The Orange enter 2019 with a boatload of expectations. In their third season under Dino Babers, Syracuse won 10 games and took home a Camping World Bowl victory over West Virginia. Local and national expectations have heated up, especially in a slightly weak ACC. Season ticket sales are through the roof and the Orange even landed a home primetime game with Clemson in Week 3 on ABC. The hype is there, but can Syracuse live up to it?
Prestige Ranking (if NCAA Football 20 existed): 4*
Last Years Record: 10-3 (4-2)
Syracuse was two quarters short of finishing the regular season 11-1. Their first loss came on the road in Death Valley, blowing a 23-13 fourth-quarter lead. The second loss came in a back-and-forth overtime loss to Pitt where the Orange led 34-27 in the fourth. Facing Notre Dame at Yankee Stadium was the only wire-to-wire loss Syracuse suffered last season. The Orange also went 4-2 in conference and 6-0 inside the Carrier Dome.
Projected Returning Starters:
Offense: 5
WR Taj Harris, WR Sean Riley, C Airon Servais, RG Evan Adams, RB Moe Neal
There will be some new faces for the Orange, and there could be some growing pains with the offensive line. But almost everyone now starting for the Orange this year has big-game experience from last season.
Defense: 7
DE Alton Robinson, DE Kendall Coleman, DT McKinley Williams, CB Christopher Frederick, CB Trill Williams, FS Andre Cisco, SS Evan Foster
Syracuse returns a mean defensive line in 2019 and its entire secondary. The linebacking group could be a revolving door after losing key veterans from last season.
Special Teams: 3
K Andre Szmyt, P Sterling Hofrichter, KR/PR Sean Riley
The nation’s best kicker is back! Andre Szmyt had a stellar freshman year, hitting 28-32 field goals, including 3-3 from 50+ yards. He also hit all 57 extra points. The special team group also brings back star punter Sterling Hofrichter and returner Sean Riley for an especially loaded unit.
Key Losses
QB Eric Dungey, WR Jamal Custis, TE Ravian Pierce, OT Koda Martin, OG Aaron Roberts, DE Chris Slayton, LB Kielan Whitner, LB Ryan Gutherie
Key Newcomer: Offense- QB Tommy DeVito
The biggest question mark for Syracuse in 2019 is can the Orange replace Eric Dungey? In short, I think they can. DeVito may not be a “newcomer” by definition, because he was with the team last season. But 2019 is the year the ball is put in his hands. DeVito got to play behind Dungey last season while also seeing decent playing time when Dungey was injured or underperforming. This included passing for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns in a dramatic 40-37 triple-overtime win over North Carolina, a game in which Dungey was pulled. DeVito may not have the same legs as Dungey, but he has a much bigger and more capable arm. He’ll fit nicely into Dino Babers’ up-tempo style, where he can hit the quick check-downs while also always being a threat to chuck it deep. DeVito is the best passing quarterback the Orange have seen in some time, and Syracuse will need him in order to be successful this season.
Key Newcomer: Defense- LB Mikel Jones
Jones is not projected to start, but as the season progresses, don’t be surprised if he does. The true freshman from Florida was a 3-star recruit out of high school but landed some big offers from schools such as Clemson, Miami, and Auburn. Jones ultimately chose Syracuse and will be in play to get some snaps in an inexperienced linebacking core. At 6 foot 2, 208 pounds, I like the frame of this kid, especially as he starts to bulk up.
Syracuse wins the ACC if…
They win every game they’re supposed to and knock off Clemson. It may seem odd to think of Syracuse as a legit ACC title threat, but they’re inching closer every year. The Orange knocked off Clemson two years ago with far less talent at home and gave them a run for their money on the road last season. Week 3 in the Carrier Dome might be the most electric atmosphere Syracuse football has ever seen. Trevor Lawrence (and the entire Clemson team) are studs, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility to pull the upset. If the Orange can win that game, it gives them the wiggle room to lose one conference game that isn’t Clemson. After going 4-2 in conference last season, 5-1 is attainable. Not easy, but attainable.
Circle this game on the calendar: Week 2 at. Maryland
I’ve talked about the Clemson game at length in this article. But what about the week before, on the road, against Maryland. This is a game Syracuse SHOULD win. But looking forward to next week could be an issue against a stingy, competitive Maryland team. The Terps knocked off Texas at home last season and lost a 52-51 classic against Ohio State. If Syracuse wants to be seen as legit and wants all the hype going into Week 3 against Clemson (and maybe even College Gameday?!), you have to be 2-0 entering the home opener. Circle that Maryland trip as a potential trap game, or a game for the Orange to establish themselves early on.
2019 Outlook
Syracuse returns most of its defense and a large chunk of its offense in 2019. The offensive line and linebacker unit will be the two position groups that may take some time to figure it out. Dino Babers has recruited well and has depth at almost every position. 2018 was special, but Babers and the Orange want more. This team seemingly has the potential to disappoint and go 6-6 or figure it all out and go 10-2. I’m going to be bold. The Orange will go 10-2 and knock Clemson off at home. Go big or go home right? I really like the potential this Syracuse football team has this season and in the years to come.