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A new head coach and a new quarterback are perhaps the two most exciting things that can happen to a college football program in the offseason, which is why there is more buzz around Syracuse football than usual.
The Orange hired former Georgia defensive backs coach Fran Brown to lead the program, and secured a commitment from former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord in the transfer portal.
The offense should be improved with McCord under center, while Brown’s expertise on defense should result in improvements on that side of the ball as well.
That alone provides some promise for the Orange, and a light schedule – which doesn’t include a single non conference opponent from a power conference, and no road games until October – could result in a strong start and real excitement around this team in the ACC.
Below is a look at each game on Syracuse’s schedule, with a score prediction and analysis:
Ohio Bobcats – August 31
David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Syracuse 24, Ohio 7
‘Cuse opens up against MAC opponent Ohio, who held opponents to about 15 points per game last year. McCord and the Orange should be able to top that, however, and Brown’s defense should suffocate Ohio for an easy first victory.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – September 7
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Syracuse 33, Georgia Tech 30
The Yellow Jackets get back star quarterback Haynes King, but unless the defense is dramatically improved they could struggle to handle McCord and the new look offense of Syracuse.
Stanford Cardinal – September 20
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Syracuse 34, Stanford 21
Stanford also struggled defensively last year, and a cross country trip to Syracuse is a big advantage for the Orange, who should move to 3-0 and 2-0 in ACC play in this one.
Holy Cross Crusaders – September 28
Alan Arsenault / USA TODAY NETWORK
Prediction: Syracuse 40, Holy Cross 10
Syracuse has a relatively easy path to a 4-0 start, facing two non-power programs and two relatively weak ACC opponents – all at home. Holy Cross is little more than a tune up game, and should prepare the Orange for the meatier part of the schedule.
At UNLV Rebels – October 4
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Syracuse 31, UNLV 28
Arguably Syracuse’s toughest game in the first five weeks of the season comes on the road at UNLV, who averaged 34.4 points per game last year. Brown’s new look defense will get tested in a big way here, but the Orange should escape the desert with a victory and a 5-0 start.
At NC State Wolfpack – October 12
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: NC State 27, Syracuse 21
The Wolfpack are projected to finish top five in the ACC this season, bringing in a litany of talented transfers on offense including quarterback Grayson McCall. ‘Cuse can absolutely hang, but ultimately NC State is the more talented team and that usually wins out – especially at home.
At Pittsburgh Panthers – October 24
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Pitt 27, Syracuse 26
Two teams with new quarterbacks square off in late October, with Nate Yarnell taking over a new look offense for the Panthers led by offensive coordinator Kade Bell. This projects to be a close game between two competitive ACC programs.
Virginia Tech Hokies – November 2
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Virginia Tech 34, Syracuse 27
The Orange get most of their toughest conference opponents at home – part of the reason their schedule is so favorable – but Virginia Tech is a high octane offense that likely has enough steam to take this one on the road, which would be a third straight loss for the Orange.
At Boston College Eagles – November 9
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Syracuse 31, Boston College 24
Bill O’Brien takes over for Boston College, and it could lead to a nice year for quarterback Thomas Castellanos. This won’t be an easy one, especially on the road, but ‘Cuse should be able to pick up their sixth victory here to end a three game skid.
At California Golden Bears – November 16
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Cal 34, Syracuse 31
Few teams are travelling quite as many miles for a single game as Syracuse heading all the way to Berkley to take on new ACC foe Cal. Cal is projected to be a tough game thanks in large part to Jaydn Ott, arguably the best running back in college football.
If coach Brown’s defense can stop the run, this could result in a nice road win.
UConn Huskies – November 23
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
Prediction: Syracuse 34, UConn 20
A longtime Big East rivalry, Syracuse will host UConn’s independent football team in late November. The Huskies are far better on the hardwood than the gridiron, and the Orange should secure a comfortable win here.
Miami Hurricanes – November 30
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction: Miami 31, Syracuse 24
Is this the year Miami returns to the national stage under Mario Cristobal? By late november we should have a very clear sense of how good this ‘Canes team looks. Syracuse gets a bit of a weather advantage bringing Miami up to the frigid temperatures in late November, but the U still has the overall advantage in this one.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/syracuse-orange-football-predictions-college-season/