Sadly Florida State isn't trash like last year.
Syracuse heads down to Florida to take on Florida State, a team Syracuse demolished last season in the Carrier Dome. But this year, as we know, is far different from last season. Syracuse needs to win, so can they?
The Orange head down and will have a new face on the offensive line, with freshman Matthew Bergeron taking the lineup at RT. That means there will be two freshman tackles in the lineup for Syracuse. NOT IDEAL. The good news, is that the Florida State defense isn't setting the world on fire, or is nearly as good as Pittsburgh last week. If Syracuse plays to their strengths and gets the ball out of Tommy DeVito's hands quickly, or gets some runs going on the outsides, Syracuse could have a nice productive day on offense. Additionally, FSU is missing senior linebacker Dontavious Jackson, which could provide some opportunity for DeVito, or any of the other QBs on the roster, should he not be able to go at some point. Despite all this, being at FSU, and just going by the momentum of the team as of late, I'm taking FSU over the Orange 27 to 17.
This game is available on ESPN 2 at the ideal kickoff time of 3:30pm. John will be watching from wherever he is. Maybe. I'll be on the field. But as always, send in your questions about the officials postgame if there are any. The good news is that this crew should be better than the outing we got last weekend. GO ORANGE!
I refuse to use that new panther head.
Syracuse has crossed the midpoint of their season, and after an extra day off due to having a Thursday night game the week before, take on Pittsburgh in primetime on a Friday night from the Dome. But will Syracuse end up winning this longstanding rivalry game and get back above .500?
This game might as well be the Spider-man pointing at Spider-man picture, as these two teams look pretty close on paper. Pittsburgh's big win came a few weeks ago, when they beat UCF at home (preventing them from claiming another fake Natty Champ, so at least thanks for that). They're 4-2 on the season, just slightly better than Syracuse. Both teams have capable offenses marred by less than optimal offensive lines. Both teams have decent defenses that have been able to pass rush well and pressure quarterbacks. So the biggest matchup of the day will clearly be if Tommy DeVito is close to 100% and will be able to stand in the pocket and deliver, or to a lesser extent make plays on the ground, against a pretty talented Pittsburgh defense. Is Tommy 100%? I have no idea, and we won't know until probably the second or third offensive drive for Syracuse. That is definitely the big X Factor. If DeVito is healthy and will be able to make plays, and to a lesser extent, Syracuse uses the passing to open up the run game (as opposed to the opposite plan at NC State), Syracuse should be able to move the ball against Pittsburgh. The thing about Syracuse and Pittsburgh is no matter how good each team is on paper going in, they always seem to be close games. Take last season's overtime game for example. 1 TD last year, 3 points in 2017, 76-61 shootout in 2016, 3 point game in 2015. This game will be close. It probably will come down to turnovers and just plain luck. Either way, only because Syracuse is home. I'll take Syracuse over Pittsburgh 34 to 31.
This game is available nationally on ESPN at 7:00pm. John will be in the Dome. I'll be watching and partially on RefWatch. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Football, Pittsburgh, Preview
Thursday Night Lights after a bye week on National TV.
After a nice bye week, the Syracuse Orange travel down to North Carolina to take on the Wolfpack of NC State. Both teams are at a critical point in their season. Can Syracuse pick up a nice road win in the ACC on national TV?
Syracuse headed into this game with a few fleeting, but slightly concerning questions about the health of QB Tommy DeVito. However, good news is he practiced this week and will be starting the game tonight, albeit with a little extra padding around his torso. Either way, he's ready to take on the new starting QB of NC State in Bailey Hockman, who is starting after coming in late against Florida State, throwing one TD and 0 INTs. He apparently gives NC State a better passing option, but that means he's going to be susceptible to pocket pressure. If the Syracuse pass rush is able to get at him, or cause him to rush or panic a few times, the defense can take advantage. NC State is hosting a White Out tonight, with fans and uniforms being white for NC State. However, it is the start of their fall break, and being a large commuter school, it is doubtful there's a true student section, even on a nice Thursday night. Initially this game was virtually a toss up, but I was going to give the edge to NC State due to the fact they're home. But because of a new starting QB, as well as the fact that the crowd, while excited, will not be the level of a full student body, I'm taking the Orange in a tight one. Syracuse over NC State 34 to 24.
This game is available nationally on ESPN at 8:00pm. Since this is a Thursday I'll be in the home office from front to back, enjoying the game with you all. John will be out carousing in the first half, but will return home for the 2nd. Risky move, I know. Either way, have fun and GO ORANGE. And since it's the Thursday night ESPN crew, #ForTheBrand.