2021 ACC Tournament Quarterfinal Round Syracuse - Virginia Preview
0 Comments Published on 3.11.2021 by Brian Harrison
Syracuse students agree: Win, and the mystery on Selection Sunday is gone.
The premise is simple. Beat Virginia and there is no doubt Syracuse is in the NCAA Tournament. Syracuse is still on the bubble, but looking pretty good even if they don't win. But it's always nicer to find out where you're in and not if you're in. Either way, Syracuse has to play Virginia so let's get to it.
Syracuse got shredded inside by Sam Hauser in the last matchup. He would catch the ball in the paint, and then either drill a shot over Dolezaj, or make a pass for Jay Huff to make a three. Syracuse has obviously been better at both offense and defense lately. But Virginia is a very good team. Syracuse can win this, just like yesterday. But I'll keep the reverse jinx working and pick Virginia by 13.
This game is available on ESPN 2 at 12:00pm. Both John and I are in the away office so LET'S GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, ACC Tournament, Basketball, Preview
2021 ACC Tournament 2nd Round NC State - Syracuse Preview
0 Comments Published on 3.10.2021 by Brian Harrison
Syracuse students agree: Beating a team three times in a season is fun.
It's Tournament Time again. And Syracuse is facing NC State, a team they have beaten twice already this year. Will Syracuse blow it in that shithole Greensboro again, or can Syracuse advance to take on Virginia for a chance cement their likelihood to dance?
Buddy Boeheim has come alive in the last few weeks, averaging an even 21 points in his last five games. His shooting has helped spark Syracuse in their last two games. We talk a lot about having a go to guy on the team, and lately it has been either Buddy or Allen Griffin. The good news is Quincy Guerrier is 100% after knocking knees in a previous game. Additionally, the week of rest has seemed to do everyone some good as it sounds like the entire team is back at 100%. Syracuse did two things well against NC State in their two meetings. Shoot the 3 well, and get steals. Syracuse racked up 20 turnovers on NC State in their last meeting. They need to do that again. If Syracuse can get steals and keep pace with 3s in this one, this will be another win, close or not. If NC State gets Jericole Hellems going again, who torched Syracuse in Syracuse, and played well at home, Syracuse could be in for a long day. It's Tournament Time, so anything can happen. I do think Syracuse wins this one, but I'm more superstitious during March than any other time of the year. Therefore, I'm taking NC State by 5, but this is not real.
This game is available on The ACC Network at 12:00pm. John will be taking a long lunch. I'll have it on somewhere I'm sure. Hopefully we'll see you tomorrow and GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, ACC Tournament, Basketball, Preview
The 2021 Orange::44 ACC Tournament Bracket Extravaganza!
0 Comments Published on 3.08.2021 by Brian Harrison
It's time for brackets again!
Syracuse starts the ACC Tournament on Wednesday. But tomorrow the tournament in Greensboro (gross!) gets going. So John and I got to filling out some brackets. John is more optimistic than me about the ultimate fate of Syracuse, but we both have a team from the Commonwealth of Virginia hoisting the trophy. We both call the first round the same, then we diverge wildly. Who's right? We'll find out right after this. For the record I'm hoping John is more right. But we could both end up jackasses. We'll see. GO ORANGE and enjoy! Just try not to be overrated this week.
Labels: ACC, ACC Tournament, Brackets
Syracuse students agree: Gotta end the regular season with a win.
Syracuse managed a nice win at home on Monday against UNC. Now Syracuse can avenge another road loss with Clemson to wrap up this COVID season. Syracuse needs a win either way.
