Syracuse Football: Night games and why they matter for the Orange

It looks like 3 of the first 4 games for Syracuse football in the 2022 season will be night games televised on major sports networks (with the other scheduled to be on ESPN2 at noon), according to a tweet put out by the team’s Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/cusefootball/status/1529892875676229632?s=21&t=pF0k5h5LJCaiW39qtp2Igw

I know some fans are like me and probably prefer earlier game times because we are early to bed and early to rise. But here’s the thing, evening games are a great opportunity for the program and the players and sometimes we fans have to figure out ways to work around it.

Night games mean prime-time exposure and more eyes on the product because history has shown us generally ratings are better during prime time. This brings in more fans, attracts more potential recruits and is a big asset for current players trying to get to the next level.

Syracuse football will have multiple night contests in the first part of the 2022 campaign.

This year’s Syracuse football roster has Sean Tucker, Mikel Jones, Darian “Duce” Chesnut, the Garrett’s (Garrett Williams and Garrett Shrader), Chris “Moose” Elmore and Matthew Bergeron, who might have chances to play at the next level.

When you’ve got 3 of 4 games at night and all 4 are on major networks (ACC Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN 2 and ESPN, respectively), that means more TVs will be carrying it and more chances a scout and potential fans and recruits can watch your product.

This might even help a player like running back Sean Tucker, who if he can duplicate last season or even improve upon it, increase the possibility of post-season awards like a Heisman Trophy. Many of these awards are voted on by people who try to follow as much as they can but rely on the eye test as well.

So let’s suppose Syracuse football plays Virginia on Friday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 pm on ESPN, and Tucker has 150 yards rushing and a couple of TDs (one of which is an eye-catching play), it’s more likely said voters will see it and remember that game and that player.

Also, it might make headlines or highlight reels as well and every chance you have to display your talents means more opportunities for the right people to see you.

So I totally understand if you are not a night owl or have young kids and don’t want to drive them home at 10 pm but this is a great thing. Since 3 of the 4 are at home (UConn is on the road), get yourself a large Dome Dew instead of a Dome Foam and give it a shot.

Or at least remember that these games are scheduled to the benefit of the program and the fans and while some may not like night games, game times do vary week to week as the season progresses and many fans do actually enjoy them.

Imagine being on national TV with this much exposure and a large Loud House cheering them on in the newly named JMA Wireless Dome, and you’ll see this is a great opportunity for this program to only get better.