Syracuse Football: Week 4 Western Michigan crystal ball predictions

Paul A. Esden Sr. Contributor (1-2)

So there are some bad nicknames/mascot names for athletic teams as I have previously documented. None, however, are worse than the moniker Western Michigan held from May 27, 1903, until 1939.

What is was it you ask …. Hilltoppers, this thoughtful nickname was given because the University is located …wait for it…on top of a hill.  #AreYouKiddingMe, #Lame.

But I digress ….

The game this week against the Broncos may be the most dangerous game remaining on the schedule and the most important game in Dino Baber’s tenure.

Insights:

The Broncos may be the most experienced team that the Orange will play this year. Think about it, they put the Orange to the test last year and the offense returns their talented QB, one thousand-yard rusher and 2 of the top 3 receivers.

QB Jon Wassink has a completion percentage of over 70 % with 7 touchdowns. RB LeVante Bellamy is averaging around 100 yards per game and 6 yards per carry. The team from Kalamazoo’s top 6 receivers are each averaging over 10 yards per reception.

Bottom line, talent-wise this team is at the same level they were last year…we are not.  In a word Dangerous.

Last season Dino returned the magic to the Dome and earned a contract extension. There are some rumblings of that being a flash in the pan if you will. I have been one of his harshest critics but I am willing to let the season mature before jumping to conclusions.

However, if the Orange does not have a good showing on Saturday there will be some questions to answer. One item to note Dino is no longer playing with Scott Shafer’s recruits; he is cooking with the ingredient’s that he picked. In short, he has to look no further than the mirror on who is responsible.

Onto the prediction; last week’s game (at least the first half) wasn’t a portent of bad things to come, the Orange displayed flashes of brilliance that if sustained for 60 minutes will put them back on the road to good fortune and a bowl game.

It will not be easy, this game is the lynchpin of the season and will determine if we return to the days of 4-8 doom and gloom or rebound and save our season. This game will be a shootout and with the help of the receiving core not dropping touchdown passes, the offensive line giving him a few seconds Tommy DeVito may finally have his coming out party. I have this one 49-46. Be Loud, Be Proud, Be ORANGE!