Syracuse Football: Week 4 Western Michigan crystal ball predictions
Chris Queripel, Contributor (2-1)
Syracuse football heads into Week 4 with the possibility of starting the season 1-3 for the first time since 2012.
In the Dome Syracuse will face the visiting Western Michigan Broncos. Last season, these two teams met in the opener which resulted in a ‘Cuse 55-42 victory. The game seemed to be all Syracuse until the Broncos offense erupted for 28 points in the third. However, this year, I don’t see an offensive eruption on the horizon for either team.
The Orange are coming off of a loss to No. 1 ranked Clemson. Now in their second home game, they are hoping for better results. But first, we must look back to last week. It’s tough to judge Syracuse’s overall performance when matched against the best team in the nation. In the end, Clemson won 41-6.
The more significant number there for me is the six. Giving up 41 points is nothing to sneeze at as a defense, but the game seemed under control on the defensive front until the last quarter. So overall, the defense showed sparks of improvement in Week 3.
Offensively, there seemed to be no improvement or even signs of success. The passing game couldn’t get going as DeVito struggled once again behind the battered O-line. DeVito hit the turf eight times against the Tigers. Throughout the season, he can’t keep sustaining that many hits.
The run game got halted in their tracks as well. Just remember that even though the offense didn’t show well, they did play the toughest competition around.
This week they move on to face Western Michigan for the second straight year. Entering the contest, the Orange open as a 5.5 point favorite over the Broncos. This game is pivotal for Syracuse to show that they belong amongst the best teams in college football despite taking two early defeats.
Two key offensive x-factors for the Broncos include quarterback, Jon Wassink, and running back, LeVante Bellamy. These two players can single-handedly change the outcome of the game. Western Michigan heads into the game with a 2-1 record consisting entirely of blowout results. A tight contest should favor the Orange.
It’s time for Syracuse to knock off the rust and play their game as intended. Fast. Head coach Dino Babers praises his offense for its uptempo pace. The Orange need to run out of the locker room and keep that intensity going for the entire game.
Against the WMU offense look for Syracuse to force at least two turnovers and a few sacks.
On offense, Syracuse will play better and give DeVito more time in the pocket. The major factor will be Moe Neal. He is going to put up huge stats in this game which will also open up the passing game for DeVito.
I project this game to be close but also be an opportunity where the Orange will shine and potentially turn their season around. I predict a 27-17 ‘Cuse victory.