Paul A. Esden Jr, Site Expert (4-5)
This season has been nothing short of depressing.
The team has looked lifeless throughout the season, but specifically in the last month. So much so in fact that many analysts have predicted the team to lose out in the final three contests.
If you’ve watched the past couple of games, that reaction shouldn’t surprise you. Things have been awful and that forced Dino Babers to fire a member of his coaching staff for the first time in his career as a head coach.
With Brian Ward out the door, I think we see a spark from this Syracuse defense.
When a change is made you usually get some signs of life, but I think it goes even beyond that. Dino’s premise for firing Ward was based on expectations and the talent level of that unit. I couldn’t agree more.
Syracuse is too talented on the defensive side of the ball to be sucking to the level that they’re. This unit is finally going to show some backbone and step up to provide the offense some opportunities that they can take advantage of.
The key to this game is for this offensive line to provide Tommy DeVito some time. This Duke defense has some ballers (Victor Dimukeje, Chris Rumph II, and Tre Hornbuckle). These guys can make the toughest offensive line have issues, let alone the weakest one.
If the trench warfare can be stabilized by the hogs up front, Syracuse has a chance in this one. Give me the Orange winning this game 26-20.