I saw some fall camp hype videos yesterday as it was the first day of practice for most teams in college football. Damn, those things got my blood pumping. Can’t wait for the season to begin later this month. Many of you reading probably share the same sentiments.
Day 1 ✅ pic.twitter.com/oiPMOiBO3S
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) August 6, 2021
Earlier this week, I shared my thoughts on what the toughest three game stretch is for Syracuse in 2021 based on its schedule. This three game stretch will be the most defining for SU. What do I mean by that?
This series of games will reveal how successful or disappointing the ‘21 team is considered. The difference between wins and losses in this period will present the difference between a bowl game or an extended winter break for the third consecutive season.
No ‘Cuse fan wants to see the team miss a bowl for the third straight year. So which three game run is the most important and the most defining for the Orange this fall? Let’s find out.
Weeks 8-11
I know what you’re about to say. “John, that’s four weeks for three games? Nice math, idiot.” Hold the phone though. It’s three games in a four week period because a bye week is incorporated.
This stretch is as follows: @ Virginia Tech, vs Boston College, bye week, @ Louisville.
There is some overlap between the toughest games and defining games, but there’s a reason for that.
Week 8: @ Virginia Tech
I touched on VT and the difficult road atmosphere it presents Syracuse. Like I said, unless SU is a ranked team going into this game it’ll be a nooner. If you know anything about crowds and 12 p.m. starts, they’re usually a bit sleepy. So the 12th man shouldn’t make that much of a difference.
This is a very winnable game for the Orange. Especially if the Hokies experience some quarterback issues with Braxton Burmeister. The Oregon transfer is the starter, but there’s little experience and talent behind him if he were to get banged up.
In any case, Syracuse CAN win this game. And if it wants to make a bowl and be considered a success, a victory in Blacksburg would go a long way.
Week 9: vs Boston College
Another overlap as a difficult game for the Orange. Despite Jeff Hafley’s hot start with the Eagles, SU nearly knocked off the Eagles with a true freshman quarterback JaCobian Morgan making his first career start.
Both teams will look different and be much improved from their 2020 versions, but I like Syracuse to pull this upset. If it does it could put itself in contention for a bowl bid. BC comes back to the Carrier Dome for the third consecutive season and ‘Cuse Nation should be in full effect for this contest.
Week 10: Bye Week, Week 11: @ Louisville
Unfortunately, the rest period comes super late in the season after SU’s 8th game! In a perfect world, this open week comes after Clemson and before the Virginia Tech contest.
Dino Babers is 2-3 in games following a bye week in his time at Syracuse. Last season, the dead week came before a road trip to play the Cardinals, and well, it didn’t go very well. The Orange lost 30-0 and were dominated from start to finish.
Syracuse is presented with the exact same situation this year. A few things to note about last year’s meeting were that JaCobian Morgan was the starter (just his second career start, first in a road environment) and that UL team was very talented all over the field.
Out of the three games listed, this is probably the least winnable with quarterback Malik Cunningham back and Scott Satterfield leading a prolific offense. However, a win here is certainly possible and would be SU’s second in six tries under Babers vs the Cards.
Some well-known media outlets have released quotes from anonymous ACC coaches saying that Syracuse has lost respect around the league. How does that respect get earned back? Beat the same teams and coaches that are saying they have no respect for you. This three game stretch would go a long way in both making that happen and propelling the Orange to a bowl game.
And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter for all things Syracuse @John_Eads3.
