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
Death Valley might be literal.
Syracuse is coming off a game with 11 starters out, including their starting QB and an all-American defensive player. They've dropped two in a row. While the season may eventually turn around, this game won't be it.
Here's the preview. Ready? Clemson is going to win. And win by a lot. They are going to get like 250 yards on the ground and probably like 150 through the air. In football terms, they're gonna win by a ton of points. I'd be completely shocked if anything other than all of that happens. Literally nothing the officials do will affect the outcome of the game. Clemson 55 to 10.
This game is available nationally (yay) on The ACC Network at 12:00pm. John and I will be in the home office, but I think I have some stuff I gotta do. Either way, GO ORANGE!
This was the look the pool boy gave to Jerry.
Liberty has done their job against lesser teams like FIU, ULM, Northern Alabama, and Western Kentucky. But now they play a real team. Syracuse was able to beat Liberty in their home stadium with their coach in a hospital bed in the press box, but now they come into the newly renovated Dome in front of tens of people trying to get an ACC win they will tout for years despite this season being batshit crazy. Syracuse doesn't have their starting QB, several running backs, pass rushers, and safeties. However, in theory, Syracuse should still have better talent to be able to muscle Liberty around the field. Not too much X and O analysis is going to help today. Both teams are just going to try and score any way they can. And the team that gets enough big plays or causes more turnovers should win. Rex Culpepper has flashed some great touch, like his TD at Pittsburgh. In theory he's capable and up to the task. If he gets minimal run support from the likes of Sean Tucker, who is playing, Syracuse should have enough success on offense to get the job done. I have a very bad feeling about today, and I think things can go south very quickly for the Orange however. Happy to be wrong, but I just think there are too many injuries to key positions for this to come out the way it should. I'm taking Liberty over the Orange 27 to 24 and I'll be happy to be wrong about it.
This game is available regionally at 12:00pm. Check your local listings here. Same as last week. For those in the footprint, FoxSports.com to stream, or WatchESPN for everyone else. A split ACC crew today, with some of the same officials from the last two weeks (also a good thing). John and I will be watching from home. Try to enjoy and GO ORANGE!
It's not basketball, but it doesn't matter.
Syracuse is coming off beating the Bye. Duke is 0-4 on the season. Either Duke is winning their first game, or Syracuse is keeping their streak alive at home, and going to .500.
Syracuse comes in as fresh as you can be with a seek off in the middle of a season. And the good news is that they get to play the worst team in the ACC, as well as Liberty the week after. Either way, Syracuse is chomping at the bit to play defense against Duke. Their strength over the past 3 games has been creating turnovers. They are tied for third in the nation in turnover margin. The Syracuse defense (even without Andre Cisco, should he not play) should be chomping at the bit to take on Duke. QB Chase Brice has 3 TD to 7 INT. and only a 52.6% completion rate. Syracuse should be excited to try and take on this offense. But that being said, it's not like the Syracuse offense has been proven on the year either. Syracuse was able to handle G'Tech, but that was thanks to points off turnovers. QB Tommy DeVito had a couple brilliant strikes though, and certainly had more time and protection to throw than he had in the first two games of the season. But Duke has a solid pass rush as well, so DeVito may have a lot more trouble if Syracuse isn't able to get the run as a credible threat. However, I think the game will mirror what happened with G'Tech. Syracuse should do enough to win, keep Duke from winning a game this season, and tell Vegas "it's not their fault. They didn't know." Syracuse over the Blue Devils, 41 to 30.
This game is available regionally on RSN at 12:30. Check your local listings here (although NESN isn't listed, but it is on their guide). It's also available within the TV footprint on Fox Sports Go, or WatchESPN everywhere else. Both John and I will be watching from the home office. We'll see you out there. Duck Fuke, and GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Duke, Football, We Hate Duke
Look at this yellow bastard.
