Syracuse Football: Western Michigan gameday prediction

Adam Patrick (Co-Site Expert) 0-0

Western Michigan wins 40-28.

When Syracuse steps on the field to take on Western Michigan in their 2018 season opener, expect there to be a bunch of points put on the scoreboard by both teams.

Neither school’s defense was impressive a year ago (both allowed more than 28 points per game) and both teams will be adjusting to a bunch of new starters on the defensive side of the ball. Combine that with how the Orange and the Broncos can rack up a bunch of points (both averaged more than 27 points per matchup a year ago), Friday’s game should resemble a good ol’ fashioned shootout.

So which team will come out on top? Well if Syracuse’s previous 16 away games are any indication of things to come, it won’t be the Orange.

Syracuse is just 2-14 in road matchups since 2015 and 2-6 in home openers outside of the Carrier Dome since 2001. On the other sideline, however, Western Michigan has not begun a season with a win on their home field since 2004.

Looking at how each team has performed in the last few seasons, picking the Broncos to win on Friday seems like the most logical choice.

Perhaps the Orange come out and look like a totally different team against Western Michigan. But until Syracuse proves otherwise, the Broncos should be coming out of Friday’s matchup with a win.