The last game against Clemson wasn't good. While the Clemson defense is pretty good, it wasn't as good as keeping Syracuse to 30% from the floor and 25% from three. It was an off night on the road for almost the entire team. Boeheim, Griffin, and even Richmond all had bad nights in extended minutes. Joe Girard was the only player that managed a pretty good game for Syracuse, making 7-13 from the floor for 19 points. The real issue was Syracuse didn't make shots, and Clemson shot 43.5% from three and 52.9% overall. And obviously Syracuse has some defensive issues, but like their offensive performance, Syracuse is capable of better. So tonight is pretty simple. Syracuse either plays better defense and shoots the ball better, or Clemson wins again. They are on a five game win streak, so they have the ability to get hot. Syracuse must cover Nick Honor, who made 5-8 from three. Otherwise it's a senior night loss for Syracuse, with a lot of games in the ACC Tournament in Greensboro to go for Syracuse to have any confidence at all on this messed up Selection Sunday. Syracuse is capable of winning, just like they did Monday. Especially with Boeheim hot and the newfound Jesse Edwards playing above his expectations. Just for superstition's sake, I'm taking Clemson by nine.
This game is available on The ACC Network at 5:00pm. Enjoy and GO ORANGE! Thanks to the seniors, especially if they aren't coming back next year.
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
Syracuse students agree: It's preferable to make sure Roy doesn't get #901.
Syracuse is likely outside looking in. Either way, Syracuse still doesn't have their intended starting center. And earlier this season, Syracuse was relatively dominated by UNC. Can Syracuse get one back against them at home?
UNC is still a team that attacks the basket and the paint, and doesn't make a ton of 3s. That's exactly how it played out in the first game. Bacot and Brooks weren't quite unstoppable in the paint, but pretty close. Guerrier did well, earning a game high 23 points. And Boeheim had 18 points, hitting 4-9 from three. Honestly, this game should go the same way. UNC will bang the boards and shoot in the paint. Syracuse will get some production in the paint, but will rely on Boeheim, Griffin, and others to make shots. The game was close the first time, with UNC only winning by six points. Syracuse does have a shot to win this one. But I'm still taking UNC by 13.
This game is available on ESPN at 7:00pm. I'm off the grid tonight. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
Syracuse students agree: Beating Duke is great, no matter the circumstances.
After a major comeback win, being down 20 points to Notre Dame on Saturday, Syracuse turns right around with a TON of momentum to take on Duke down in North Carolina. While Syracuse isn't dead without beating Duke, it would go a long way to get them on the right side of the bubble. So can Syracuse again rise to the occasion and pull the win off down in Durham?
Syracuse obviously had a huge lift with Buddy Boeheim exploding against Notre Dame, after a dismal first half by the team. Obviously, if Buddy Boeheim is clicking and making shots, that not only is good for Syracuse on the scoreboard, but it pulls defenders who have to guard Boeheim closer, to free up other options on offense. And getting Boeheim in the flow will be critical in helping break up the good defense of Duke, especially Jordan Goldwire, who steals the ball a ton off the bench for Syracuse. But really, it comes down to Syracuse defending, just like Saturday. F Matthew Hurt is the man Syracuse will have to stop. He's averaged over 20 points in his last 3 games, and Syracuse needs to make sure he has no easy buckets. It seems like Syracuse can be relied upon in scoring a decent clip. The key is can Syracuse adjust earlier than the half, like they did against Notre Dame, and keep Duke either close or behind to control down the stretch. An fairly empty Cameron should help the cause as well. I'm just a little superstitious at this point in picking Syracuse in a highly contested game. Despite having a ton of momentum and confidence after Saturday, Duke is on their own winning streak. Just because they are at home, I'm taking Duke in a close one. Blue Devils unfortunately by seven.
This game is available on ESPN (obviously) at 7:00pm. Beat Duke and LET'S GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Duke, Preview, We Hate Duke
Syracuse students agree: Beating Notre Dame is always good, resume or not.
