West Virginia Camping World Bowl Quick Predictions
0 Comments Published on 12.28.2018 by Brian Harrison
Syracuse and old rival West Virginia meet again.
Syracuse, after by all accounts having an unbelievable, miracle season, heads to Orlando and the Camping World Bowl to face West Virginia, a team that came up just short in heading to the Big XII title game. Syracuse itself came up a couple 4th quarter leads from only losing to Notre Dame. Now Syracuse has a chance to win ten games for the first time in a season since 2001, my freshman year.
Syracuse has had an outstanding year in terms of results. And while the offense has been great for most of the season, the defense stepped up in several key moments of the season, and Special Teams (with Lou Groza Award winner Andrew Szmyt) somehow kept Syracuse in a lot of games. West Virginia had a great year, only also losing three games. But here is the thing. West Virginia won't have starting QB Will Grier at the helm of their offense. And the backup doesn't have Gary Jennings to throw to either. So the top two offensive players for West Virginia is out. That's not to say Syracuse isn't down a couple defensive players either, but that at least should help the Syracuse defense limit what West Virginia is able to do. Two things will make the difference today. Will Dungey be the Dungey we know he can be, and make play after play, and can Syracuse win the turnover battle for one more game? If Syracuse is able to move the ball with Dungey and get out to a big of an early lead, I think this game will be over in the first half. Not only that, but scoring off turnovers will prevent West Virginia from getting back in the game. West Virginia will have success if they are able to get to Dungey and sack him or even knock him out of the game like Notre Dame earlier this year. Syracuse will need to protect Dungey at all cost. But like I said, if Syracuse is able to get turnovers, and Dungey is going to do what he does, Syracuse should be able to get a nice early lead against a QB (whichever one it is) from West Virginia playing a total of 11 actual snaps all season. This is a rivalry Bowl Game, and Syracuse has a little history, winning the last two games against West Virginia, including the Pinstripe Bowl in 2012. With the starting QB out, I'm taking Syracuse 41 to 31.
This game is available on ESPN / WatchESPN at 5:15pm. John is reporting live from the Bowl. I'll be in the Command Center. It's not that often we see ten win seasons, but we may have one on our hands here. Enjoy it if it happens. And know, no one is laughing at Syracuse Football anymore.
Labels: Bowl Games, Bowling, Football, Preview
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| Such a weird logo. Looks like a stitched up... uh, football, sure. |
Anyway, this is just a simple straight up pick the winners. Most correct games picked wins. We'll have an Orange::44 winner (between Brian and me) and an overall winner. For tiebreaking purposes, post in the comments who will be the Orange::44 winner. The overall winner wins the undying love of this blog. For whatever it's worth.
Labels: Bowl Games, Pick 'Em
This was just too good to not post even though it isn't a smiling child.
Labels: Bowl Games, Smiling child
Actual belt buckle size may vary.
Syracuse squeaked their way into a Bowl Game with literally six seconds left on their season. They beat Boston College on a well engineered drive, and a timely penalty flag. But the point is they are now in Texas for the Texas Bowl taking on Minnesota.
The Orange seem to have a disadvantage on paper. Minnesota has won eight games this season, including beating then #23 Nebraska, as well as both Northwester and Penn State, two teams Syracuse lost to (although I don't really want to count that Penn State or Northwestern game with Drew Allen blatantly throwing to opposite colored jerseys). They are also one of the best stories in College Football this year, with their coach Jerry Kill coming back from missing games due to seizures related to his epilepsy. They rallied to win eight games and put on some impressive performances. They also have a very solid player in RB David Cobb, who has carried Minnesota on his back in more ways than one. The game, much like the last few tough basketball games, will come down to which individual position performs better for their team. For this game, it is the running back, and to a lesser extent the offensive line. If Jerome Smith and company can create running space, Syracuse will have a very good day, allowing Terrel Hunt to only have to make plays on short third downs, as well as with his legs and not exclusively on longer passes. Similarly, Syracuse has to shut down Cobb. Minnesota has proven that even if they are not being successful by running they will still continue to run the ball way more than they should. Syracuse can force Minnesota into a tough position by simply limiting big plays, and runs of more than a few yards per carry. Their quarterback will make some throws against an admittedly weaker Syracuse secondary, but with the tough defensive rush Syracuse has up front, it will generally force conservative Minnesota to keep trying to run the ball. Syracuse has yet to allow a 100 yard rusher this season in any of their previous 12 games. Although Boston College's Andre Williams may have broken that mark, he was hurt in the first half, so Syracuse can still brag. Either way, I think it will be up to Minnesota to prove they can run against Syracuse's higher ranked defense than Syracuse proving they can stop the Minnesota run. If Hunt manages the ball well and doesn't throw any picks or fumbles it should put Syracuse in a position to prove most of the pickers out there wrong. Frankly I'm not worried. I don't think anyone gave Syracuse a chance last season versus West Virginia in NYC. We know how that worked out. I'll take my Orange, who haven't lost a Bowl Game in the post-Robinson era yet. I'll say Orange over the Gophers 27 to 21.
