Syracuse football, despite 3-game skid, still appearing in bowl projections

As Syracuse football is in the midst of a bye week, the Orange has wrapped up its most challenging three-game stretch of the 2023 season, a span in which the ‘Cuse got thoroughly outplayed by fellow Atlantic Coast Conference foes Clemson at home, as well as highly rated North Carolina and Florida State on the road.

I noted in another column earlier this week that ESPN’s football power index (“FPI”) still gives the Orange (4-3, 0-3 in the ACC) an overwhelming chance to attain at least six victories this term and qualify for a post-season bowl for the second year in a row.

That being said, many ‘Cuse fans and some former Syracuse football players are frustrated not merely with the recent losses, but the fact that the Orange hasn’t proven competitive versus high-quality competition of late.

In consecutive setbacks to the Tigers, the Tar Heels and the Seminoles, Syracuse football has been outscored by a combined 112-24. Yes, the Orange’s remaining five regular-season games in 2023 are “winnable,” but unless the team shores up its offense, the ‘Cuse is likely to suffer more defeats, even against “easier” competition.

Let’s look at recent bowl projections for Syracuse football.

Jerry Palm of CBS Sports has the Orange going up against Pac-12 Conference member Oregon State in the Holiday Bowl on December 27 in San Diego. At present, the Beavers are 6-1 overall and ranked No. 12 in the latest Associated Press top-25 poll.

Brett McMurphy of Action Network predicts that Syracuse football will face American Athletic Conference team Tulane in the Fenway Bowl on December 28 in Boston. The Green Wave owns a mark of 5-1 and checks in at No. 23 nationally in the AP top 25.

Brad Crawford of 247Sports also has the Orange squaring off against Tulane in the Fenway Bowl.

Finally, Steven Lassan of Athlon Sports is projecting that Syracuse football will suit up versus American Athletic Conference team Navy on December 27 at the Military Bowl in Annapolis, Md. So far in the 2023 campaign, the Midshipmen are 3-3 overall.

Prior to the current stanza commencing, I predicted that the ‘Cuse would have an 8-4 record during the 2023 regular season. I’m sticking with that projection, although the Orange clearly needs to rest, regroup and fix some things during its bye week.

Next up for Syracuse football, the ‘Cuse hits the road again for its third ACC clash in a row away from the Hill, although as I noted, the team does have a bye week presently underway.

On Thursday, Oct. 26, Syracuse football travels to Blacksburg, Va., to battle Virginia Tech. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm, with television coverage on ESPN.