Both CBS Sports and ESPN recently came out with some pre-season rankings for the upcoming campaign, and we’re taking a look at where the majority of Syracuse football opponents are placed.
Just a footnote, the ESPN power rankings are only for the top-25 teams, while Chip Patterson of CBS Sports has rated all 130 squads within the Football Bowl Subdivision.
The Orange starts off the 2021 stanza with a trip on Sept. 4 to Ohio, a group that CBS Sports has at No. 92 overall. The ‘Cuse, for context, is No. 96, according to CBS Sports.
In its 2021 home opener at the Carrier Dome on Sept. 11, Syracuse football will welcome former Big East Conference adversary Rutgers to the Hill. The Scarlet Knights are No. 80, per CBS Sports.
A week later, on Sept. 18, the ‘Cuse will host Albany, an FCS group that is not in either set of rankings. Liberty is No. 33 via CBS Sports, and the Flames head to Central New York on Sept. 24.
Let’s check out where the Syracuse football ACC foes are nationally rated.
CBS Sports has Florida State at No. 52, and the Orange travels to the Seminoles on Oct. 2.
Wake Forest, at No. 49 according to CBS Sports, will come to the Hill on Oct. 9.
In a Friday-night showdown on Oct. 15 at the Dome, Syracuse football will have a daunting challenge when it squares off with Clemson.
The Tigers, more often than not a participant in the College Football Playoff, are ranked No. 2 overall by CBS Sports and No. 3 from ESPN.
The Orange will go on the road versus Virginia Tech on Oct. 23, and CBS Sports has the Hokies at a solid rating of No. 39.
Next up is a home date with Boston College on Oct. 30. The Eagles are No. 42, according to CBS Sports.
Syracuse football, coming off of a bye week fairly late in the 2021 stanza, will visit Louisville on Nov. 13. The Cardinals are No. 65, per CBS Sports.
The ‘Cuse will make it two-consecutive games away from home when the Orange battles at N.C. State on Nov. 20. CBS Sports has the Wolfpack at No. 34.
Finally, Syracuse football wraps up the 2021 regular season with a clash against long-time rival Pittsburgh in CNY on Nov. 27. The Panthers check in at No. 41, according to CBS Sports.
By my count, only one opponent, Clemson, is presently situated within ESPN’s pre-season top-25 power rankings.