Syracuse Football: Predictions for Central Michigan

It’s week three of the college football season. Syracuse football plays Central Michigan today at 12:30 EST in the Carrier Dome. With a win, it will be Syracuse’s first 3-0 start since 1991! It’s crazy to think that it’s been almost 25 years since the Orange started 3-0.

Winning this game isn’t a guarantee, as Central Michigan has a solid passing attack led by three-year starting quarterback Cooper Rush. Cooper has gradually improved his play, jumping from 56% completions as a freshman up to 68% so far this year. He’s coming off a huge game against Monmouth last week where he put up 3 touchdowns and 328 yards through the air.

CMU’s receiving core is a three-pronged attack made up of senior tight end Ben McCord, junior wide receiver Anthony Rice, and sophomore receiver Mark Chapman. Each has over 100 yards already this season. McCord could provide a good challenge for our linebackers today, as I see him lining up for a lot of short passes across the middle. He’s already broken an 83 yard TD this season, so Syracuse will need to make sure to keep him contained.

They don’t have much of a running attack to speak of, but their defense is actually quite good. They’ve given up only 34 points in 2 games and are ranked 41st nationally in yards allowed per game at 300. Although one of those games was against Monmouth, a “cupcake”, the other was against Oklahoma St., who are ranked 25th nationally. They only surrendered 24 points against a very good team.

Sep 3, 2015; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas running back Martez Walker (27) is defended by Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Ramon Richards (18) and linebacker Seth Jacobs (10) during the 1st quarter at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Photo by: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

For Syracuse, look for them to establish the run early and often. That has been coach Schafer’s philosophy so far this year, and I don’t see it changing now. They will also want to ease Dungey into the game and get him some confidence. The early pass plays will be short routes or screens to get him warmed up. Don’t be surprised if he eventually takes a few shots deep though, much like he did against Wake Forest last week.

Syracuse football offense last year was very dull and predictable, but this year they’ve revamped it and added some new wrinkles. One such wrinkle is the triple option. Many are hesitant about using the option, as it puts the QB into situations where he’s susceptible to big hits. But it also opens opportunities for big plays and forces a defense to stay honest and not over-pursue. I think this is one area Syracuse will overwhelm Central Michigan, and I see them running the triple option or read option with success.

Sep 4, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Ervin Phillips (3) celebrates a touchdown against the Rhode Island Rams during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Another wrinkle this year is the introduction of the hybrid back. Although Syracuse’s main hybrid, Ervin Phillips, is out with injury, Ben Lewis will have another chance to step up and make plays. He was pretty quiet last week against Central Michigan. He didn’t catch a pass and had just one rush for 17 yards. Don’t count him out though. Last year he caught 24 passes for 275 yards, so he definitely has some potential in the passing game.

I also see Brisley Estime and Steve Ishmael having big games. They both showed off their speed last week. Estime cruised for an 89 yard touchdown and Ishmael torched the defense for a 53-yarder of his own. One area they need to work on is running crisper routes. So far they’ve both been a little slow off the line and on cuts which hasn’t allowed them to get open often. With the speed they both possess they should be getting separation on most plays. I think this is the week we start to see that, and both will end up with a touchdown.

Last but most certainly not least, the Syracuse football defense. They’re tied for ninth in the nation in scoring defense. They’re tied for 11th in yards per game. They’re tied for first in turnover margin. They have two defensive touchdowns, four interceptions, and three fumble recoveries… in just two games! So far, they have been great.

However.

They’ve beaten an FCS opponent in Rhode Island, who went 1-11 last year. Then they beat Wake Forest, who are predicted by most to finish last or second to last in the ACC. They were at the very bottom in 2014, and we pummeled them 30-7 last year. I can’t in good faith say that this defense is as amazing as they’ve looked the first two weeks until I see them tested against some tougher competition. I’m not sure that we’ll have a gauge of how good they are until they face LSU next weekend.

Sep 12, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange defensive players tackle Wake Forest Demon Deacons flanker Tabari Hines (6) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Photo by: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

For this week, the Syracuse football defense is good enough to beat Central Michigan. Ron Thompson, Zaire Franklin, Parris Bennett, Marqez Hodge, Donnie Simmons, Julian Whigham and many others have all contributed. It’s been a solid group top to bottom. The only area of concern is the secondary, which got torched for over 375 yards last week. Thankfully they surrendered just one touchdown through the air, which was pretty impressive. I think they will look good this week. They’ll still give up a fair amount of yards, but not touchdowns.

My prediction for the game is Syracuse winning 27-17. It will be a close game most of the way, and it will be Syracuse’s defense that pulls us through with relentless pressure. I will be live tweeting the game, so give me a follow and feel free to respond with your predictions or thoughts on the game.