Unfortunately for Syracuse, a chance for Syracuse to earn a big win was cancelled due to another COVID positive in Louisville. Either way, a streaky Notre Dame team comes into the Dome to take on Syracuse. And Syracuse needs to keep winning. Syracuse has a good chance with a Notre Dame team that started the year poorly, but has managed to win some good games as of late. Notre Dame is basically a team with good offense, and poor defense and rebounding. Notre Dame does what Notre Dame always does. They shoot the 3 well. They hit 38.1% from three as a team, and Nate Laszewski hits over 50%. It's pretty simple. Syracuse will either defend the three point line as they have against NC State and BC, or they'll defend like they did against Virginia and Clemson. Syracuse, especially Griffin, has been a lot better at defending lately. So Syracuse will continue to do that, and create turnovers against a team that normally doesn't, or they won't. If they let Laszewski run wild, the game will be over quick. The good news is that Syracuse should have a bit of a rebounding edge against ND, so if Syracuse defends the line well enough to prevent easy, open looks for Notre Dame, it should be a one and done possession for the Irish. Syracuse, in theory, should win this game, but obviously they need to defend. I'm taking a flyer on Syracuse in this one at home. Syracuse over Notre Dame by six.
This game is available on The ACC Network at 2:00pm. Notre Dame sucks and LET'S GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Notre Lame, Preview
Syracuse students agree: Winning is pretty important at this point.
Syracuse did a good job to come back against NC State in the Dome last week. But then Syracuse traveled to Clemson and got smacked around. Now Syracuse needs to get wins against anyone ahead of them. Since Syracuse beat them earlier in the year, Syracuse has a chance to do the same on the road against NC State.
Syracuse came back against NC State by scoring from Allen Griffin, along with Kadary Richmond soring 14 off the bench on 6-7 shooting from the floor. Additionally, Boeheim, Dolezaj, and Guerrier.. Syracuse really struggled to stop Jericole Hellems from scoring at will. He had 24 in the loss. But he carved up Syracuse inside. The difference today is that Sidibe has returned to the team, an was at least effective in altering shots and provided some offense in their last game. Stopping Braxton Beverly from behind the arc, will also be important for Syracuse. But again, NC State is not a powerhouse shooting team. If Syracuse comes out and makes baskets before even needing to drive inside, they will probably win the game. If they aren't, and are forced to drive, Syracuse will have to make the bunnies they have missed the last few games. Honestly this game could go either way. If Syracuse is able to get a lead and not allow NC State to run wild on offense in the first half, the good news is Syracuse has the experience to close a close game out. They have won more close games this season than they have lost. So in a close game, even on the road, I would give the advantage to Syracuse. But Syracuse hasn't played well on the road, and after the Clemson game I just don't have faith that Syracuse can stop scorers and go out and shoot the lights out. In a close one I'll give the advantage to NC State for being at home. NC State by 8.
This game is available at 6:30pm on The ACC Network. Home Office. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
Syracuse students agree: This would be a nice little win.
Syracuse pulled out a close game against NC State after a dreadful first half of defense. Syracuse adjusted, made some nice offensive plays, and came out the winner against fellow bubble team NC State. Syracuse now has a chance for another solid win, this time on the road, down at Clemson.
This is an interesting matchup on paper. Syracuse has one of the more efficient offenses in the country, ranking in the top 40. Clemson has the 14th best defense in the country and forces 15.4 turnovers a game. If Syracuse is careless with the ball, Clemson will take advantage. However, the Clemson offense ranks dead last in the ACC, and they are 227th in the country in three point shooting. That's very good news for a team that plays exclusively 2-3 Zone defense. Either Clemson will be forced to make tough shots inside a packed zone, or they will have to jack up a bunch of threes when that isn't their game at all. That bodes well for a Syracuse team in a game that could see the return of Bourama Sidibe, who at the very least could grab some rebounds and block some shots, if not get a few put backs of his own. Syracuse will have to score on the other end as well, and if they get hot, this game should be over. If Syracuse plays even a modicum of defense, and covers Aamir Simms, the only player scoring in double figures for Clemson, Syracuse has a chance to run away with a road win. The more I look at this game on paper, the more my mouth waters and I'm talking myself into a big win. I may get let down, but I'm here for it. Syracuse over Clemson by 14.
This game is available on The ACC Network at 2:00pm. Home office as usual. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
Syracuse students agree: Getting another home win is great.
