Syracuse football is 4-0 for the first time since 2018, after the Orange squeaked by fellow Atlantic Coast Conference squad Virginia last Friday night.
The 22-20 triumph by the ‘Cuse over UVA on the Hill marked the second week in a row where Syracuse football scored points on its final offensive series to prevail, first against Big Ten Conference member Purdue in Central New York, and then versus the Cavaliers.
With its conquest of Virginia, the Orange moved into the latest Coaches poll at No. 25, and that development represented the inaugural occasion where the ‘Cuse has been nationally ranked dating back to 2019.
Next up for Syracuse football is another home date, this time around against FCS team Wagner (0-3) this coming Saturday. As we’ll detail below, the Orange is a supremely massive betting favorite in this non-conference collision.
Assuming that the ‘Cuse bests the Seahawks, and Syracuse football head coach Dino Babers said this week that his players have to be laser-focused versus Wagner, then the Orange would advance to 5-0 for the first instance in 35 years.
As we chatted about in another recent column, the last time that Syracuse football made it to 5-0 to start a stanza was way back in 1987, when the ‘Cuse had a season for the ages (along with some heartache over its bowl game result and the Heisman Trophy voting in that term).
I say all of us Syracuse football fans should enjoy this current ride for the Orange. Yes, the ‘Cuse has seen several of its starters go down with season-ending injuries, the team has to clean up in the penalties department, and the rushing attack needs to get going, among other things.
But as I recently opined, 4-0 is still 4-0, and Syracuse football is extremely likely to get to 5-0 this Saturday on the Hill.
Syracuse football vs. Wagner odds week 5
When I penned this column, WynnBET had anointed the Orange as a whopping 55-point betting favorite against Wagner. That’s crazy big. The over/under was set at 59.5 points. The moneyline for Syracuse football was a ridiculous -100000, while it was +5000 for the Seahawks.
Syracuse football vs. Wagner prediction week 5
All-time, the Orange is 2-0 versus Wagner, which is a Football Championship Subdivision squad that competes in the Northeast Conference and whose campus is based in the New York City borough of Staten Island.
In recent seasons, the Seahawks have struggled on the field, but Babers cautions – given his own previous experiences – that the ‘Cuse better not take Wagner lightly. Not in the least.
The Syracuse football head coach continues to stress that the Orange program, and its fan base, have to keep on taking things one game at a time, and one week at a time. That being said, it’s hard not to get jazzed up about the distinct possibility that the ‘Cuse will soon be 5-0.
Then again, after its clash with Wagner, Syracuse football has a much-needed bye week to rest and recharge. Because after that, the Orange has a seven-game stretch to close out the 2022 regular season where the ‘Cuse will face five ranked foes, Notre Dame at home, and Boston College on the road.
As far as its encounter with the Seahawks, I’ll go with Syracuse football to come out on top, and by an ultra-wide margin.
Injuries, how to watch, live stream, next game
On the injury front, fullback/tight end Chris Elmore, linebacker Stefon Thompson, wide receiver Isaiah Jones and defensive lineman Terry Lockett are all unfortunately out for the remainder of the 2022 campaign, according to Babers.
Syracuse football and Wagner will do battle beginning at 5 pm on Saturday, Oct. 1, from the JMA Wireless Dome. This is the special homecoming game for SU students. The ACC Network Extra will provide coverage.
For Orange and Wagner fans who want to stream this game, you can check it out on fuboTV.
Following this non-conference contest, the Orange will have a bye week. Then, on Saturday, Oct. 15, the ‘Cuse will host No. 10 N.C. State, which is currently undefeated and looks the part of one of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s best groups to date in 2022. The television provider for this affair hasn’t yet been announced.