Syracuse is in the unusual position of playing only ACC games to start their season, and in one big ACC division. That hasn't fared well so far. But Syracuse now has the opportunity to get a win against a team they don't play often in Georgia Tech.Babers during the week has said that Tommy DeVito is still the starting QB, and he should be good to go after taking a big hit at Pittsburgh. But Rex Culpepper will be playing at some point. Hopefully that will be throwing dime touchdown passes and not whatever wildcat bullshit in the Red Zone they tried to previously run. Either way, Syracuse will have to score on offense, and stop the G'Tech rushing attack on defense. While everyone knows Syracuse's offense is the worst in the league, thus they are 0 and 2, G'Tech is more of a mystery. They stunned FSU in their opener, but then got smoked by UCF last week. So no one really knows what this G'Tech team is made of. However, if Syracuse is unable to stop the run in the 4th quarter, this one will get out of hand fast like UNC. Syracuse will need to key in on the dual threat of QB Jeff Sims and bottle him up, as well as Jahmyr Gibbs, who leads the Yellow Jackets in all purpose yards. If Syracuse is able to do that for four full quarters, then they have a shot. Putting more than 1 TD on the board, and scoring in the Red Zone would go along way as well. Plus there is some pride on the line to not lose the first game after the new Dome roof has been put on. I do think Syracuse shows up in this one, but it will be tighter than we all want. Syracuse over G'Tech 27 to 17.
This game is available regionally (but not in a big part of Upstate, NY) at 12:00pm. Check your local listings here. Otherwise, it should be available either on the ESPN App, or the Fox Sports App. Both John and I will be watching from home, of course as no fans are allowed in the new open Dome. But here's hoping for a brighter Saturday for us all. GO ORANGE!
A classic matchup in strange times.
Syracuse lasted as long as expected against a pretty high powered offense with UNC last week to open the season. Syracuse is just about equally as unmatched according to the odds makers this week, as well as Pitt being ranked #25. Will Syracuse be able to pull an upset at Hines?Syracuse heads into the game after a fairly dismal outing last week, at least in terms of offense. Tommy DeVito was unable to find the end zone and started off poorly. He settled into some really good throws, and made some plays to extend some drives, but he was bad in the Red Zone (at least half due to bad playcalling), and the offensive line didn't help him. Not to mention the fact that the defense had no reason not to go all in as no rusher was able to be a credible enough threat to move the ball to help him out. Either way, Syracuse was unable to find the end zone. I expect two adjustments in this game from last week. I expect better play calling by Syracuse in the game, but especially in the Red Zone. And next, I expect improvement from DeVito on throws. That is, if he manages to have time to throw. I don't expect any breakthroughs in the running game after the two top backs for the year opted out of the season. Either way, even if the defense plays another 3 great quarters like they did against UNC, it's unlikely unless Syracuse has a two score lead heading into the 4th quarter, Syracuse is again likely doomed. And the odds that happens is low. While Syracuse will again likely hang in for the first half, I think this will be a second half that is all Pitt. Panthers over Syracuse 37 to 16.
This game is again a good old nooner on The ACC Network. John and I will again be in the home offices. Send along any rules questions during the game as per usual. Enjoy as much as you can and GO ORANGE!
Labels: ACC, Football, Pittsburgh, Preview
Welcome to football in 2020.
It's not the year we thought it would be. Syracuse and everyone on the planet is dealing with a pandemic, still raging in the US. But somehow they're playing college football. Orange::44 didn't give our typical ACC preview, because like a lot of people, we have no idea how this is gonna go, or if it will even finish. What we do know, is that they're playing a game between Syracuse and UNC today in college football that will allegedly count. And Syracuse is a major underdog.
Syracuse has already had some opt outs for the season in key offensive spots. But really, the biggest fix needed for 2020 was the offensive line. By all accounts, they are young, but should be better. The main question is... how much better? And frankly, it's not looking good. While they should provide QB Tommy DeVito a little more time to throw this season, I'm guessing he's gonna get roughed up along the way. UNC is looking like the class of their division (even though there aren't any divisions this season). UNC QB Sam Howell will be looking to prove he's able to dominate. So this will actually be a pretty fun QB dual to watch today. But UNC should have more pieces of the puzzle on both sides of the ball, compared to Syracuse. While I think Syracuse will put up a decent fight, UNC will pull away in the 2nd half pretty significantly. UNC over the Orange in the road opener 41 to 27.
