Boston College at home, Syracuse looks to keep BC at around seven wins only again. AJ Dillon will again be solid for BC, and should dominate Syracuse at times, the other ten players for BC won't have the same impact. I think Syracuse wins this one at home.
Syracuse at Duke
It's odd Syracuse is playing Duke and it isn't in basketball. Duke has to replace their QB who was drafted pretty high in the NFL draft and should take a step back on offense. Despite that though, I just think at this point in the season, Syracuse will have some injuries and be a bit ground down from the wear and tear of the season. I just think at this point they'll be due for a let down and/or a reality check and show that they aren't unbeatable, and Syracuse will drop this road game.
Syracuse at Louisville
Louisville won't be dramatically better this season despite having a new coach. Syracuse should roll in another big scoring effort from Syracuse on the road, bouncing back from the Duke stumble.
Syracuse vs. Wake Forest
Syracuse has had some funny games versus Wake Forest at Wake. However, this game isn't being played in North Carolina. And even then, Syracuse poured it on in the second half to end up beating Wake by a significant margin on the road. I think Syracuse will do the same this year, pounding the running game and pass rushing the hell out of Wake's offense. Syracuse finishes the regular season on a high note and earns a win on Senior Day.
Syracuse is in line to prove that last season wasn't a fluke. Syracuse is a legitimate contender in the ACC, and even on the national scene, even if the majority of national media aren't buying in yet. Syracuse will have another solid season and the fans shouldn't be disappointed.
John's Season Preview
Syracuse At Liberty
Syracuse doesn't usually open the season on the road, but here we are. Liberty is a growing program, and things were looking up with new head coach Hugh Freeze. I'll refrain from making a dad joke about Freeze coaching the Flames, because I'm not a dad, and because the guy almost died of a staph infection. Anyway, with all the prep time and talent, Syracuse should cruise in this game to the first win of the season.
Syracuse at Maryland
When is the last time Syracuse opened with two road games? Probably an easy Google search away. This is a game Syracuse should, and probably will, win, but Maryland has some good stuff going for it. After the tragic death of Jordan McNair last year, followed by player transfers and coaching changes, the remaining players are invigorated to show the world how good they are. I think this will be a close game, high scoring, and Orange victorious.
Syracuse vs. Clemson
Home opener, Homecoming, National Champs, probably Gameday, National primetime TV. This has all the makings for an upset over Clemson. But it also has all the makings of Syracuse fans overhyping a situation, overhyping the talent level, and us going in expecting a win. Could it happen? Of course. Syracuse beat Clemson in the Dome two years ago, and probably should have won at Death Valley last year. So yeah, it can definitely happen, and if the defense is playing as well as we think it can, and Tommy Devito is beast mode, then there's a great shot at a win. I just think Clemson score too much early on for Syracuse to crawl back.
Syracuse vs. Western Michigan
We've seen a lot of Western Michigan in the last few years. The Broncos have seen success under head coach Tim Lester, who we all know pretty well. Despite Syracuse winning last season's game, WMU finished 7-5 and lost the Potato Bowl in blowout fashion to BYU. Nonetheless, with most of last year's starters returning, the Broncos have the ability to win some big games this year with depth and talent. They lost a bit at WR, but a healthy QB in Jon Wassink should make up for it. Could be another close game for Syracuse, but I like the Orange in this at home.
Syracuse vs. Holy Cross
With the Clemson game being a virtual sell out, we'll see a drop off in attendance for the Western Michigan game, and then we'll see a cliff for FCS Holy Cross. I hope I'm wrong. A win here could leave the Orange sitting at 4-1 at the end of September, which is great to think about. A loss here would probably lead to Syracuse cancelling football.
Syracuse at NC State
I have this game circled as the most important game of the season for Syracuse. Assuming the 4-1 record going into this, Syracuse also has a bye week prior to this Thursday night primetime tilt, there is no reason the Orange shouldn't be well prepared. They'll have to be, because I see the Wolfpack as a very similar team. They, too, have a new QB. The biggest question as of this writing is, who? Advantage Syracuse, who knows its new QB is Jersey Shore Tommy. No matter though, I'm predicting very wet and messy conditions on this Thursday night in Raleigh, which will feature the running game and ultimately favor NC State. Syracuse loses on the road. Why is that important? Because a loss here gets a very important stretch of games off to a bad start; but a win likely puts Syracuse at 5-1 heading into that important stretch with momentum and just one win away from bowl eligibility. So, I hope I'm wrong on this game pick.
Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh
Syracuse returns to the Dome on a Friday night to face longtime rival Pitt. Another primetime national TV game. Plus, you know how Syracuse likes to play well at home on Friday nights. Did you know that Wikipedia lists Pitt's football rival as Notre Dame? Not West Virginia. Not Penn State. Notre Dame. Thank you, open source editing! Anyway, Pat Narduzzi can get the most out of his players, as we saw last season when a mediocre Panthers team won the mediocre ACC Coastal Division. They'll be a little young at running back, which will probably lead to passing more. A great Syracuse pass rush should neutralize that, leading to an Orange win.