Syracuse was crushed at #8 Virginia inside, and for also not making any shots. But before that, Syracuse won their previous two home games, including against ranked Virginia Tech, by an average of 22 points. Syracuse has the chance to get firmly on the right side of the bubble against a fellow bubble team, and stop the odd losing streak against NC State as well.
NC State comes into the Dome their first game after losing their best player to an ACL injury, effectively ending his season. Devon Daniels averaged 16.5ppg and almost 50% from the floor. He will be missed by NC State, who now has to make up that offense. But also rebounding. Syracuse needs to drive and get good scoring opportunities like they did against VTech. Earning free throws and getting NC State into foul trouble will go a long way in winning the game. NC State doesn't take many 3's but when they do, the usually make them. So they either need to force players to go inside, or take so many contested outside shots that they get out of rhythm and miss a bunch, allowing Syracuse to take advantage by limiting possessions of the opponent and earning fast break points. Even without a major shot blocking presence in the middle of this zone, they should be able to handle NC State. This is a very winable game for Syracuse. I'm picking the Orange by nine.
This game is available on the ACC network at 6:00pm. I'll be watching, along with John. GO ORNAGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
Syracuse students agree: Winning this game would be big.
Syracuse got it rolling with Miami, but then followed up with a big win over the #2 team in the league in Virginia Tech. Now Syracuse has a ton of momentum to take on the top team in the league in their only meeting of the season with Virginia. Syracuse won in overtime last season at Virginia. Can they get another win in Charlottesville?
Syracuse earned a lot of points in the paint against Virginia Tech. However, that is less likely against Virginia with Jay Huff defending. An excellent shot blocker and rebounder, Dolezaj (and maybe Edwards) has their hands full. But that being said, Guerrier or Dolezaj, or even the guards can get him into foul trouble by driving on him smartly. Additionally, Boeheim and Girard can hit some floaters or mid-range shots in the lane that can draw him out to free up some space for passes and other shots. Unfortunately Virginia doesn't turn the ball over much, leading to not many easy baskets. The bottom line is Syracuse will need to make three point buckets if they want to win this game. And they probably need to make more than Virginia. The bad part is that Syracuse hasn't shot well from behind the arc in the last few games. Because this game is at Virginia, and Syracuse hasn't shot the ball well lately, I'm picking Virginia by 11. But Syracuse could surprise, just like last year.
This game is available nationally on ESPN at 7:00pm. Both John and I will be watching. Enjoy it and GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
Syracuse students agree: Winning today would be very nice.
Syracuse demolished Miami in their last game on Tuesday. Both Edwards and Richmond made some nice plays and played some quality minutes, especially when Dolezaj was struggling at the C position on defense. Now Syracuse faces the #2 team in the league in Virginia Tech, which a big opportunity for a resume building win.
Virginia Tech doesn't stand out and doing anything great, but they do do everything well. They are good at shooting, they defend well, and they don't turn the ball over too much. However, they really only have one major outside shooting threat in Tyrece Radford, who has averaging just about 48% from behind the arc. He doesn't take a ton of shots, but makes the shots he takes. Syracuse guards, but more importantly forwards, will have to key on him to make sure he's not getting uncontested looks. Syracuse also can't afford to turn the ball over and let VTech take advantage of easy runouts. And unlike the Pittsburgh game, Edwards and Guerrier will hopefully lead the effort in boxing out to prevent second chance opportunities for VTech, which they generally thrive on. This is a toss up game for me today. Syracuse has the chance to get going on the offensive end, and make this one a shoot out, or Syracuse can pull away by playing solid defense and rebounding. This is a tough one to predict, but since Syracuse is at home I'll give that the slight edge and say Syracuse over VTech by four.
This game is available regionally at 12:00pm. Check your local listings here. For everyone else, it's internet only hell, like me. John will be watching via cable. We'll see you out there. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
Syracuse students agree: Redemption is at hand.
