The calendar has officially turned to August. We did it ladies and gentlemen, there will be college football games this month! There won’t be any Syracuse Football until September, but you should still be excited nonetheless. Now is the time to really hone in on the schedule, personnel, and crystal ball how the season could look.
Record predictions have already been made and remain unchanged. If you’re interested, I’ve been experiencing SU’s 2021 season in a virtual manner via College Football Revamped. Today let’s zoom in on Syracuse’s slate and dissect the toughest three game stretch.
Weeks 7-9
Let’s be honest, every stretch is a difficult stretch because every game has meaning when you’re an underdog. The Orange will likely find themselves being the underdog in the majority of their games this season. This decision was based on the strength of the opponent, difficulty of the road environment, and how the match-ups fit together consecutively.
Oct. 15 vs Clemson
This pick really doesn’t need any explaining, it’s Clemson. The Tigers are the class of the ACC and have an opportunity to win the national championship every season. The team may not be as strong as past squads, but they still have a whole lot more talent than Syracuse.
Miracles have happened before (see 2017), but it would take just that for ‘Cuse to win. What might help SU is that this game will be played on a Friday night.
Oct. 23 @ Virginia Tech
The short week of prep for Clemson gives Syracuse an extra day to get ready for a tough road game at Virginia Tech. Lane Stadium is one of the rowdiest environments in college football, especially at night. No time has been released for this game as of today, we should get more info on that soon.
If you’re an SU fan, you should be praying the Hokies don’t waste a night game on this contest. If that’s the case it gives the Orange a better chance. This is a game that I’ve circled as a one that’s winnable for the ‘Cuse and would be monumental in terms of winning six games and making a bowl.
Oct. 30 vs Boston College
The stretch ends with BC before a bye week. It would be better if the week off came in mid-October, but it can’t be changed now. So there’s no sense complaining about it. Syracuse competed well against Boston College last year in a 16-13 loss. The Orange were playing short-handed and trotted out a freshman quarterback for his first career start.
Many believe the Eagles will be even better in year two under Jeff Hafley and could even challenge Clemson for the Atlantic Division crown. If you read my predictions, you know how I feel about this game.
BC is a gritty team that will provide a stiff test, but a win is certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Fans need to remember that the Orange are coming off a pair of tough contests’ prior though in Clemson and Virginia Tech which could play a factor.
If SU can go 2-1 or even 1-2 in this three game stretch, it multiplies its hopes of a bowl birth in 2021. Going winless in this trio of games can’t happen though. Stay tuned for the most defining three game stretch on Syracuse’s slate.
