Syracuse Football: Odds-makers favor Ohio over Syracuse – bummer

Syracuse football opens its 2021 season at Ohio, some early odds are in, and I just don’t get it! Maybe I’m just that much of a homer going into this season with high expectations but some things just don’t add up to me.

WynnBET, at the time that this article was written, listed Ohio as a one-point favorite over Syracuse football. Really? Really! REALLY!!!! Syracuse football is coming off a one-win season, so I get there are low expectations, even if there were factors that led to it that outcome which I feel were addressed.

And according to others I listen to that know more about this stuff, they say this is more about where the money is being bet versus the expectations on the Syracuse football season. Yet still, you think this is that close that it’s worth favoring Ohio by one point.

While listening to Paulie Scibilia on Orange Nation on ESPN Syracuse the other day, I could not agree more because he pointed out that even if Syracuse football doesn’t play their best game, you think they won’t win by at least a field goal? Do people really think this Orange team, that some pundits project will win 3 to 4 games, won’t have this game as one of the squad’s wins?

The majority of experts have predicted Syracuse football finishing last in their division, so I’m assuming they think at least Ohio and Albany should be wins if you’re expecting them to struggle during the ACC portion of their schedule.

Ohio was listed as a slight favorite over Syracuse football in the 2021 season opener when this column was published.

I don’t get it! I just don’t understand this concept that some people are so determined to believe this team has a destiny is to stink and not give them any type of respect. Last season was awful, but it was a Covid-impacted season that limited practices with new coordinators on both sides of the field, opt-outs, and injuries in key spots including the offensive line that also likely impacted the play and health of the quarterback position.

The season before didn’t live up to expectations, but changes were made because of that, too, but the Orange ran into the previously mentioned issues.

I get that maybe some might have their doubts about the Syracuse football program. But Ohio, who I think could possibly be a good MAC team but with a new head coach, you’re really saying they should be favored? Come on!!!!

I know I’m an optimistic homer who looks for and believes in the best in people and the teams that I love but are we really so jaded by recent struggles that so many have given up that much? If Syracuse football does lose this game, especially in that fashion, then I’ll likely change my tune but I think this team is bound for a better season than some think.

I think there are leaders on this team who want to go out on that field and to quote Nuke LaLoosh from Bull Durham, they’re “want(ing) to bring the heater! Announce (they’re) presence with authority!” Those haters must not know about them Kumbaya meetings this team had, and the Orange are ready to prove they’re not what last year’s record indicates to some they are.

Yes, I believe in this team. Yes, I believe in the players and the leadership. Yes, I believe in the coaching staff. Yes, I’m ready to run through a wall to get this season started to prove that this isn’t 2020 anymore and there’s a new Orange team on the horizon. I’m ready to disappear from the stress of everyday life and root, root, root down, down the field for the team I love.

Maybe they won’t go undefeated and win a national championship but maybe they will. I do know one thing…come September 4th…in Athens, Ohio…the sun will rise on a new day and the Syracuse Orange football team will take the field to prove this is their time and they’re ready for the challenge. Now that you can bet on!

#WhyNotCuse

Let’s Go Orange!