The Syracuse Orange are looking to build off of a great campaign in 2022. However, this Orange team needs to replace their fantastic running back in Sean Tucker. Last year was their second winning season under head coach Dino Babers. However, where the win total is currently set at, and where the Orange are, it will be a lot easier said than done given the Syracuse schedule in 2023.
Offense
The Syracuse Orange is getting quarterback Garrett Shrader back to run their offense. Shrader threw for 2,640 passing yards to go along with a 17 to 7 touchdown to interception ratio. He also added 453 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. As good as Shrader was last season, it had to do with the school’s third all-time leading rusher Sean Tucker being a big factor in that offense.
With Tucker being the main focal point, it allowed Shrader to blossom. However, the Orange are also losing three offensive line starters from a season ago, including All-ACC left tackle Matthew Bergeron. Syracuse’s offense is going to rely heavy on Shrader’s shoulders and I don’t know if I would trust him with all that pressure.
Defense
The Syracuse defense is losing two of their defensive leaders from a season ago in CB Garrett Williams and LB Mikel Jones. A guy like Stefon Thompson will have to step up in a leadership role for this Orange defense. Syracuse is also getting a new defensive coordinator as Tony White is heading to Nebraska. They are going to keep the 3-3-5 defensive scheme with Rocky Long taking over for White. Long is going to have his work cut out from him as he needs to fill holes in their secondary and have the front seven do a better job at stopping the run in 2023. Syracuse has questions on defense; far too many for my liking coming into 2023.
Win Total
The Orange win total is set at 6.5 wins on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the over at +116 odds and the under at -142 odds. This Syracuse team is going to struggle in my honest opinion once ACC play starts. They should start out well in non-conference, but the second they come into conference play it will be tough for Syracuse. The -142 odds for the under is a little steep for my liking. I am staying away all together, but I think fading Syracuse will be a good system coming into ACC play.
Schedule Predictions
Win vs Colgate (1-0)
Win vs Western Michigan (2-0)
Loss at Purdue (2-1)
Win vs Army (3-1)
Blowout Loss vs Clemson (3-2)
Loss at UNC (3-3)
Loss at Florida State (3-4)
Close Loss at Virginia Tech (3-5)
Win vs Boston College (4-5)
Loss vs Pittsburgh (4-6)
Close Loss at Georgia Tech (4-7)
Loss vs Wake Forest (4-8)