Syracuse Football: Predicting the Orange’s 2018 record
By Adam Patrick
Final 2018 Record: 6-6
Big Win: Week 3 vs. Florida State
This is a pivotal third season for Dino Babers and company. Eric Dungey is a senior quarterback, so that means it is his last chance to define his legacy. This team lost a ton last season at linebacker and wide receiver, so much experience and production.
The question on my mind heading into this one was it the system or the players? The last two years there have been record breaking seasons by Steve Ishmael and Amba Etta-Tawo. Can a no-name at wide receiver continue that legacy?
On the surface, there’s some real tough games for the Orange. Heading into the season, the Orange have three top-25 opponents on the slate. But there’s also a ton of winnable games on the schedule.
It’s finally time for Syracuse to get back in a bowl game, but that doesn’t mean their skin hunting will end.
In fact, the Orange will get one of the biggest wins in program history, right behind their victories over the No. 1 Nebraska Corn Huskers in 1984 and the No. 2 Clemson Tigers last season, when they take out No. 3 Florida State.
The real reason this is possible is because it’s early in the season. Plus, hopefully in theory the Seminoles aren’t operating at full capacity that early in the season.
There’s also a new head coach at the helm for Florida State with Willie Taggart. How quickly can he get things ready?
Finally, the Orange will be in the lovely confines of the Carrier Dome and that was a major reason they were able to take out the defending National Champions last season.
– Paul A. Esden Jr.