Syracuse Football: Week 9 Florida State Seminoles crystal ball predictions
![ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up prior to their game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Cam Akers #3 of the Florida State Seminoles warms up prior to their game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/45f4dbadb0aaa55028481c3626ed1068a11e855cbb7c322c6c74f83ffb6eb9af.jpg)
Paul A. Esden Jr, Site Expert (4-3)
In the first two years of Dino Babers, Syracuse folded like a lawn chair down the stretch. Will history repeat itself again?
There’s a strong chance.
All the ingredients are there for an Orange collapse: the worst offensive line in college football, an uneven running game, and inconsistency from the quarterback position.
The good news is Florida State has a lot of those issues. Their offensive line last season was trash, now it’s slightly above that level. Their quarterback play has been inconsistent with James Blackman. Although the one stark difference between Syracuse and FSU? The Seminoles have a running game.
Cam Akers is the straw that stirs the drink for Florida State. He’s having a remarkable season and if the Orange can bottle him up, they’ll win the game. If not, it could be a long day for Syracuse.
I’m not sure what is compelling me to make this pick, but I’ll give the Orange another chance even though they haven’t proven they deserve one. Give me Syracuse 28-19.