Syracuse Basketball: Predictions for Ohio State showdown

Josh Peelman (3-2)

Prediction: Ohio State wins 74-61

As much as Syracuse needs this victory, I haven’t seen the Orange motivated enough to win a game like this yet this season. I don’t see the fire and passion and the fight in these guys. I hoped I’d see it against Colgate after two brutal losses in New York, but only Tyus Battle and Elijah Hughes responded and seemed somewhat on board.

Oshae Brissett has looked awful and his energy has been lackluster outside of some early season performances against lousy competition. For those thinking the infusion of Frank Howard would give the team a spark, so far they have been proven wrong as well. Sure, Howard is rusty from lack of play and contact, but he provided hardly any juice to this team as well. The offense just looks lost and the energy is nonexistent.

Personally I think this is a must win game for the Orange if they want to salvage their season and turn it around. What better way than to beat a ranked team on the road in their place? Now that is something to rally behind! However, if the Orange come in and miss a ton of shots and don’t play well on offense again, then the Orange will find themselves trailing by halftime and will not get enough from Battle in the second half to keep them in it.

I am sadly the pessimist here, but I don’t feel confident in this squad right now. If they don’t shape up soon, this team might be in for a long season. Let’s hope that’s not the case.