Syracuse was definitely the underdog, but they had a chance to beat UNC on Tuesday. They came up short though, clearly missing a bigger body to rebound and defend, and yes maybe even score, from the center position. That's not a jab at Dolezaj. It's just a bigger body need to match up with a bigger body. So can Syracuse now get revenge against Pittsburgh after they did the same thing to Syracuse in the Dome?
Syracuse had a pretty commanding lead going into the half against Pitt in Syracuse. However, shooting droughts, the hesitance to go in the paint, and Pitt making threes down the stretch, earned Pitt an unlikely comeback win. Frankly it was one of the biggest collapses Syracuse has had in the last few seasons. And it probably wouldn't have happened with Sidibe in the lineup. Well, despite the 4 week timetable for his injury recovery coming and going, he's still out and not likely to return soon. No one else behing him is big enough or competent enough to play as Sidibe would have at the 5. Dolezaj is doing what he can, and is a solid offensive contributor, but he's still not as big as Sidibe. And Pitt was short handed last time they played. John Hugley on Pitt has been suspended indefinitely after being charged with several felonies. But news this hour came that Pitt's leading scorer Justin Champaigne is expected to play today. He's averaging 17.8ppg. It's not looking good for Syracuse. If they want to stay in it, they must get points of steals more than they did the other day. And they can't afford the dismal shot selection either. They have to drive and make outside baskets, along with good transition plays. Oh yeah, and Dolezaj and Guerrier have to stay out of foul trouble, despite Pitt likely going at both of them. Seems like a tall task sadly. I've obviously been wrong before, but I just don't have a good feeling about this game. Pitt over Syracuse by 13.
This game is available on the regional coverage at 12:00pm. Check your local listings here. I'll be in internet streaming hell, while John will be watching on crisp, clear cable. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Pittsburgh, Preview
Syracuse students agree: Beating UNC was a blast last year.
Syracuse ended last season with a massive 28 point victory over UNC in the ACC Tournament. Then the world shut down. Now Syracuse heads down to Chapel Hill to take on UNC in a rescheduled game from earlier this year. UNC has a slight edge. Can Syracuse make it two in a row against UNC?
Syracuse and UNC are kind of opposites. UNC drives the ball a lot, and doesn't really take many outside shots. Syracuse relies on their outside and mid-range shooting, and especially without Guerrier in the game, don't go inside very much. So either Syracuse is able to stop UNC from scoring inside, and getting into a ton of foul trouble, or UNC won't be stopped inside, and somehow UNC goes off on threes. Obviously Syracuse can't afford long stretches of not scoring. I don't know if Sidibe is back in the game or not, but if he isn't, the odds aren't in Syracuse's favor. Either way, unless Syracuse has a stellar day, I think UNC will dominate the boards and will likely beat Syracuse, even in a close game. UNC by 9.
This game is available on ACC Network at 9pm. Both John and I will be watching from the home office. GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
Syracuse students agree: Boston is cooler than Chestnut Hill.
Syracuse heads to the greater Boston area to take on Boston College in their first ACC matchup of the season. A little early, but such is 2020. BC has been notoriously bad the last few years under Jim Christian. Can BC pull an early ACC win against the Orange?
Syracuse heads in fresh off their lost to a tough Rutgers squad, but the Orange had signs of life in that game, and really Rutgers was only able to pull away at the end of the game after a few missed shots from Syracuse. The Orange now have Buddy Boeheim back in the lineup, and will likely find himself in a rotation between Griffin and Girard. Girard has been forcing a lot of bad passes this season, as well as some straight up heat check shots, when he hasn't shown to be hot in the game yet at all. Having him just be the shooting guard, allowing Richmond, Griffin, and Boeheim to get time on the court should help the situation. The matchup of the game will likely be Dolezaj and Guerrier against six-foot-eight Steffon Mitchell on BC. At center he can't really score, but is a very good defender and rebounder. If Syracuse can keep the rebounding margin close with Dolezaj and Guerrier, and manage to get some scoring from either of them inside, rather than relying on outside shooting from Boeheim and the like, Syracuse will have a very good game. Syracuse played well at BC last year, thanks to a stand out game from Sidibe. Obviously he's sidelined, but if Dolezaj stays in the game and is productive, that should neutralize any advantage Mitchell brings for BC. It would help if Syracuse got some early fouls on him as well. Either way, despite the loss at Rutgers, I'm confident with Boeheim back in the lineup Syracuse will have a good day, at least better than the Eagles. Syracuse by 13.
