Syracuse Football: 2019 schedule prediction, 2nd quarter analysis

Our Paul A. Esden Sr. continues his 2019 Syracuse football schedule prediction. Here’s a full breakdown of the 2nd quarter of the schedule.

Our Paul A. Esden Sr. is giving his annual prediction for the 2019 Syracuse football schedule. In case you missed it, here’s his full first quarter schedule breakdown here.

We enter into the second quarter with a record of 3-0 (1-0 in the ACC) based on my predictions let’s push forward.

First up on the slate is Western Michigan.

As we remember from last year’s opener this is not a game to be overlooked. A quick flashback; Orange is The New Fast was firing on all cylinders and Dino Babers made his first mistake of the year (he did not make many last year) and pulled Eric Dungey early in the game.

A young Tommy DeVito comes off the bench and struggled. The third-best team in Michigan smelled blood in the water and came surging back. If it wasn’t for Eric coming back into the game to save the day last season for the Orange would have ended much differently than it did. This game will be different: Tommy will have three games under his belt leading HIS squad and although not a pushover the Orange will win their second game in a row in the Dome. More breakdown forthcoming in my pregame special.

Next up is our only FCS opponent on the Syracuse schedule Holy Cross.

Last year the Crusader’s sported a 5-6 record in the Patriot League. I do not expect much from this game as second-year coach Bob Chesney will bring his outgunned squad to the Dome. I do not think Dino overlooks anyone and neither do I; however I do not see any way that we have a repeat of the 2007 Appalachian State vs. Michigan upset were the #5 team in the nation went down to an FCS opponent. In the words of Arya Stark ‘Not Today’. The Orange will win and win big.

We round out the second quarter of the 2019 campaign with a game against North Carolina State Wolfpack.

Last year this was the crucial game where Syracuse would relive the saga of years past. Where a promising start was followed by three losses in a row. This is the game that defined our team from last year.  All of the pieces came together and Syracuse won the game and became bowl eligible for the first time since 2013.

Few key items to look for:

• This Wolfpack squad will not be anywhere near as talented as recent years. Ryan Finley a 3-year starter will be playing on Sundays and left the cupboard pretty much empty with no clear starter.
• Other woes for the Pack are only four returning starters on offense, this includes having to replace a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000 yard receivers.

The Orange will likely be under the lights for this Thursday night away game. The nation will watch as the team from CNY racks up a win under the Thursday Night Lights.

I wrap up my review of the second quarter with our Orange team 6-0. Halfway through the season our Boys are undefeated and should be ranked in the top 20. Exciting times to be an Orange fan to be sure.

We will need to focus on one game at a time but this writer sees the Playoffs on the horizon, time will tell if this is a mirage or the Promised Land. Until then Be Loud, Be Proud, Be ORANGE!!!