This game is available nationally on ESPN and Watch ESPN tonight at 6:00pm eastern and 5:00pm local time. Neither John or I made the trip down to Texas, but we'll be rooting for Syracuse to earn their second win in two trips to the state of Texas for a Bowl. The last trip was the 1960 Cotton Bowl, where Syracuse earned the National Championship. That worked out. Hopefully this will too. Either way, a win is icing on an pretty good first season in the ACC for the Orange. A loss, well we made a Bowl Game, and no one thought Syracuse was doing that this season. Except both John and I predicted a Bowl Game. So I guess that shows we know Syracuse better than most of the media. Which may or may not be true, but probably. Enjoy the game and, as always, GO ORANGE!
Labels: Bowl Games, Bowling, Football, Preview, Syracuse Needs to Win to Make New Years Tolerable
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| The end of our long, national nightmare |
Welcome to the 2013-2014 College Football bowl season. As Syracuse fans, we're delighted that the Orange landed a bowl bid, though the logistics of getting to Houston are proving to be a bit out of our league. So we'll watch the Texas Bowl -- and all the rest -- from the comfort of our own living rooms or local drinking establishments. But what would truly get you motivated to watch the Gildan New Mexico Bowl (Washington State vs. Colorado State), or the BBVA Compass Bowl (Vanderbilt vs. Houston -- not Pittsburgh!), or the GoDaddy Bowl (Arkansas State vs. Ball State)? A little annual tradition here at Orange::44 allows you to prove your college football prowess to people who maintain their office (and bedroom) in their mom's basement. We have a pick 'em league over at Yahoo! Fantasy Sports, so head on over there, register your entry, and pick the winners of all 35 bowl games -- straight up. While last year's winner may or may not have run away with the real Schwartzwalder Trophy, never to be heard from again, this year's winner is playing for a much better prize: the unwavering respect of the two lawyers who run this blog. And trust me, you can't put a price on that!
Labels: Bowl Games, Football, Pick 'Em, The BCS Sucks
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| As promised, the winner gets the Schwartzwalder Trophy* |
Over on Yahoo! Fantasy Sports, we hosted a College Bowl Pick'em game, and we somehow got 18 people to sign up to play. Two of them were us, and one of them registered a team but made no picks. So, big thanks to the 15 people who actually played.
This year's Grand Prize goes to downlinks with the entry "centerstage." The entry correctly picked the winner in 25 of the 35 bowl games and won despite choosing Notre Dame in the Championship. In the end, it was a 1-point win over three entries tying for second with 24 correct ("Brian Harrison," "The Crew," and "WVU 44 - SU 41"). Interesting that BH of this blog, and Chris from over at The Jack Fleming Society tied for second -- but BH gets the tiebreaker by virtue of not only his closer prediction of the BCS Championship final score, but also because Syracuse beat West Virginia. Sorry, had to throw that dig in there!
As for me, I was in the middle of the pack at 22 correct picks, good for a tie for 6th. I'm proud though that I correctly picked all bowl games on New Year's Day. So I've got that going for me, which is nice.
Again, thanks to those who played. And to downlinks, feel free to report to Manley Field House to claim your prize*.
*Orange::44 not responsible for any charges of trespass, larceny, or burglary associated with claiming this prize.
Labels: Bowl Games, Football, Pick 'Em
Let's go bowling. #BeatWVU
Syracuse had a rough go in some of their early games, but finishing strong on the year put them at 7-5 and back in the Pinstripe Bowl in Yankee Stadium. Below will be my standard preview, followed by John chiming in on the football preview spectrum. Then I'll have some closing words and send you on your way to enjoy the game wherever you happen to find yourself tomorrow.
