Syracuse Football: Predictions for Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium

Mat Mlodzinski (8-2)

Prediction: Syracuse wins 42-28

Yes, Syracuse WILL win this game.

No, I’m not saying it because I’ll be in attendance. Or because I will be attending with ALL Notre Dame fans. Or that I just hope we actually do win. Syracuse is going to win this game, and frankly, it will be a good fashion beatdown.

I’ll be honest, it all starts with Ian Book. I’ve watched him a bit, and never has he impressed me. I truly believe that Eric Dungey is the better QB, and that alone gives Cuse the edge. However, that isn’t the only position where I see the Orange winning at.

Notre Dame is known for their rushing the football. All of the ND fans I talk to say how great their running game is. At just under 200 rush yards per game, it certainly is. However, the Orange rush at a higher rate, at over 215 per game. I believe that this will be key, as Syracuse will need to have a balanced attack against a team that only allows about 17 points per contest.

Finally, I see defense as very underrated. Most analysts only talk about Syracuse’s offense. While this is definitely what has won us some games, our defense is not shameful. The Orange come into the game at 9th in the NCAA in sacks with 33 total, as well as T-5th in fumble recoveries and T-6 in interceptions. All of those rank higher than the Irish.

A Cuse win on Saturday would almost have to put the Orange inside the top 10.  I believe it will happen and I cannot wait.