Syracuse Football: 2019 crystal ball bold predictions, top x-factors

Paul A. Esden Sr. Contributor

As I have documented I believe that the Syracuse Orange Football team is back on the National scene. Dino Babers has forged this team with his fast-paced offense and turned the Orange into a serious contender for the Playoffs. Here is my season prediction game by game and the biggest challenge the Orange will have to overcome.

1. Liberty Flames: This is a well-balanced team that comes in with a seasoned group of playmakers that should give the Orange pause. However, the biggest challenge that they represent comes in the form of their head coach Hugh Freeze who has been there and done that in Division 1. He will have his team hungry for an upset similar to Syracuse taking out Clemson in the Dome. Orange win this one big.

2.  Maryland Terrapins: This is squad is tough with 60 returning lettermen. Mike Locksley is on his second go-round as head coach of the Terrapins and has his work cut out for him. Challenge from the Maryland team will go to our rebuilt linebacking squad as they look to stop Anthony McFarland a returning 1,000-yard rusher who averaged … 7.9 yards per carry!!!!  Our boys will be up for this one and Syracuse will win second game in a row on the road.

3. Clemson Tigers: The Tigers will return to the Dome with the knowledge that Syracuse has got the better of them the past two contests (with the exception of the last 90 seconds last year). We will not be sneaking up on them this time. The biggest challenge here will be to contain the talent of Trevor Lawrence. Our secondary is amongst the best in the nation and will be up to the challenge. Orange win this one in a squeaker.

4. Western Michigan: For the second year in a row the Orange face the third-best team in Michigan. The key here will be to play 60 minutes (unlike last year where we took a quarter or so off) and knock out the W.

5. Holy Cross Crusaders: This three-game stretch (W. Michigan, Holy Cross, NC State) may be Dino’s toughest challenge of the year as he keeps the Orange focused and does not overlook the Crusaders. Orange win BIG.

6.  North Carolina State Wolfpack: The Pack is in rebuild mode as 3-year starter Ryan Finley left for the NFL. Dual-threat Matthew McKay will keep the defense on their toes but is no serious threat to giving the Orange their first loss.

7. Pittsburgh Panthers: The Panthers are a solid lunch bucket team that will be working to replace their top two running backs. Focus item here will be improving QB Kenny Pickett who under the tutelage of his offensive coordinator will look to air it out. Our secondary is up to the task again leading us to another win.

8. Florida State Seminoles: Last year our team punched Florida State in the mouth in a statement game, once again we will not be sneaking up on anyone. Look for Orange killer Cam Akers to have a big game. Stats don’t win games and the Orange will prevail.

9. Boston College Eagles: For the second week in a row the Orange face a premier running back that has given them fits in the past. Last year AJ Dillon was hampered by an ankle injury and managed only 56 yards on the ground against the Orange, a far cry from the 193 yards and 3 TDs that he put up during his rookie year. Bottom line if we stop him we win … period. And we will which brings us to 9-0.

10. Duke Blue Devils: This is not a basketball game but the rivalry is real. Key to victory is stopping dual-threat quarterback Quentin Harris. He started two games for Duke last year against Baylor and NC Central. They won both games putting up two of the largest point totals of the year (40 & 55 points). No foul shots needed as the Orange put the Devils on ice.

11. Louisville Cardinals: This team has returned to earth (rather crashed) with the departure of Lamar Jackson. They won only two games last year and new head coach Scott Satterfield has his work cut out for him. This team’s strength is its experience returning 16 of 22 starters, who will put the Orange to the test. Skill and superior coaching will win out and the Orange improve to 11-0.

12. Wake Forest Demon Deacons: 50 years later the Orange will have an opportunity to complete their return to greatness with the third ever undefeated regular season. The largest challenge I can see for the Orange in this game is … themselves. To overcome the pressure of a potentially undefeated season at home will be the obstacle to overcome. This writer predicts they can and they will!