The Orange and the Mountaineers of West Virginia are no strangers to each other. They have played an awful lot over then years and then as conference mates in the Big East. But the changing landscape of college football and athletics has put them at odds with one another in the postseason. Oddly, the numbers for both teams offensively and for both quarterbacks are similar in terms of yards gained and production per game. Even the stud wide receiver duos of Tavon Austin/Stedman Bailey and Marcus Sales/Alec Lemon have similar numbers on the year. Honestly, the only offensive numbers that are radically different are Geno Smith's 40 touchdowns versus Ryan Nassib's 29. We know both quarterbacks can throw the ball well. This is not in dispute. However, on the other side of the ball, both defenses are not as good as their offensive counterparts. However, the difference in these teams is really found in the passing defense. West Virginia ranks next to last in the nation at passing defense, giving up 328.3 passing yards per game and a total of 36 passing touchdowns. Compare that to Syracuse, who only allows 236.9 passing yards per game and 21 passing TDs. Either way, this game will be won by Syracuse if they can establish an offense that moves the ball and doesn't commit turnovers. Syracuse has a slightly better rushing attack and if they can sustain long drives, it will put them in a position to wear out the WVU defense quicker and allow for more passing opportunities later in the game. Syracuse, in the previous two meetings, have found ways to attack Smith, sacking him numerous times. Syracuse will need to do that again, making it easier on the SU secondary, and harder for Geno to gain big yards through the air. This game is basically a coin flip at this point. I'll rely on the recent history between these teams, and the pro-Syracuse crowd in the stands, as well as Syracuse's performance in the last Pinstripe Bowl to guide my decision here. I'm picking the Orange in a close one 41 to 38.
John Brennan's Preview
Before I get to my analysis of what Syracuse needs to do to win the game, I want to focus on a few parallels to 2010:
- In 2010, Syracuse finished the regular season at 7-5.
- In 2012, Syracuse finished the regular season at 7-5.
- In 2010, the San Francisco Giants (my favorite baseball team) won the World Series.
- In 2012, the San Francisco Giants (still my favorite baseball team) won the World Series.
- In 2010, every seat in the House of Representatives and one-third of the seats in the Senate was up for election.
- In 2012, every seat in the House of Representatives and one-third of the seats in the Senate was up for election.
- In 2010, Syracuse was selected by the Pinstripe Bowl to be the game's representative from the Big East.
- In 2012, Syracuse was selected by the Pinstripe Bowl to be the game's representative from the Big East.
- In 2010, a major snowstorm struck the northeast in the days leading up to the Pinstripe Bowl, forcing snow to be plowed from the field at Yankee Stadium.
- In 2012, a major snowstorm struck the northeast in the days leading up to the Pinstripe Bowl, forcing snow to be plowed from the field at Yankee Stadium.
- In 2010, Syracuse won the Pinstripe Bowl.
Anyway, onto the game. Unlike most bowl match-ups where two teams from different conferences that know little to nothing about each other play, Syracuse and West Virginia have a history. An annual history. To the point that the annual winner took the Schwartzwalder Trophy* (not this time). Bottom line is, these two teams know each other. The Mountaineers know Ryan Nassib, and the Orange know Geno Smith. Thing is, Syracuse beat WVU the last couple times out. I know, personnel change; coaches change; schemes change. But that's no different than what these two teams would deal with prepping for their annual conference tilt. This year's WVU squad features a high-powered offense and a porous defense. Those are clearly the strengths and weaknesses, respectively, for this Mountaineer team. Syracuse in 2012 has featured a more balanced attack, with no one squad consistently dominating but rather the team just finding ways to win games. Of note is West Virginia's center being out for this game for academic reasons. Syracuse has some suspensions of its own, but I think those are in areas where others can pick up the slack. Geno Smith needs clean snaps in order to be effective, especially given the weather forecast of mid-30s with snow. If Syracuse can exploit that, create some turnovers, and limit Mountaineer offensive possessions that result in scores, then the Orange has a good chance in this game. If I'm Doug Marrone, I want the ball first: get out there, pick apart the WVU secondary, and put points on the board. Then go out there and play the defense of your life. If Syracuse can grab the early lead and put Geno & company on their heels, Syracuse has a good chance of winning. Despite the vulnerable WVU secondary, Syracuse must establish a balanced attack on offense and throw in plenty of play action, so the defenders are always guessing. Defensively, Syracuse needs to contain Geno Smith. Easier said than done, and obviously don't get frustrated when he throws for touchdowns; it's gonna happen. But it's all about the pressure, creating turnovers, or field goals instead of touchdowns. In last year's Friday night game in the Dome against West Virginia, Syracuse won, in a blowout. The Pinstripe Bowl won't be a blowout, but I pick Syracuse to win on Brian's 30th birthday 44-35.
In case you missed it earlier, check out the back and forth I had with Chris Sedenka of The Jack Fleming Society here, along with my answers on their site here.
