As we countdown to kickoff in August, we’re going to be doing a team-by-team preview each Tuesday over the summer. SU will play FCS opponent Wagner in Week 3.
HISTORIC SEASON: Wagner had its best season in school history in 2012, finishing 9-4 overall and 7-1 in the Northeast Conference. The Seahawks won their first-ever NEC title, and defeated No. 24 Colgate, 31-20, in the first round of the FCS playoffs before being knocked out by No. 4 Eastern Washington. In the final polls, the Seahawks finished 21st in The Sports Network Poll and 22nd in the FCS Coaches Poll, the first time an NEC team had ever finished ranked in both polls. The FCS world has taken notice. The Seahawks come into the 2013 season ranked No. 24 in the Lindy’s College Football Preview, and are also picked to win the NEC for the second straight year.
» More SU Football: Previewing SU v. Northwestern
WHO TO WATCH FOR: Fifth-year senior RB Dominique Williams is all over the Seahawks’ record books. He is fourth in school history with 3,338 rusing yards, and is fifth all-time in scoring with 234 career points. Last year, he finished the season with 1,328 yards and 13 touchdowns and was named a First-Team All-NEC selection and a 2012 College Sports Journal All-American. Still, it will be interesting to see who replaces four-year starting quarterback Nick Doscher, who was a two-time All-NEC selection.
PREDICTION: Syracuse hand difficulty separating themselves from FCS opponent Stony Brook last season, before hanging on for a 28-17 win. The Seawolves had a tough running back of their own, Miguel Maysonet, who rushed for 158 yards. This game could easily go the same way. SYRACUSE 35, WAGNER 20.
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