Syracuse-Connecticut: Preview and Prediction
Syracuse heads in to an absolutely critical match up tonight as the Connecticut Huskies come to the Dome to face the Orange on ESPN at 8:00. The Huskies are coached by former Syracuse head coach Paul Pasqualoni, who coached the team from 1991 to 2004 before being fired by athletic director Daryl Gross.
Connecticut comes in to the game with a 3-4 record overall and an 0-2 record in Big East play, while Syracuse finds itself at 2-4 with a 1-1 record in conference. This is a huge game for both teams who want to push to make a bowl game at the end of the season.
On offense, the Huskies are led by sophomore quarterback Chandler Whitmer, who has thrown for over 1500 yards, but has has 10 interceptions on the season. Lyle McCombs is also a play maker at running back, who has had four of the team’s touchdowns on the season.
August 30, 2012; East Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies linebacker Yawin Smallwood (33) celebrates after sacking Massachusetts Minuteman quarterback Mike Wegzyn (11) during the first quarter at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-US Presswire
On defense, Connecticut is lead by linebacker Yawin Smallwood, who leads the team with 75 total tackles. Defensive end Trevardo Williams is also a defensive force on the team, leading the Huskies with 7.5 sacks on the season. Connecticut has had the best pass defense in conference so far in Big East play, yielding only only 144.5 yards per game through the air.
If Syracuse is going to win this game, they are going to have to limit their turnover margin. Syracuse is at a -2 turnover margin in conference play, including four turnovers last weekend at Rutgers. Fortunately the Orange, Connecticut has turned the ball over almost as much with a -1.5 turnover margin. The Orange have made a change in their punt return, and have pulled Steve Rene out and inserted Ritchy Desir as the return man fielding the kicks. Doug Marrone has also stated Jeremiah Kobena might be brought in to the kick return game which is great news for Orange fans. Kobena is a speedy play maker returning from injury who can definitely make a difference both offensively and on special teams.
Oct 5, 2012; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib (12) runs out of the pocket for positive yardage during the second half of a game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at the carrier Dome. Syracuse won the game 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-US PRESSWIRE
Another thing that is going to be important for the Orange is protection of Ryan Nassib. Connecticut has 21 sacks on the season, good enough to be the best in the Big East. If Syracuse can’t give Nassib time to throw the ball, he will be on his back all throughout the night. The Huskies’ number one goal should be to pressure Nassib in to making bad decisions and forcing interceptions.
The third and most important thing for Syracuse to avoid is to not commit penalties. Syracuse is among the worst penalized teams in the conference, while UConn is one of the least penalized. If Syracuse gives away free yards, there is no doubt in my mind it will come back to haunt them as it has in the team’s other losses so far this season. All penalties are silly to commit, but the Syracuse penalties this season have been all the more frustrating. False starts, off sides, and illegal substitution penalties are all penalties that can be easily avoided with the right mindset heading in to the game.
I believe that Syracuse will rise to the occasion tonight in the Dome, and that with their backs against the wall the Orange pull out a big victory over the Huskies. The offense will finally begin to click again, and the Orange defense will continue to play well like they have all season long in their attempt to carry this team.
Prediction:
Syracuse 24
Connecticut 13
Tailgating is either happening in the parking lot or at Chuck’s (depending on the weather). Check out our twitter feed tomorrow for updates, and swing by and hang out for a while before kickoff.