Yes, that's right. Internet rumors are true, this game is being played on my 30th Birthday. While we'll have fun either way, a win would go a long way in ensuring a great time in NYC the entire weekend. Either way, it should be a great game to watch. The game is on ESPN at 3:15pm. So find your seat or your television. I may be dead on Sunday, but we live the dream Saturday. And as always, GO ORANGE!
Labels: Bowl Games, Bowling, Preview
Eight days away. Time to start previewing.
Syracuse is facing a pretty familiar foe in the Pinstripe Bowl this year. The Mountaineers may be in a different conference now, but it hasn't been too long since we hated each other. So it's fun that Syracuse is playing the Mountaineers again in a Bowl Game. We spoke to Chris Sedenka of The Jack Fleming Society. Somehow, after graduating from WVU, he's able to read and write. You can feel free to harass him on Twitter here. Questions and answers are below.
Orange::44: West Virginia started out rolling, winning their first five games. Then the lost the next five. What was the difference?
Chris: There were a few factors. The first being that the terrible defense finally caught up with WVU. The unit got away with it against Baylor and Texas. However, when a unit is that bad it's only a matter of time before it gets burned. So, the minute the offense slipped, WVU fell off. The amount of pressure put on Geno Smith and the offense was just too much. If WVU had to punt a few times early they would find themselves down two scores in no time. It just became impossible for them to keep up with efficient teams. After a few losses the team's confidence was noticeably shaken, and games that should have been wins just ended up being garbage fires. It took a Herculean effort led by Tavon Austin to right the ship.
O::44: How have the fans reacted to now playing Big XII opponents?
Chris: It's been a great transition. Sure, the season hasn't gone the way most would want, but it really has been fun. Changing UConn and Rutgers to Oklahoma and Texas has been incredibile. Especially for one of the lone Big East schools that was football-first. I think most fans would love to still have Pitt and Syracuse on the schedule, but really nothing else is a huge miss from the Big East.
O::44: What is the most important unit to the success of West Virginia?
Chris: It would have to be the offense. The defense just doesn't have the talent to keep WVU in games, so the offense better be hitting. Look for WVU to use Austin a lot early to try and create some big plays. The Mountaineers will give up points, so Geno and the offense better be ready to keep pace.
O::44: Obviously the WVU offense can score. Why does the defense have such trouble stopping opponents?
Chris: A lack of consistent pass rush, which then kills very weak cover corners and backers. There's just not a lot of talent, experience or depth at those positions, and it has really hurt WVU. The middle of the field is pretty good. The Mountaineers can and have stopped the run. However, the pass has simply murdered WVU all year. If Ryan Nassib has a good pocket, he will pick the secondary apart.
O::44: Most fans don't seem happy being in the Pinstripe Bowl. Why is that? What are your thoughts?
Chris: The fans are ridiculous. A bowl game is a bowl game. Anytime you make the postseason it's a good season. The problem is many thought this team had a chance to make a serious run at the BCS this year. That was never going to happen with the defense that WVU put on the field.
It's also great for a big alumni base that typically is untapped. Folks don't understand how big the northeast WVU alumni base is. Northern New Jersey and New York have very good alumni numbers, and I expect a decent showing in the Bronx. Plus, it's not a bad drive from Maine, so I'll take it.
O::44: WVU is favored, but the crowd will definitely be more SU fans than WVU. I think this game is more of a push, don't you agree?
Chris: This game is completely a push. There should be more Cuse fans, but I still expect a nice showing of blue and gold. On the field we have two offenses that will probably dictate the game. If you're a betting man take the over.
O::44: Final predictions?
Chris: First to 40! I'll take WVU 42-40 Maybe they'll have the ball last. I really dont expect WVU to stop Syracuse. I also think Geno, Tavon and Stedman Bailey will have huge final games for the Mountaineers. Plus, Dana Holgorsen will have nearly a month to create some crazy gameplan.
Thanks to Chris and the fellas over at the site. My answers to his questions can be found here, so be sure to check those out as well. We'll be seeing Chris in New York and there's a Twitter bet on the line so stay tuned.
Labels: Blog Talk, Bowl Games, Bowling, Football, Preview
OK so maybe most of that isn't true. But I do help write a blog. This one. And this one does an annual Bowl Pick'em over at Yahoo! fantasy sports. This year's group is #6374 and with a Yahoo! account you can register your picks with our group by clicking here. Last year we did confidence picks, but this year we're going straight up, most correct wins. You may or may not win the Schwartzwalder Trophy. This will be determined at a later date. But either way, you'll win bragging rights; which means a lot around here. Good luck!
Labels: Bowl Games, Football