Syracuse football faces a massive challenge in its 2025 season opener, but the Orange can win this game.
While the 'Cuse is nearly a two-touchdown underdog to No. 24 Tennessee on Saturday afternoon in week one, Syracuse football players and coaches believe they can win this non-conference encounter, and that they should emerge victorious on Saturday.
For that scenario to transpire for our beloved Orange, some things will have to occur. Let's delve into that.
This must happen for Syracuse football to conquer No. 24 Tennessee.
Get off to a quick start
Undeniably, there could be some first-game jitters for each team. With the Volunteers likely to have a larger contingent of its fans in Atlanta than the 'Cuse, it's important for Syracuse football to not fall behind early on in this battle. A couple of strong defensive series, and a quick score on offense, would be huge for the Orange.
Prevail in the turnover department
Both squads will have new quarterbacks under center to commence the 2025 campaign. Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli is the Orange's QB1, while at Tennessee, it's UCLA/Appalachian State transfer Joey Aguilar.
Aguilar was a bit interception-prone in 2024. It would prove big-time if the 'Cuse defense can pick him off once or twice, and hopefully give Syracuse football a short field to work with on offense. What's more, the Orange must win the turnover battle to emerge victorious over Tennessee.
Gut it out in the trenches
The 'Cuse has a significantly revamped offensive line, and its defensive line, while consisting of many veterans, is somewhat unproven. For Syracuse football to beat the Vols, the Orange has to win in the trenches.
The SU offensive line has to keep Angeli upright, give him time to make decisions, and provide room for Orange running backs to thrive. The challenge for the 'Cuse is that Tennessee will have a great defense this season, and the Volunteers boast some terrific edge rushers. Orange offensive tackles will have their work cut out for them in this match-up.
Also, if Syracuse football defensive players, particularly its defensive ends, can put pressure on Aguilar and make life miserable for him, that's vital for the Orange's chances to win in Atlanta.
Be special in special teams and avoid silly penalties
Syracuse football has an All-ACC punter in Jack Stonehouse. But last year, the 'Cuse did have some issues preventing opponents from wreaking havoc through blocked punts. The Orange has to be solid in that arena. Giving Tennessee short fields is a recipe for disaster, because the Vols' offense is somewhat unproven while its defense is elite.
Additionally, the 'Cuse wasn't good in field-goal kicking in 2024. Syracuse football needs to score touchdowns versus Tennessee and not settle for field goals. But if there are situations where head coach Fran Brown decides to try a field goal rather than go for it on fourth down, Syracuse football kickers have to be more accurate than last year.
The Orange has to be sound in the penalty department, too. The 'Cuse defense has question marks on the line, at linebacker and even somewhat in the secondary. Hopefully, SU's defense will be better than in 2024, but either way, mental mistakes cannot occur. Syracuse football players cannot commit costly penalties that extend Tennessee drives or, conversely, stall Orange drives while on offense.