Syracuse Football: Orange vs Tigers; staff prediction

We continue our Syracuse football staff predictions for Week 4. Can the Orange get their first skin of the season? Our staff gives their thoughts.

Paul A. Esden Jr.- Site Expert

Follow: @BoyGreen25

In an interesting turn of events, LSU will have its’ star player after all in Derrius Guice. He’ll be limited according to head coach Ed Orgeron. At the beginning of the week, I anticipated Guice to play, so hearing that he wouldn’t seemed like a pleasant surprise.

Now that he’s going to play, the Orange have their work cut out for them. Before the season started I talked about what skin seems most likely to get. For those who don’t know, a skin is a quality win. Like one of the giants of the sport: LSU, Louisville, Clemson, or Florida State. Looking at SU’s daunting schedule, LSU seemed like one of the more possible.

I’m saying there’s a chance, not sure how big of a chance. ESPN Analytics say it’s a 11.2% chance, for whatever that’s worth. LSU historically over the years has had poor quarterback play and that continues this year. Which gives the edge to the Orange. It won’t be easy for the Orange against a talented SEC defense with what the Tigers possess, but call me crazy, give me the upset for the Orange in Tiger Stadium. SU wins a tight one 21-20.

Neil Adler- Contributor

Man oh man, this contest should prove interesting. Syracuse took care of business a week ago

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versus Central Michigan, improving to 2-1 on the season. LSU, meanwhile, got absolutely spanked by Mississippi State, which I think surprised a lot of folks.

So, now the Orange heads into hostile territory down in Baton Rouge to clash with the Tigers. I have to believe that LSU comes into this affair totally angry by what transpired its last time out. With that as a backdrop, I think this battle goes one of two ways: either the Tigers smoke the ‘Cuse, or SU keeps things tight, perhaps even pulling off the road upset. While my heart feels the latter, my head says the former. LSU is unfortunately going to roll over the Orange, 42-17. I sincerely hope that I’m wrong!

Andrew Carey- Contributor

Follow: @Papi_Carey

Syracuse will be in for a long night in the Bayou on Saturday. The LSU Tigers are coming off of an embarrassing loss at the hands of an SEC rival and will be out for blood against the Orange.

Although star running back Derrius Guice is questionable, the Orange will still have to try to stop backup Darrel Williams, a former 4-star recruit who checks in at 6-foot 1 weighing 233-pounds. If Syracuse can stop the run they will have a chance as LSU’s passing game leaves a lot to be desired, but ultimately I don’t think Syracuse can hang with LSU’s rushing attack over all four quarters.

The Orange offense will put up some points but if Erv Philips isn’t ready to go that is a huge blow for an offense that had receptions from only five different receivers last week including Philips. Syracuse will keep it close but in the end, the speed, physicality, and depth of LSU will be too much to handle. LSU 34-24.

Paul A. Esden Sr. – Contributor

Mark this down. This is the game that has the potential to be the watershed moment for the OITNF. With a win Syracuse can put themselves on the ACC map as a true contender instead of a cellar dweller. Eric Dungey makes a statement with his experienced receiving corps and the Orange squeak out a 20-17 win in the Baton Rogue heat.

Next: Syracuse Football: Top 10 Plays of Week 3 Versus Central Michigan

Josh Peelman- Contributor

Follow: @jnpmessenger

I really think the Orange have a shot in this game. Maybe I’m just a loyal idiot, but I think the Orange can pull it off. Will it be easy, no, not by a long shot, but I think the Orange have a shot.

Riding off momentum from last week will be big for the Syracuse Football team. I think they finally found some answers and got past the emotional mess that was Middle Tennessee. I think LSU on the other hand will want to come out strong but instead will come out flat. Therein lies where the Orange can take advantage. LSU lies to run the ball and Syracuse has been really good at stopping runners so far this year. As long as they can play defense like they did against Central Michigan in the second half of last week’s game, then the Orange stand a shot.

If Eric Dungey can stay poised on the big stage in prime time, and if Sean Riley and Steve Ishmael can help him out in what they do best, then the Orange will squeak this one out. I could be totally wrong, but my heart tells me the Orange have this one. In one of the biggest upsets in awhile, including Virginia Tech last year, Syracuse beats LSU at their own place 24-17. Go Orange! #OITNF