Syracuse Football: Orange vs Blue Raiders; staff prediction

We continue our Syracuse football staff predictions for Week 2. Can the Orange make it to 2-0? Our staff gives their thoughts.

Paul A. Esden Jr.- Site Expert

Follow: @BoyGreen25

So Week 1 went as expected a blowout. But there were a few concerns in the game and every week I’ll hand out my “bittersweet oranges” from the game. The biggest one for me was the lack of a running game and the spurts that I saw I didn’t like (sorry Eric Dungey).

While this next opponent is a lot more game than the Blue Devils, it still isn’t the kind of competition that’ll knock the Orange off. I get the Scott Shafer factor, but to be perfectly honest, I think that angle is a little overblown.

Sure he’s got vengeance on his mind and he wants to stick it to his old team, but there’s a difference between wanting to do something and actually having the ability to do it. His propensity for blitzing is going to cost him some big time plays down the field, courtesy of this Orange is the New Fast product. That will ultimately be their downfall, I have this as a high scoring affair, but with the Orange coming out comfortably with the 42 to 27 victory.

Neil Adler- Contributor

The Syracuse football squad seeks to start off the 2017 campaign with a 2-0 mark when the Orange hosts Middle Tennessee State this Saturday afternoon. An interesting plot here is that former SU head coach Scott Shafer is now the defensive coordinator for the Blue Raiders, who dropped their season opener.

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Will Shafer get the best of his old team? I don’t think so. While I expect Middle Tennessee State to keep the affair relatively close, the ‘Cuse just has too many offensive weapons, in my opinion, and will efficiently exploit the Blue Raiders’ defense. Syracuse is reportedly around a 10-point favorite, and I believe that Middle Tennessee State will cover that spread. Still, I look for SU to triumph, 35-28.

Andrew Carey- Contributor

Follow: @Papi_Carey

I think this will be a real close contest between the Orange and Blue Raiders. Syracuse’s offense is held in check at first, then Eric Dungey and company put things together and start to move the ball against Scott Shafer’s defense. MTSU puts some points on the board early and look for the Syracuse linebackers to step up and make some big plays against the man who recruited them. Zaire Franklin, Parris Bennett have good games, but Chris Slayton and Jonathan Thomas dominate, getting after the quarterback, against a MTSU offensive line that gave up 5 sacks last week. Syracuse comes on strong late to pull out a 35-31 victory.

Paul A. Esden Sr. – Contributor

So this game has some interesting plot twists. Scott Shafer returns to the dome as Middle Tennessee State’s defensive coordinator. Not exactly a highlight on anyone’s resume. As Dino and Shafer’s path intersect, one is on the rise while the other not so much.

The thing to remember is that a lot of the players on the Orange are Shafer’s recruits that coupled with the fact that Scott knows defense and the weakness of some of the players and schemes. I put this one as a good measuring stick for the OITNF with a 30-7 win. Dungey and crew are too good and experienced for their visitors. It will be slow going at first but in the end it will be a one sided affair.

Josh Peelman- Contributor

Follow: @jnpmessenger

I think the Orange give up a couple more scores than last time, but still pull out the victory over Middle Tennessee. The offense will still be clicking and put up points on the board, but the defense will struggle at times in coverage. Orange win 35-17.

Next: Syracuse Football: 5 questions with Middle Tennesse PxP Chip Walters

Zachary Weisleder- Contributor

Follow: @ZachWeisleder

Syracuse will continue their winning ways this weekend, and defeat a Scott Shafer-run Middle Tennessee squad with ease. The offense will deem too powerful for Shafers’ defense, and the Orange’ defense will continue to limit the opposition. The final score will be 42-17.