Syracuse Football: 30 things you need to know ahead of the 2019 season
20. Abdul Adams could be a difference-maker
Abdul Adams might just be the x-factor on this football club. With a lot of returning playmakers, it’s clear that Tommy DeVito should feel pretty comfortable behind center. However, with Adams, a former Oklahoma Sooner, it could really open up the entire playbook for coach Dino Babers. We got a glimpse of what he can do in the Camping World Bowl last season, as Adams scored twice on the ground. Expect big things from the transfer.
19. Syracuse has a chance to crack the ‘Top 10’ very early
No, not the ‘Top 10 Plays’ on SportsCenter. I’m talking about the actual AP Poll. The ‘Cuse should start the season somewhere between 15th and 20th, and if they escape Liberty and Maryland, they’re bound to replace teams ahead of them that already suffered a loss. Then, if the Orange can get by Clemson, there’s no reason this team wouldn’t have its name inside the top 10 teams in the nation.
18. The Orange should be a ‘Top 25’ team all season
Gone are the days when ‘Cuse fans worried about their team making a bowl game. This era is much different. While the first couple games are certainly a challenge, the remaining schedule is manageable, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where this team drops out of the rankings. Sure, it could happen, but I’d bet on this team staying in national relevance all year long.
17. ACC experts believe in this team
Last season, the Orange football team was picked to finish last in the ACC Atlantic. This season, that is much, much different, as Syracuse is widely considered to finished second to Clemson. Above that, the Orange also garnered two votes to win the entire ACC, meaning that at least a pair of experts might know something that the rest of the country will just have to wait and see.
16. Bowl eligibility should be earned in no more than eight games
The Orange shouldn’t have to sweat out making a bowl game this season. If I was a betting man, I’d say the ‘Cuse should open up the season 4-1, which would leave them three games against NC State, Pitt, and Florida State to get to six wins. Oh, and if they get past Clemson? Making a bowl game is the least of their worries.