The Syracuse Orange came up just short of bowl eligibility in 2021, ending up 5-7 overall. Syracuse won just one game inside the Atlantic Division last season. It will be incredibly depressing to see the new 3-3-5 schedule process implemented, and the divisions going away after the 2022 season.
Will Dino Babers be around to see the new scheduling system? He helped the Cuse to a 10-win season in 2018, including a Camping World Bowl victory. Since the magical season in 2018, the Orange have only won 11 games with 24 losses piled up. Babers returns plenty of talent this year, but can he get his guys to bowl eligible?
What To Expect For The Orange This Year?
At least the Orange know who their QB will be this season. QB Garrett Shrader is expected to be back under center where he completed just 52.6% of his pass attempts. The percentage is a mark which must develop dramatically. His legs are a bonus to the team, as he rushed for 781 yards and a team-best 14 scores.
RB Sean Tucker is also back, and he went for 1,496 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns last season. So, the offense can push the chains. The new offensive coordinator, Robert Anae, and new quarterbacks coach, Jason Beck, will need to keep the Cuse moving more efficiently.
The defense has its secondary together from last season. Syracuse’s defense returns 81% back on the defense which ranks 17th in the nation. The defense at times showed are a strong unit, then allowed 30 points six times last season.
2022 SYRACUSE ORANGE SCHEDULE
- Sat., Sept. 3 – vs. Louisville
- Sat., Sept. 10 – at UConn
- Sat., Sept. 17 – vs. Purdue
- Fri., Sept. 23 – vs. Virginia
- Sat., Oct. 1 – vs. Wagner
- Sat., Oct. 15 – vs. NC State
- Sat., Oct. 22 – at Clemson
- Sat., Oct. 29 – vs. Notre Dame
- Sat., Nov. 5 – at Pittsburgh
- Sat., Nov. 12 – vs. FSU
- Sat., Nov. 19 – at Wake Forest
- Sat., Nov. 26 – at Boston College
The schedule makers did not do Cuse any favors with the conference opener to begin the season. At least the Louisville game is at home, but lost last year to the Cardinals 41-3. There is a breather at UConn, then Purdue will be a stern early-season test at home.
The Orange should go 2-1 in the non-conference part of the schedule, not including the Notre Dame game.
The home slate is a bit intimidating with a visit from Florida State and NC State, while road trips to Clemson, Pittsburgh and Wake Forest are also no bargain. I do not like how the schedule sets up, and is difficult to find five victories for this Orange side. Playing the UNDER is your best bet. That might mean curtains for Babers, too.
Pick: Under 4.5 wins
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