Syracuse football may go bowling but still finish near bottom of Atlantic
By Neil Adler
Syracuse football is projected to finish second-to-last in the ACC’s Atlantic division, according to Athlon Sports.
With a relatively soft 2020 schedule, Syracuse football is likely to remain in the mix for a post-season bowl berth, assuming the upcoming campaign isn’t canceled or delayed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
An invitation to a bowl would prove encouraging for an Orange squad that finished at a disappointing 5-7 in 2019. Yet even though some national pundits are forecasting that the ‘Cuse can get to six victories and become bowl eligible, that doesn’t mean that Syracuse is going to fare all that well in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Athlon Sports, for one, recently published its ACC preview, and it has the Orange slotted at No. 6 in the league’s Atlantic division. In order, Athlon Sports places perennial NCAA title contender Clemson at No. 1, followed by Louisville, Florida State, Wake Forest, N.C. State, Syracuse and Boston College.
As far as the Coastal division goes, North Carolina is arranged at No. 1 and then Virginia Tech, Miami, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Duke and Georgia Tech.
The Athlon Sports preview does indicate that it projects the Orange to reach bowl eligibility in 2020. Here’s the write-up on the ‘Cuse.
"“The Orange took a step back last fall, regressing from a 10-3 record in 2018 to a 5-7 mark in ’19. Coach Dino Babers is counting on two new coordinators – Sterlin Gilbert (offense) and Tony White (defense) to help get the program back on track, but only nine starters are back for 2020. Syracuse ranked as one of the ACC’s top offenses in ‘18 but took a major step back last year. Improvement on that side of the ball starts with better play up front after surrendering 50 sacks, and quarterback Tommy DeVito must take a step forward in his second season as the starter. The receiving corps also needs new playmakers to emerge after No. 1 target Trishton Jackson left. The return of tackle McKinley Williams from injury adds to help to a front featuring just one returning starter (end Josh Black) and a new group of linebackers. Safety Andre Cisco is one of the best in the ACC. With NC State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, and Florida State visiting Syracuse, Babers’ team has a favorable home slate to find a way to get to six victories.”"
My personal take is that if DeVito puts forth a credible term, the offensive line improves, and the linebackers’ group holds its own, then the Orange has a realistic chance of attaining a half-dozen conquests. Of course, that doesn’t mean the ‘Cuse will necessarily do a lot of damage in conference competition.
But getting to a bowl in the 2020 stanza is a step in the right direction, particularly as Syracuse continues to recruit well in its 2021 recruiting cycle.