2015-16 Football Previews – (ACC) – Orange
Syracuse Football seems to have lost its way. They have not been a power like they were in the days of Jim Brown for some time but they used to compete for titles in the days of the old Big East.
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ACC – Syracuse Orange
Head Coach: Scott Shafer
2014 Record: 3-9
Odds to win ACC: +10000
Win Total: 4.5
Now they seem adrift in the ACC, a move that was supposed to have been made for football, right (at least financially). They have no natural recruiting advantages and even less of an identity right now.
If they are not careful they may keep sinking until they become like Connecticut, a team that can compete in the hardwood but not on the gridiron.
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Heading into 2015 season the Orange look like they are in a dogfight to avoid being last in their division.
If they are able to finish ahead of Boston College and Wake Forest they might be able to sneak towards bowl eligibility but I wouldn’t count on it. The key to their season is going to be better health and getting some breaks.
This program has not finished a season in the rankings since 2001 and the Orange faithful are likely going to have wait a little longer. They are a long way from the middle tier in the ACC.
Strengths
In senior QB Terrell Hunt, the Orange have one of the most athletic quarterbacks in America. The senior still needs some polish but the Orange know what he is capable of when healthy – he missed five games last season and they were a mess without him.
This season Syracuse is implementing a new spread offense that seems well suited to his talents. Hunt has size in his targets (three over 6’2”) which should increase his margin for error as a thrower.
The defense was strong last year, unexpectedly, that means that maybe they can be again despite only three starters returning.
Weaknesses
Keeping Hunt healthy is critical. Last year they had trouble running the ball and this year they are returning only three linemen and lost their rushing leader from a year ago.
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The spread should create some opportunities but they won’t have mastered it yet, learning on the fly with untested personnel can be challenging. If they are going to rely on Hunt to stand in the pocket and pick people apart they are going to be disappointed.
Last year the defense forced a lot of turnovers but there are so many new players on that side of the ball it might be tough to expect the same level of continuity and results.
Prediction: 4-8
The Orange get both Boston College and Wake Forest at home and as a result they will get to show some improvement this season – at least in terms of wins. Undoubtedly the key is Hunt.
He will not only have to make big plays but also avoid big mistakes that kill teams. Last year they were 3-9 with a top 25 defense (shocker).
They probably will not be as strong on that side of the ball this season which means that games against the likes of Florida State and Clemson could get pretty ugly this season.
Unless that defense winds up being good there is probably not much reason to pay close attention to Syracuse this season.
I wouldn’t trust them as favourites to cover more than a few points and they are not going ot be underdog threats if they can’t stop anybody.
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The Carrier Dome isn’t what is used to be as an advantage either.
Syracuse 2015 Schedule:
September 5 – Rhode Island
September 12 -Wake Forest
September 19 – Central Michigan
September 26 – LSU
October 10 – @ South Florida
October 17 – @ Virginia
October 24 – Pitt
October 31- @Florida State
November 7 – @ Louisville
November 14 – Clemson
November 21 – @ NC State
November 28 – Boston College
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