Syracuse students agree: None of us will be at the game.
Syracuse kicks off the 2020-2021 season with uncertainty, just like all of America. This season will be weird and may not even reach the finish line. They probably shouldn't even be playing. But here we are. I'll take what I can get.
Either way, Syracuse will be practicing for the first time in the last 10 days. Meaning that Syracuse is starting the season without having practiced much in the last couple weeks due to Jim Boeheim and other team personnel testing positive for COVID-19. That being said, it looks like it's now full steam ahead. Either way, Syracuse is taking on Bryant. Meaning that even if Syracuse isn't playing at their peak, Syracuse is freshly stocked with scholarship players, including transfer guard Alan Griffin. The guards are going to be a nightmare for opposing teams, and if the defense at the top of the Zone has improved, Syracuse is going to be getting the other team to turn the ball over a ton again. Because even when the defense wasn't the best, Syracuse still forced turnovers. Syracuse should be a little rusty at the start of the game, but they should probably settle in quickly, and it will be off to the races in the 2nd half. Syracuse over Bryant by 26.
This game is available at 3:00pm on The ACC Network. I'll be watching in the home office. John will as well. Good luck, stay safe, and I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Here's hoping things get better and we're all able to have a nice, healthy basketball season.
Labels: Basketball, Preview, Syracuse Needs to Win to Make Thanksgiving Tolerable
The season rolls on, even though basketball is about to start and the virus rages.
Syracuse continues this unusual season with a Friday Night Lights affair against Louisville. Syracuse is obviously still hurting, but 2 weeks ago had some optimism injected with the playing of QB JaCobian Morgan, who entered the game and played well. Now the Orange are coming of a Bye Week to take on the Cardinals in Kentucky. Can Syracuse get lucky?
Syracuse travels to Louisville, where they will be well rested, as opposed to Louisville with a short week. Syracuse has been slightly better in stopping the run the last couple of weeks (frankly I think it's more a matchup situation than the personnel getting better), but either way Syracuse continues to generate turnovers. If Syracuse can manage a few turnovers, and get enough out of the offense, Syracuse could get a nice "upset" over struggling Louisville. Either way, both these teams are hurting this season, so whoever can get a little momentum, or get the most possessions, could just end up winner by default. I'm rarely optimistic when I have no reason to be. But I just have a feeling that despite being on the road, Syracuse with the rest they have had, and the optimistic play of the freshmen playing in the last game, along with the traditional success on Friday nights for the Orange, will end up being victorious. I'm taking Syracuse over Louisville 27 to 24.
This game is available nationwide on ESPN at 7:00pm. Both John and I will be watching from the home offices. Enjoy your Friday night and GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Football, Louisville Sucks, Preview
Boston College is still not in Boston.
Syracuse stays home to take on Boston College. This would normally be a rivalry game, probably played around Thanksgiving. But everything is messed up this year. Like Syracuse's chances at beating BC.
Syracuse loses another player to an opt out as Trill Williams declares for the draft. This is clearly a lost season. The only good part is that Dino Babers has said that all the QBs on the roster got first team reps. There is no downside to playing a freshman in the next few games to see if a legitimate challenger to Tommy DeVito can emerge. But as for the game itself, BC doesn't have AJ Dillon anymore. David bailey takes over running duties for the Eagles. And while he isn't Dillon, he'll be just fine against Syracuse. Syracuse will put up some points, but frankly with so many players out or now gone, and no idea who will be playing QB, no chance Syracuse puts up the upset here unless BC has a VERY BAD, NO GOOD day. BC over Syracuse 34 to 14.
This game is available regionally at 2:00pm. Check your local listings here, or watch on FoxSports.com. John will be watching from the home office. I will probably be out of pocket again. But remember, even if Syracuse loses (likely), BC sucks and always will. GO ORANGE!