We’re less than two weeks away from the start of the Syracuse football season, and while summer’s ending, there’s still plenty to be excited about as fall approaches. With that in mind, here is our annual comprehensive Syracuse football preview.
It all begins with our position-by-position breakdown of the offense:
- Quarterbacks: Who will be under center when the season starts?
- Running Backs: Could this be the deepest unit on the team?
- Wide Receivers: Who will step up to fill the No. 2 receiver role?
- Offensive Line: Can they improve over a woeful 2020?
And continues through to our breakdown of SU’s defense and special teams:
- Defensive Line: The three starters have a combined 12 years of experience.
- Linebackers: Mikel Jones headlines this talented, but relatively shallow, group
- Secondary: How will SU fare after losing three players to the NFL?
- Special Teams: Can James Williams carry on the tradition of great Syracuse punters?
If you haven’t gotten to know Syracuse’s opponents well, we’ve done a team-by-team scouting report for you:
- Ohio Bobcats
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Liberty Flames
- Florida State Seminoles
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- Clemson Tigers
- Virginia Tech Hokies
- Boston College Eagles
- Louisville Cardinals
- NC State Wolfpack
- Pittsburgh Panthers
Of course, the main question on most fans’ mind is whether Syracuse can get back to respectability in 2021 after a dreadful 1-10 season.
Editor in chief Brad Bierman weighs in, and thinks not only will Syracuse improve, but they’ll get back to six wins and a bowl game. Check out both Part I and Part II of his game-by-game predictions to see why he thinks so.
But don’t just take his word for it. We’ve asked some other experts in the media, and former players on our weekly podcast, The Juice on the Cuse about their thoughts on this year’s Orange team as well:
- Former Syracuse stars Brendan Carney and Dowayne Davis agree with Brad, and are predicting a bowl game appearance in 2021
- Speaking of Orange greats, ex-quarterback Eric Dungey says that any offense with a weapon like Taj Harris will be dangerous
- ESPN’s Andrea Adelson stresses the importance of Syracuse getting to the 6-win mark, while also breaking down the latest round of conference realignment
- Syracuse.com | The Post Standard’s Chris Carlson says that SU is definitely in for an improvement, and will end up with around 4-5 wins, enough to save Dino Babers job for the time being
That should be plenty to carry you through Labor Day weekend, and will get you fully ready and informed for the start of the Syracuse football season!
For more Syracuse coverage, Like our Facebook page, follow us @TheJuiceOnline and listen to our podcast.
