The 10-3 team of 2018 seems like decades ago. After a predicted 45-21 loss to Notre Dame, the Syracuse football team ended their season with a 1-10 record. Their lone win came in Week 3 against Georgia Tech, a team that currently sits at 3-6. In short terms, the 2020 Syracuse football season was an absolute joke. A mockery of a program that looked to be on an upward swing that has now posted a losing record in six of the last seven seasons. It’s embarrassing to be a Syracuse football fan in 2020.

Hot seat: Dino Babers?

It starts with coaching. I am, most of the time, a Dino Babers apologist. But when do we finally criticize the man? Yes, 2018 was special. But that was led by Eric Dungey, a generational college talent for a team like Syracuse. Guys that compete like Dungey do not grow on trees. He put his body on the line each and every Saturday for his teammates. Now, the team feels lifeless. Babers is now 24-36 as the head coach of the Orange. Syracuse has made just one bowl game.

Yes, the talent on the team this year was not quite there. QB Tommy DeVito went down early with an injury, and defensive stars Andre Cisco and Trill Williams both ended their seasons early to prepare for the draft. But it seemed like most games the Orange didn’t even want to show up for their coach. This was evident in a 38-14 loss to Wake Forest and a 30-0 loss at Louisville. No heart.

The biggest bright spot for the Orange was their defense, which was filled with freshman and first-time starters but managed to keep some games close. This is not a nod to Dino Babers, however, but more credit to first-year defensive coordinator Tony White. Babers is supposed to be an offensive guru, promising “Orange is the new fast” and what was supposed to be an up-tempo, fun offense. That stellar offense averaged 17.8 points per game, 119th in the NCAA. Again, the personnel isn’t always there.

So many times, however, it just looked boring. Stagnant. Uncreative. The lone bright spot was freshman RB Sean Tucker, who ran for 626 yards and four touchdowns, and junior WR Taj Harris. I’m not completely out on Babers as a good head coach, but if you preach offensive firepower, you better bring it. It feels like so many times people are quick to defend Babers because of 2018.

Next year?

Every single year with Syracuse, it feels like people are ready for next year. The recruiting class for next season is ranked 50th in the nation, up from 58th last year. Yay. Another class filled with 3-star recruits that ranks dead last in the ACC. Moving to the ACC was supposed to help Syracuse recruit, but instead, they’ve been getting worse. I don’t have any confidence going into 2021.

2020 was a weird year. The Orange avoided any COVID scares, which tallies their second win of the season. That is something to be applauded. Playing in an empty Carrier Dome was another challenge. However, the bottom line is this. You should be embarrassed to be a Syracuse football fan. You can love a program as a fan and still expect better from a school that has committed so much money to build a good team.

What’s next?

Right now, Syracuse is not the best team in their own state. Buffalo is far and away better, and I’d probably take Army over the Orange as well. There is no excuse for that whatsoever. But hey, at least it’s basketball season.