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Syracuse Football: Updated midseason prediction on how 2018 plays out

By Paul A. Esden Jr.

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 06: Jarveon Howard #28 of the Syracuse Orange runs into the end zone for a 5 yard touchdown in the third quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on October 6, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 06: Jarveon Howard #28 of the Syracuse Orange runs into the end zone for a 5 yard touchdown in the third quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Heinz Field on October 6, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Andrew Carey (contributor) 4-2

"Midseason Prediction: Orange finish the season with a 8-4 record."

I want to be confident in this team and this program going forward. Depending on how much healthier Eric Dungey, Ravian Pierce, Antwan Cordy, etc. can get during the bye could dictate how many games Syracuse wins in the second half of the season.

Based on the Syracuse run defense’s performance the last two weekends I think it is clear that Brian Ward and the rest of the defensive staff need to consider some platoons at linebacker in an effort to keep guys fresh. Juan Wallace was a big time recruit with SEC offers, he enrolled early, has looked good on special teams, they need to give him a few series a game. Same goes for Lakiem Williams and Shy Cullen. Both have tremendous size over 230, they have the ability to get down field, fill the gap and punish the ball carrier. That is not something that a guy like Kielan Whitner can do, a converted safety.

The way I see it Syracuse has three games that are must wins. North Carolina at home after the bye, Wake Forest on the road with their true freshman QB and inexperienced defense, Louisville at home on a Friday night. Win those three games, they are up to 7 wins.

The remaining three games, NC State at home, Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium, and Boston College on the road to close out the season are all going to be tough games. All those teams have been ranked this season. I would like to see this team overachieve and steal just one of those three games. I think Babers and his staff will find a way to do so, and the Orange finish the season 8-4. With that being said, this can only happen if there is a healthy Dungey under center. He has been flat out horrible throwing the ball against Clemson and Pitt. His decision making has been bad, and couple that with whispers of a shoulder injury, he needs to get healthy over this bye week, if not the staff should heavily consider Tommy DeVito.

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