Syracuse Football: Western Michigan gameday prediction

Paul A. Esden Jr. (Co-Site Expert) 0-0

This is not a cream puff game folks. This game is going to be a battle, I imagine we’re going to see some points thrown on the scoreboard. Probably not 76-61 like the Syracuse Pitt game from a couple years ago, but I anticipate a 34-33 kind of ball game with the Orange pulling it out.

Here’s why: the Orange have a senior quarterback in Eric Dungey who has three years of Dino Babers offseason preparation with the playbook and the verbiage. That should be an equalizer as it pertains to the road atmosphere.

As Adam noted previously, this Syracuse team hasn’t fared particularly well on the road. But I spoke with Syracuse tight end Ravian Pierce earlier this week and he told me he thinks starting on the road is a really good thing. Pierce told me that the team wants to conquer their demons and if they can do that to start the season, it can provide momentum heading into the rest of their season. I’m buying all of that and some.

The Broncos were devastated by season ending injuries last year (including their starting quarterback) and had to limp to the finish, sound familiar?

Both of these teams appear to be ‘nearly’ fully healthy heading into this game Friday night. I imagine this game is going to come down to the nitty gritty and the Orange will have to prove their mettle and I predict will ultimately prevail.