The Syracuse Orange almost turned a corner in 2017. Almost. However, after beating Clemson for their fourth win of the season, the Orange failed to win another game. Once again, the tide appears to be turning in upstate New York, as a top 50 recruiting class is welcomed on campus.
Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 19 existed): 3* (more like 2.5, but I’ll round up here)
Syracuse has not enjoyed much success recently, but do boast quite the history, with the likes of Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, Marvin Harrison and Donovan McNabb in the alumni network.
Previous Record: 4-8 (2-6 ACC)
Projected Returning Starters:
Offense: 8
QB Eric Dungey, RB Dontae Strickland, WR Devin Butler, TE Ravian Pierce, OT Cody Conway, OG Aaron Roberts (12 starts in 2016), C Aaron Servais, OG Sam Heckel
Dungey, Butler, and Pierce will lead the passing game for the offense, and an experienced line should bolster a lackluster running game. Expect Moe Neal to see a ton of carries as well, as he should split time with Strickland, just as the duo did last season.
Defense: 7
DE Alton Robinson, NT McKinley Williams, DT Chris Slayton, DE Kendall Coleman, CB Scoop Bradshaw, S Evan Foster, CB Christopher Fredrick
Despite the combined experience, the defensive group does not offer much confidence. The linebacking crew features all new starters, which could become problematic. Pass-rushing was a glaring weakness for the Orange last season, and Robinson, Coleman and R-Sophomore Josh Black will be counted on to rectify that issue.
Special Teams: 2
PK/P Sterling Hofrichter, KR/PR Sean Riley
Hofrichter was solid on punts last season (43.4 YPK) and now slides into the place kicker role following Cole Murphy’s graduation. Sean Riley will need to improve his ball security to make an impact for the special teams unit.
Key Losses: Steve Ishmael, Ervin Phillips
Both Ishmael and Phillips were exceptional targets for Dungey last season. The two combined for 194 catches (63.6%) and 2,251 yards in 2017. Rather than using just two more players to step up to replace this duo, the Orange will count on a multitude of options like Devin Butler, Nykeim Johnson, Jamal Custis and former safety Antwan Cordy.
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member: Trill Williams
Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 58
Obviously, recruiting against ACC opponents will be tough for the Orange. Babers and staff did a tremendous job identifying and securing talent in the 2017 class, with that class ranking 50th in the nation. Freshman safety Andre Sisco is projected to start in the secondary, while several other freshman could see time.
Alcohol Prediction for Fans by Season’s End: Tequila
Tequila will be the official drink of the Syracuse Orange this season because while it may seem like a good pick right now, you’ll wake up tomorrow morning disappointed in your choice.
Outlook: Syracuse is facing an uphill battle to climb out of the bottom part of the ACC, both in recruiting and standings, but seem to be heading the right direction. Any hope of a bowl game would require at least three wins in the first four or five games. A sputtering start could prevent the team from reaching its potential.