Syracuse Football: Breakdown for Orange vs. Minnesota in Pinstripe Bowl

Syracuse football (7-5 overall, 4-4 in the ACC) is looking to bring another bowl trophy back to Syracuse, New York, and the Orange is looking to do it at Yankee Stadium against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (8-4 overall, 5-4 in the Big Ten) in the 2022 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl.

Syracuse football is seeking its first bowl victory since the 2018 Camping World Bowl, as they will have to take on a team that they have met before in the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Back in the 2013 Texas Bowl, these two teams would battle, which resulted in former Orange quarterback Terrel Hunt rushing for the game-winning 12-yard rushing touchdown to win, 21-17.

Syracuse football is coming into the game missing a few players, either due to the transfer portal or declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft, most notable being starting running back Sean Tucker (#34), who leaves the Orange after three incredible seasons with Syracuse. This will be a tough task for the Orange, as they get ready to face a team known for its rushing offense and stopping the run game in the Golden Gophers.

Syracuse football has a big challenge awaiting in Minnesota out of the Big Ten in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Player To Watch

Garrett Shrader (QB #6)– Shrader will need to step up in this game, where he not only needs to think with his arms, but he will need to think with his feet as well. Shrader has 2,310 passing yards and 17 passing touchdowns, but he also has 415 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns as well. He will not have his star running back in Tucker by his side, but as long a Shrader surveys the field, sees an opening to make the big play in passing or rushing, and makes the play happen to where the offense is moving, he will have no problem against this Gophers defense.

Keys To The Game

1. Stop The Run– This Syracuse football defense will need to step up against the Minnesota rushing attack, which is led by running back Mohamed Ibrahim, who has 19 touchdowns on the season. The Orange will need to stop the Gophers’ rushing attack early and not allow it to gain momentum, as it has the ability to get off to quick starts early.
2. No Costly Penalties– Syracuse football needs to make sure they do not make any costly penalties in this game. The Orange will need to keep its cool and not allow any penalties to cost them big yards that can hurt them later on in the game.
3. Home Field Advantage– Syracuse football will be playing in Yankee Stadium, which many Orange fans consider a home-field advantage for Syracuse. The Orange needs to get its fans involved early, keep them involved all game long, and give them something to cheer about.

Predictions

This game will be a test for this Syracuse football team, as they look to cap a season that started off 6-0 for the first time since 1987, with a big win at Yankee Stadium. Even though it won’t be like the JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse football can rely on its loyal fan base to make the trip and give them support. Syracuse will need to play a tough, defensive-based game if they want to walk away with a win. The Orange will walk out with the 2022 Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl trophy after a 28-17 win against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.