This game is available on ESPN U at 1:00pm. I'll be watching, along with John. Enjoy your football free Saturday and GO ORANGE! And remember... BC SUCKS AND ALWAYS WILL!
Labels: ACC, Basketball, Preview
God speed to us all.
Syracuse heads to South Bend, COVID-19 hot spot (what isn't these days [although at least kids aren't on campus right now, and in the stands]) and the home of Notre Dame, who is atop the standing in the conference they aren't really in. They've already clinched a spot in the ACC Championship. Can Syracuse spoil senior day for ND like it's 2008?
The answer is most likely not. But stranger things have happened. Either way, Rex Culpepper will be back under center for the Orange. But what will likely happen, is like what has happed the last few games. Syracuse's defense will manage some good plays, and possibly even keep ND from kicking field goals instead of getting TDs. But Syracuse will probably not be able to score, at least in keeping up with Notre Dame. Ian Book will likely dominate the Orange. And while not as bad, it will probably be like the game two years ago in Yankee Stadium. No real X's and O's needed. It's the last game of the year for Syracuse. 1/3rd of the team is either injured or has opted out. This year couldn't end soon enough. ND over the Orange 48 to 10.
This game is available nationally on NBC at 2:30pm. At least Mike Tirico is calling it. both John and I are obviously in the home offices. Enjoy as much as you can until basketball later tonight and GO ORANGE!
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!
I know a lot about football, but it's all just guessing at this point.
Syracuse held up fairly well against #1 Clemson last week at Clemson. Now Syracuse heads back home to play a plucky Wake Forest team that has a lot of momentum after a big win at home against Virginia Tech. Does Syracuse have what it takes to hang in another game?
Syracuse is still way down in terms of opening day starters being injured. While the defense kept Syracuse in the game at Clemson all the way into the 3rd period, the offense was just not enough to handle the Clemson defense. Both Wake and Syracuse have tough defenses, and the hopes are that the offense will score enough with the defense causing turnovers to win the game. That happened for Wake last weekend with VTech. But Syracuse has been unable to do the same against Duke and Liberty. And even picking off Trevor Lawrence for the first time in 2 seasons wasn't enough against Clemson (although that isn't very surprising). Either way, Syracuse has a decent chance at a perceived "upset" against a middle of the pack ACC squad. Not sure how Wake would be placed in a regular ACC Atlantic year. Either way. Syracuse will need to play well on offense. And Rex Culpepper has been average, able to stretch the defenses in a few games, but obviously fell short against the great Clemson D. The obvious key matchup is the Syracuse offense vs. the Wake defense. If Syracuse is able to get 3rd down (or 4th down) conversions, keep the ball moving, and put up points, the defense should hold Wake enough to win. If Syracuse isn't able to score, keep the defense off the field for extended time, and get turnovers, they will obviously lose big. While Syracuse has shown it can hang in games as of late, including an impressive performance against Clemson, they haven't shown they can overcome the injuries to get a win yet. I'm taking Wake Forest 45 to 34.
This game is available nationwide on the ACC Network at 12:00pm. John will be in the home office. I'll be out of pocket again. Have a spooky but safe game watch and Halloween. Enjoy the photo of John and I from Halloween 2009, when we went to the Cincy game as officials. The refs were so bad, people were heckling us as we left the Dome. As always, but especially on Halloween, GO ORANGE!
Syracuse played pretty well & beat the spread but still lost to #1. How are we supposed to feel?
Labels: ACC, Crying Child, Football