Syracuse Football: Week 1 Liberty Flames crystal ball predictions

Ryan Lee, Contributor (0-0)

Syracuse takes to the road to start a well laid out schedule for the nationally ranked Orange. While the Orange will not be quite at full strength with the absence of McKinley Williams. The good news, however, is that guys like Abdul Adams, listed as the lone second running back, and Sam Heckel, listed as the starting center, were both listed in the Week 1 depth chart released by Syracuse Monday afternoon.

The Flames will be led by former Ole Miss and Arkansas State coach Hugh Freeze in his first season in Lynchburg, Virginia giving the Flames faithful some excitement themselves. Returning senior quarterback Stephen Calvert at the helm of the offense the Flames expect to put on a high powered offense.

Calvert started all 12 games last season, throwing 21 touchdown passes eclipsing 3,000 yards passing including a four-touchdown and 345-yard day in Liberty’s home opener a year ago. Calvert is not alone on the offensive side of the ball as the Flames returns four of their top five players in regards to yards from scrimmage.

This includes leading receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden and rusher Frankie Hickson. Both totaled over 1,000 yards during their Junior campaigns. Add that 70% of the starts at offensive line last season has also returned to show that Syracuse’s defense is certainly going to be tested early.

Without Williams, the Orange will depend on Kenneth Ruff and Josh Black to stuff the run and Hickson, while Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman look to start what many Cuse fans hope are All-ACC caliber performances. Watch the linebacker core as there are only two slotted starters; Andrew Armstrong and Lakiem Williams with true Freshman Mikel Jones and Sophomore Juan Wallace to receive plenty of snaps.

Sophomore Trill Williams slotted as the Nickle will factor heavily if the 4-2-5 scheme works this season. Sixth-year senior Antwan Cordy is not listed as a starter but rest assured that he will be on the field for important defensive snaps this season, adding his experience to the cornerback and safety positions, giving a chance to make sure All-American Andre Cisco and others to not be overloaded and stay fresh.

Syracuse must win the turnover battle and start of the season with a bang to show last year’s turnover margin fifth-ranked +13 turnover margin was not a fluke and can be continued into 2019. This will also depend on Tommy DeVito who will be slinging it at quarterback this year.

DeVito threw three interceptions a season ago. DeVito showed flashes to get fans excited. Against Florida State and North Carolina DeVito combined for 22-of-35 with 325 yards with all four of his touchdown passes and only one pick. He also showed why we need to understand he is a young quarterback in his last appearance of the season against Notre Dame, struggling 13-of-31 with 105 yards and a pair of interceptions.

A pair of road games to start against teams Syracuse should and needs to beat if they desire a New Year’s Six Bowl slot come Bowl Season is just what the doctor ordered before number one Clemson comes to town September 14.

But even though Syracuse deservingly earned the role as the favorite for their opener in Lynchburg do not sleep on Liberty’s talent and experience. A squad that went 5-1 at home a year ago will be ready under Freeze.

However, expect the Orange to pull away in the second half and the offense to click when they are finally taken on defense other than the studs of their own team. DeVito will try out his new weapons Adams and Trishton Jackson as Moe Neal and Taj Harris start their seasons strong, as I expect each to hit the 1,000-yard mark.

Orange begins 2019 1-0 with a 42-17 win on the road. On to Maryland.