Tennessee is just a better football team, at this juncture, than Syracuse. That's no disrespect to my alma mater, and I also am a Volunteers fan, given my 9-year-old son lives not far from Knoxville, Tenn.
As the Vols extended their lead to 38-20 in the third quarter (at the time of this writing), I never want to say that a game is over, but this non-conference contest feels over.
In pretty much all phases of the game, Tennessee is flexing its muscles over our beloved Syracuse football program. The Orange, led by starting quarterback Steve Angeli, has had its moments, as the ABC announcing team noted a few minutes into the third quarter.
But the 'Cuse isn't on the same level as Tennessee, a Southeastern Conference powerhouse that made the 12-team College Football Playoff a season ago. Angeli had an interception at the beginning of the third quarter, and that led to a Volunteers touchdown.
In the first half, the Orange recovered a fumble and looked to capitalize. However, the 'Cuse fumbled right back, and the Vols notched a touchdown on a scoop-and-score. Even as I wrote these words, down 38-14, Angeli continued to march Syracuse football down the field, ultimately leading to a rushing score.
The issue for the Orange is that trying to put it all together - on both sides of the field - against a bigger, stronger, faster Tennessee unit is tough. To win this neutral-site affair in Atlanta, Angeli and his teammates have to be all but perfect, and, understandably so, being the 2025 season opener, they haven't been.
Syracuse football is fighting tough, but the Vols are just a more complete group.
On multiple occasions, when the Orange has managed to journey down the field and get into the end zone, Tennessee has answered right back. That's discouraging, no doubt about it.
Angeli has an interception and a fumble. But he's looked okay. Running back Yasin Willis has two rushing touchdowns. Wide receivers Johntay Cook II and Justus-Ross Simmons are talented. The Volunteers have a terrific pass rush, and Angeli has been sacked at least four times.
Still, in bits and pieces, the Syracuse football offensive line has fared well. On the flip side, the 'Cuse defense has struggled. Even though Tennessee's roster, as compared to the 2024 campaign, was minus several top receivers and a running back who proved among the nation's elite last year, quarterback Joey Aguilar has played well. He's picked on true freshman cornerback Demetres Samuel Jr.
By and large, the Volunteers have dominated in total yardage and in rushing yards. Syracuse football defenders have missed a bunch of critical tackles. The Orange is hanging around, but if I'm being honest about my alma mater, the 'Cuse just isn't quite good enough to beat a team like Tennessee.
That, of course, could change as the 2025 season continues. And who knows, maybe Syracuse football will mount a furious comeback, stun the Vols, and make me look like a dope. I hope that happens.