We're a long ways away from me listening to Syracuse take on UNC from my car radio at Skytop in 2003. But not by much. This game is on the ACC Network at 12:00pm (I still recommend YouTubeTV). Both John and I will be watching from our respective home offices. Stay safe, enjoy as much as you can, and GO ORANGE!
Still weird a bird has teeth.
Syracuse had a big win last week in Durham. Not only creating turnovers and scoring off them, but Syracuse reestablished the run game and was able to play solid defense, never letting Duke find the End Zone. Now Syracuse heads to Louisville with hopes of a Bowl Game still alive.
Louisville is having a decent season at 6-4. But they have a puzzling loss to Florida State after being up, and solid wins against Wake Forest, BC, and NC State. Louisville seems to be a team that can put up a ton of points on the board, which means Syracuse will have their hands full on the defensive end. Louisville establishes their run to open up passing down the field. That means, much like at Duke, Syracuse will have to commit to stop the run, but not sell out too much to do so, as Louisville will then just pass down the field and score a lot of points. In reality, this game will probably be a track meet and if Syracuse can keep up with them on offense, whichever team's defense plays the best, or creates turnovers, should win the game. While Syracuse could win this game, since I picked them last week, I'm going to do the same in the hope I'm very wrong. I'll take the Cards 37 to 27.
This game is available on The ACC Network at 4:00pm. I'll be around for the 2nd half, and John will be watching from somewhere. Either way, we'll see you out there. GO ORANGE!
It isn't basketball, but I'll take it.
Syracuse has had a rough go, but coming off a bye week, Syracuse has a chance to come down to Durham and come away with an upset win. A new defensive strategy will be employed as Defensive Coordinator Brian Ward was fired. Can Syracuse beat Duke on their own field?
Duke started the week knowing they have lost their starting Center for the rest of the season after an injury resulted in season ending surgery. Duke, like Syracuse, already doesn't really gain much yardage on first down. However, they have managed to protect the QB, unlike Syracuse. Redshirt Senior Quentin Harris is a true dual threat player, and Syracuse may have trouble dealing with that, because despite other QBs running on Syracuse, this is the first time they are facing a true dual thread player. Duke also has a true star on defense with Victor Dimukeje, who leads the team with 6.5 sacks. Despite all that, however, Syracuse has had a full two weeks to prepare for Duke. Syracuse will have a chance to win the game, or at least keep it close to provide an opportunity for a win if some luck breaks in Syracuse's favor. But, at this point knowing what we know about Syracuse, I'd be foolish to pick Syracuse to win here. I'm taking Duke over Syracuse 44 to 31.
This game is available on The ACC Network at 4:00pm. The last half hour should be overlapping with Syracuse's basketball game this evening, an internet only affair. I'll be watching the football game today, so look for me on Twitter. GO ORANGE!
Getting another win would be nice.
Syracuse heads back home after an unflattering loss in Florida to take on old rival Boston College. Somehow Syracuse is favored. Can Syracuse pick up a win against a division rival?
The defensive game plan is simple. Stop AJ Dillon and force BC to have to make throws. If Syracuse can stuff the box and keep BC in 3rd and long situations, that will put pressure on the BC Quaterback, who hasn't had the best season. BC is 101 in the nation in passing offense this season. Syracuse can take advantage with a defensive unit that forced a lot of turnovers last year, and are more than capable of making a few interceptions. Winning the turnover battle at home to give more opportunities to score will go a long way to ensure Syracuse will be able to win the game. Obviously Syracuse has to take care of the ball themselves, but they have to again go with a quick passing attack and try and get more yards on the ground. If Syracuse is able to create some long runs to stretch the defense, that will obviously take a little pressure off the offensive line protection scheme and give Tommy DeVito more time to make plays, which he is more than capable of doing when healthy. Keeping him off the ground is always paramount, but scoring points at this point in the season is even more critical. I like Syracuse is at home and I like BC hasn't set the world on fire this season. I'm taking Syracuse in a tight one at home, 31 to 24.