Syracuse at Florida State
Some one of these years, I want to see Syracuse vs. FSU in Tallahassee. This year will not be that year, although I will be in Georgia while this game is played. We've all seen the Seminoles drop off the last couple years, but they look to be improved this year. They still have a QB competition with just over a week before the season starts, and just announced they're ditching the turnover backpack, because gimmicks don't win you football games. I like a healthy Syracuse team's chances in this one, so presuming health, I call a victory on the road.
Syracuse vs. Boston College
Why is Boston College playing against Syracuse in the Carrier Dome on November 2? Somebody tell the ACC schedule makers that November 2 is not Thanksgiving weekend. We've been through this before. Anyway, it's important for Syracuse to win this one before the 2-city road trip in the heart of November. But BC is pretty good at football these days, and historically likes to make me angry, so the Orange finds a way to lose this and make me angry.
Syracuse at Duke
'Sup, Durham? This is one of those rare Syracuse at Duke football games. Duke football isn't the pushover it used to be in the past, but it's not on the level of Duke basketball or Duke lacrosse. Very in depth analysis, I know. The Blue Devils open the season against Alabama (!) and will be replacing New York Giants QB Daniel Jones. I see them being strong and experienced on the defense, so if Devito & crew aren't playing well, this could go south real fast. But I think they will be playing well, and Syracuse will win.
Syracuse at Louisville
Kentucky in November not ideal for a Bourbon Trail trip, as opposed to, say, September. So maybe in 2 years, the scheduling people can throw me a bone? Anyway, here's what I think of the Cardinals: I don't like them. They're, uh, "rebuilding," and this seems like a winnable game for Syracuse, so let's go with that.
Syracuse vs. Wake Forest
Our traditional Thanksgiving weekend game! The Demon Deacons visit the Dome to end the regular season, and both of your Orange::44 curators will be in attendance. With it probably not being great tailgating weather, we'll probably try to get Club44 passes and might end up forgetting a football game is happening. However, this game is important to impress bowl selection committees of your worth heading into the post-season. Dino Babers isn't going to let this team stumble into December/January, so I see him figuring out how to win this game.
I just predicted that Syracuse goes 9-3. Those three losses are games that Syracuse could absolutely win, though, so who knows, crazy things could happen. One thing I know, though, is long gone are the days of doom and gloom in these previews.
And there you have it. John is picking 9-3. As per my #BRAND, I'm slightly more optimistic, despite me selling only a Bowl Game last year, predicting only six wins. I'm going 10-2, with a pretty good Bowl Game coming. Neither of us are predicting a massive let down compared to last season. I'm thinking we're back. Stay tuned this year for the sporadic coverage you've come to love and respect. We'll see you out there and, as always, GO ORANGE!
Syracuse is in line to prove that last season wasn't a fluke. Syracuse is a legitimate contender in the ACC, and even on the national scene, even if the majority of national media aren't buying in yet. Syracuse will have another solid season and the fans shouldn't be disappointed.
John's Season Preview
Syracuse At Liberty
Syracuse doesn't usually open the season on the road, but here we are. Liberty is a growing program, and things were looking up with new head coach Hugh Freeze. I'll refrain from making a dad joke about Freeze coaching the Flames, because I'm not a dad, and because the guy almost died of a staph infection. Anyway, with all the prep time and talent, Syracuse should cruise in this game to the first win of the season.
Syracuse at Maryland
When is the last time Syracuse opened with two road games? Probably an easy Google search away. This is a game Syracuse should, and probably will, win, but Maryland has some good stuff going for it. After the tragic death of Jordan McNair last year, followed by player transfers and coaching changes, the remaining players are invigorated to show the world how good they are. I think this will be a close game, high scoring, and Orange victorious.
Syracuse vs. Clemson
Home opener, Homecoming, National Champs, probably Gameday, National primetime TV. This has all the makings for an upset over Clemson. But it also has all the makings of Syracuse fans overhyping a situation, overhyping the talent level, and us going in expecting a win. Could it happen? Of course. Syracuse beat Clemson in the Dome two years ago, and probably should have won at Death Valley last year. So yeah, it can definitely happen, and if the defense is playing as well as we think it can, and Tommy Devito is beast mode, then there's a great shot at a win. I just think Clemson score too much early on for Syracuse to crawl back.
