Syracuse Football: “Surprise breakthroughs” needed to get back on track
By Neil Adler
ESPN didn’t have many inspiring things to say about Syracuse football in its preview of the ACC’s Atlantic division.
Syracuse football enters the 2020 campaign with a relatively easy schedule, the possibility of a bowl berth after a disappointing 5-7 mark a year ago, and a whole host of question marks.
Personally, I feel that some encouraging potential is on the horizon for the Orange heading into the fall, whether it’s quarterback Tommy DeVito, star safety Andre Cisco, kicker Andre Szmyt, a 3-3-5 scheme under new defensive coordinator Tony White and, hopefully, an improved offensive line.
ESPN staff writer Bill Connelly recently went in-depth in his 2020 preview of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Atlantic division, where he noted that Clemson will continue to dominate, while the ‘Cuse could certainly struggle.
In his article, Connelly says that Syracuse’s SP+ rating was No. 77 in 2019, and the Orange is projected in 2020 to go 5-7 (2-6 in the ACC), with an SP+ ranking that is 16 spots worse, at No. 93. Ugh.
"More from Connelly’s piece. “The Orange don’t have to overachieve a ton to return to bowl contention, at least. SP+ projects them a ghastly 93rd, but seven games are projected within a touchdown. If they rank merely in the 60s, that could get them back to .500 or better. But [head coach Dino] Babers is now in charge of the least proven roster in the Atlantic Division. A lot of surprise breakthroughs will be required for this program to get back on track.”"
Ouch. But let’s keep this prognostication in perspective. The ‘Cuse possesses one of the softest schedules in all of college football, and it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that Syracuse could win some close contests, get to six or seven total conquests, and earn a bowl invite.
The pluses and minuses for Syracuse football as it embarks on the upcoming campaign.
Connelly acknowledges that the Orange boasts some positive pieces on offense, defense and special teams. One of the main issues, he writes, is that “proven entities are at a minimum” in all three areas for the ‘Cuse.
A lot of uncertainty surrounds the 2020 stanza for Syracuse and the entire sport, due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Dozens of Orange players recently returned to campus for voluntary work-outs, and the squad’s pre-season plan is in place.
There are reasons to feel optimistic about the ‘Cuse in 2020. Then again, there are plenty of legitimate reasons to view Syracuse in a more pessimistic manner as the next term approaches. I propose that we should just wait and see how all of this shakes out for the Orange.