This game is available nationally on The ACC Network at noon. John will be in the Dome. I'll be on the field and unavailable to watch. Enjoy. Remember, BC sucks and always will... and GO ORANGE!
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.
Welcome to Worcester. $1.25 Bishop.
Syracuse got back on the right track last week, with a nice breakout for Tommy DeVito and the offense putting the ball into the end zone. Syracuse now has FCS Holy Cross coming in. Which means the offense should keep scoring and improving for another week.
Holy Cross comes in 1-2 on the year, losing to Navy in their opener 45-7, and then losing to powerhouse Yale last week. But they are first in the Patriot League, so that's something. Interestingly, they play both Syracuse and Georgetown in football this season. Anyway, not much analysis is necessary in this one. Moe Neal should run for a few big runs. Touchdown Tommy should earn a few more. We saw Syracuse get the tight ends involved in the offense more last week, so that should continue this week as it won't be as necessary to use them to block. Syracuse should roll fairly large. 51 to 17.
This game is again available nationally on the ACC Network at the ol' nooner slot. John is in the Dome. I'm listed as "Out" on the injury report. As per usual. GO ORANGE!
Syracuse can't have a hangover after Clemson again.
Syracuse, not too surprisingly, lost to #1 Clemson last week. While a sold out Carrier Dome would have loved the upset, it was not meant to be. But that means Syracuse can't have a hangover and they need to get another win.
Western Michigan and Syracuse opened the season last year in Michigan with a shootout. This year, Syracuse is obviously without Eric Dungey, but Tommy Touchdown is equally as capable of making big passes. And the good news is, Western Michigan doesn't have as good of a running back or secondary as Clemson. The bottom line is, of course, this game may be close, but Syracuse should pull away in the 2nd half. Syracuse, despite some offensive line troubles, and a less gaudy offensive putout as last season, shouldn't lose to a MAC team, despite #MACTION. Tim Lester can dial up what he wants, but Syracuse will, as always, have to limit big plays. I'm taking the Orange in this one though. 31 to 24.
This game is available on the ACC Network at Nooner. I'll again be watching after broadcast, but John will be in the house. Syracuse should enjoy a nice home win, despite the crowd not being as big as last week. Nooner doesn't help, but the higher amount of season tickets purchased should still make this an exciting home atmosphere. Have fun, and GO ORANGE!
It's up to Syracuse to stop Clemson from running away with another title.
The Dome is sold out. Tons of alumni are back on campus. It's HOMECOMING, and Syracuse is facing the #1 team in the country. And the Orange have been the only team to prove they can even challenge Clemson the last few years besides Alabama (and Pittsburgh that one time). Will Syracuse be victorious at home again?
Syracuse comes in after a dreadful defensive performance at Maryland, allowing 63 points. Syracuse couldn't seem to stop a Pop Warner team last week from moving the ball. The main battle will be the defensive pass rushing vs. the offensive lines. Syracuse has shown their offensive line to be iffy. And Syracuse was able to compete last season against Clemson by getting to the Quarterback and knocking Trevor Lawrence out of the game for Clemson. Syracuse should be able to pressure the quarterback a little but, but the question is then if Lawrence is able to make a throw, can Syracuse cover the receivers and prevent the big chunk plays they allowed at Maryland. Syracuse should actually keep this game close going into the half. But this year is not last year. While DeVito is a good quarterback, he needs to play like he did at UNC last year, making big plays. He has to channel his inner Eric Dungey and just be a playmaker and keep the chains moving. Syracuse doesn't need to have a track meet to win, but it needs to be pretty close. And while the Dome will clearly give them the advantage with the big crowd, Clemson should be too much this time. Syracuse will fade in the 2nd half, keeping the score more respectable than last week, but still lose a game to the clear frontrunner to win the Natty Champ. Clemson over Syracuse 45 to 32.
This game is available nationally on ABC at 7:30pm. John is in the Dome. I'm out of commission again this Saturday. As always, GO ORANGE and enjoy Homecoming!
Labels: ACC, Football, Homecoming, Preview