Syracuse vs. Western Michigan
We've seen a lot of Western Michigan in the last few years. The Broncos have seen success under head coach Tim Lester, who we all know pretty well. Despite Syracuse winning last season's game, WMU finished 7-5 and lost the Potato Bowl in blowout fashion to BYU. Nonetheless, with most of last year's starters returning, the Broncos have the ability to win some big games this year with depth and talent. They lost a bit at WR, but a healthy QB in Jon Wassink should make up for it. Could be another close game for Syracuse, but I like the Orange in this at home.
Syracuse vs. Holy Cross
With the Clemson game being a virtual sell out, we'll see a drop off in attendance for the Western Michigan game, and then we'll see a cliff for FCS Holy Cross. I hope I'm wrong. A win here could leave the Orange sitting at 4-1 at the end of September, which is great to think about. A loss here would probably lead to Syracuse cancelling football.
Syracuse at NC State
I have this game circled as the most important game of the season for Syracuse. Assuming the 4-1 record going into this, Syracuse also has a bye week prior to this Thursday night primetime tilt, there is no reason the Orange shouldn't be well prepared. They'll have to be, because I see the Wolfpack as a very similar team. They, too, have a new QB. The biggest question as of this writing is, who? Advantage Syracuse, who knows its new QB is Jersey Shore Tommy. No matter though, I'm predicting very wet and messy conditions on this Thursday night in Raleigh, which will feature the running game and ultimately favor NC State. Syracuse loses on the road. Why is that important? Because a loss here gets a very important stretch of games off to a bad start; but a win likely puts Syracuse at 5-1 heading into that important stretch with momentum and just one win away from bowl eligibility. So, I hope I'm wrong on this game pick.
Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh
Syracuse returns to the Dome on a Friday night to face longtime rival Pitt. Another primetime national TV game. Plus, you know how Syracuse likes to play well at home on Friday nights. Did you know that Wikipedia lists Pitt's football rival as Notre Dame? Not West Virginia. Not Penn State. Notre Dame. Thank you, open source editing! Anyway, Pat Narduzzi can get the most out of his players, as we saw last season when a mediocre Panthers team won the mediocre ACC Coastal Division. They'll be a little young at running back, which will probably lead to passing more. A great Syracuse pass rush should neutralize that, leading to an Orange win.
Syracuse at Florida State
Some one of these years, I want to see Syracuse vs. FSU in Tallahassee. This year will not be that year, although I will be in Georgia while this game is played. We've all seen the Seminoles drop off the last couple years, but they look to be improved this year. They still have a QB competition with just over a week before the season starts, and just announced they're ditching the turnover backpack, because gimmicks don't win you football games. I like a healthy Syracuse team's chances in this one, so presuming health, I call a victory on the road.
Syracuse vs. Boston College
Why is Boston College playing against Syracuse in the Carrier Dome on November 2? Somebody tell the ACC schedule makers that November 2 is not Thanksgiving weekend. We've been through this before. Anyway, it's important for Syracuse to win this one before the 2-city road trip in the heart of November. But BC is pretty good at football these days, and historically likes to make me angry, so the Orange finds a way to lose this and make me angry.
Syracuse at Duke
'Sup, Durham? This is one of those rare Syracuse at Duke football games. Duke football isn't the pushover it used to be in the past, but it's not on the level of Duke basketball or Duke lacrosse. Very in depth analysis, I know. The Blue Devils open the season against Alabama (!) and will be replacing New York Giants QB Daniel Jones. I see them being strong and experienced on the defense, so if Devito & crew aren't playing well, this could go south real fast. But I think they will be playing well, and Syracuse will win.
Syracuse at Louisville
Kentucky in November not ideal for a Bourbon Trail trip, as opposed to, say, September. So maybe in 2 years, the scheduling people can throw me a bone? Anyway, here's what I think of the Cardinals: I don't like them. They're, uh, "rebuilding," and this seems like a winnable game for Syracuse, so let's go with that.
Syracuse vs. Wake Forest
Our traditional Thanksgiving weekend game! The Demon Deacons visit the Dome to end the regular season, and both of your Orange::44 curators will be in attendance. With it probably not being great tailgating weather, we'll probably try to get Club44 passes and might end up forgetting a football game is happening. However, this game is important to impress bowl selection committees of your worth heading into the post-season. Dino Babers isn't going to let this team stumble into December/January, so I see him figuring out how to win this game.
I just predicted that Syracuse goes 9-3. Those three losses are games that Syracuse could absolutely win, though, so who knows, crazy things could happen. One thing I know, though, is long gone are the days of doom and gloom in these previews.
And there you have it. John is picking 9-3. As per my #BRAND, I'm slightly more optimistic, despite me selling only a Bowl Game last year, predicting only six wins. I'm going 10-2, with a pretty good Bowl Game coming. Neither of us are predicting a massive let down compared to last season. I'm thinking we're back. Stay tuned this year for the sporadic coverage you've come to love and respect. We'll see you out there and, as always, GO ORANGE!