Syracuse Football: Stopping the run is key to beating Boston College

Syracuse football starts its 2020 season against Boston College. We take a look at the first matchup of the year and Syracuse’s chances at a win.

With the 2020 college football season around the corner, it’s time to start looking at the matchups. Syracuse football first focuses on Boston College for Week 1. The Orange travel to Chestnut Hill, Mass., and play their first game on the road. It’s early to predict this game, and voluntary training just started, but let’s look at some x-factors and the history between these two squads.

In 52 career games, Syracuse has been the victor 31 times. While history points towards the Orange, recent history has been more balanced. A stretch of wins in the 90s puts SU with the advantage.

Last season the Golden Eagles defeated Syracuse, 58-27, in a blowout. The biggest issue was controlling the run game of BC. Now-graduate AJ Dillon ran all over ‘Cuse, finishing with 242 yards. And if that wasn’t enough, David Bailey added another 172 yards.

So if I’m Dino Babers, I would be concentrating on stopping the rushing attack. While Dillon is gone, that doesn’t mean the production is lost. The team has a strong O-line and runners who could tear apart the defense if Syracuse is not prepared.

Now with this being game one, don’t expect everything to be perfect. But do expect Syracuse to put up a fight, unlike last season’s contest. There are a few factors to look at for Syracuse to see if they have improved in the offseason.

Number one is the play of the offensive line. If quarterback Tommy DeVito can stay upright, then it’s up to him to succeed. Also, on the offensive side, who steps up after Trishton Jackson left? The obvious answer is Taj Harris, but he cannot be the only option. Will Syracuse pass more to tight ends or running backs? Or do they trust more inexperienced receivers to carry the load?

Lastly, how good can the defense be under a new direction? This offseason was a coaching carousel for the Orange. Game one will give a taste of what Tony White can do at the helm of the defense.

Look for this to be a game for Syracuse to experiment with their lineups as 2020 gets underway. But it should be close against an evenly matched ACC opponent.