Hello everyone, let’s talk some Syracuse football!
My name is Chuck Fiello (or as some may know me on social media: @OrangeChuck). I am pleased to announce I am now a contributor to the FanSided & Inside The Loud House family. I am a positive Syracuse fan of all sports and admit that I see things through Orange-colored glasses, but that is how I enjoy my life.
I look forward to sharing many things in this relationship and want to start off with an optimistic post titled, “12 Reasons Why I Think Syracuse Football Can Go Undefeated In 2021.”
#1 The Loud House Returns And It Is Beautiful
I LOVE THE CARRIER DOME!!! It is a beautiful place filled with great memories and a home-field advantage especially when it’s THE LOUD HOUSE. Fans have been kept at home on game days for over a year and are ready to go, and I thoroughly believe loud fans mean a successful product on the field. Plus you can check out all the really cool changes that SU officials made to the Dome that I bet most fans will enjoy and will enhance their experience.
#2 The Coaching Staff Saw Last Season, Too
I think we as fans forget that the coaching staff sees the struggles just like fans do, and I think the staff will respond with adjustments that will make this program successful again.
#3 Coach Dino Babers Has Something To Prove
When Coach Babers took over at Syracuse football, I heard many say he was using this program as a stepping stone to the SEC and would be gone in 2-3 years, leaving it to one of his assistants. Coach Babers is still here, and I believe he now has something to prove.
#4 Players Remember Last Season, Too
And just like the staff and the fans, the players also saw the struggle and do not want that to be what people think of the program. They are ready to prove they are better than many think they are and to help put an entertaining product on the field.
#5 Somebody In Vegas Told Them They Will Only Win 3-4 Games
Do you remember that Coach Babers speech about Clemson being favored at the Dome and the Orange won it regardless of what they said? Well, Las Vegas odds-makers and national media outlets have put the over/under for wins this season at 3-4 games, or fewer, and I just have to believe this will be poster board material for this team and give them a chip on their shoulder to carry them through this season. Any time they feel like they need a bit of extra motivation, they can remind themselves that “experts” are telling them that they will be lucky to win 4 games this season. Blah!
#6 Win One For Floyd
On January 1st of this year, we sadly lost a great man, a great ambassador for the university and the program and one of our 44’s…Floyd Little. I like to believe Floyd is up there watching over the program and will help our running backs see those lanes the offense lines give them and lead this program to glory again. We miss you, sir…rest in peace and thank you for everything you gave this community, this program and this university we love.
More reasons why Syracuse football can go unblemished this coming season.
#7 & #8 Healthy Offensive Line = Running Back Core Running Wild On You
While speaking of one of our legendary running backs, I am reminded of a major reason I believe this team will see more success on the field than some “experts” believe. The offensive line will be healthy and running through them is a running back core that missed core pieces last season due to COVID but still saw names like Cooper Lutz and Sean Tucker make the most of the opportunities and provide excitement for Orange Nation. If the run is successful, this opens up the field to more options and bigger plays.
#9 Black Is Back…Josh Black That Is
As you can see in the above story from SI and if you follow the sport, you know fan-favorite Josh Black will return this season and by doing so, adds experience and a desire to be successful at the next level to the field. Admittedly, I am a huge fan of the guy and if I had a favorite on the team, it is likely him, and even The Rock is a fan as well.
#10 NIL/NFL Opportunities Await
I have seen Josh and many others already lining up opportunities now that the NIL is a go in the NCAA. I know Josh and others on this team not only want to show their value on the free market, but also after seeing former teammates drafted this year, I have to believe many will work hard for the opportunity to have their name called on NFL Draft Day.
#11 Banner Flip At Varsity Is Fun
Have you ever been to a banner flip at Varsity after a win? I have a couple of times and it is my favorite remaining tradition for Syracuse football now that 44’s is retired, unfortunately. Hearing the band play the alma mater and watching the players soak in that victory has to add to the desire to relive it again. I mean sure Varsity has amazing food that helped me out when my mom was hospitalized for a while at Crouse Hospital, before COVID, but the banner flip is an amazing experience to share with other fans after a win.
#12 WHY NOT?????
And last but not least, why is it so implausible that Syracuse could win any game on its schedule? You see, I do wear Orange-shaded glasses but I also never count anyone out until the game is over. I refuse to ever look at a schedule and deem any game as unwinnable. I love my Orange…I support my Orange…and I refuse to believe that it is impossible for this team to be victorious and possibly shock the world. At the very least, I truly believe this team is good enough to make a bowl game, but I do believe Syracuse football can win them all!
GO ORANGE!!!!!