Season of Hope
How the Syracuse Orange can make the College Football Playoffs
The Offense
The offense loses QB Eric Dungey, who was a 4 year starter and a gamer. Tommy DeVito is the heir to the job, and I am very high on his ability to lead the offense. The RB group returns Moe Neal and transfer Abdul Adams, who scored twice in their bowl game last year. The WRs should be a great group to help DeVito. Sean Riley, Nykeim Johnson and Taj Harris return, with the three combining for over 1800 yds last year and 10 TDs. They also bring in a transfer from Michigan St, Trishton Jackson. The O-line returns 2 starters and brings in transfer Ryan Alexander from South Alabama. They should be in pretty good shape on the offensive side. They could get close to last years avg ppg (40.2).
The Defense
The D-line is easily Top 10 in the nation with DEs Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman combining for 20 sacks last season. The DTs weren’t as productive, but McKinley Williams and Josh Black return 31 tackles and 5 TFL. The secondary returns every starter, including All-American FS Andre Cisco as well as CB Christopher Fredrick, who combined for 10 INTs. They ranked 32nd in pass efficiency ratings. This will be the strength of the defense with Scoop Bradshaw and Evan Foster back as well (113 combined tackles) The LBs are the question mark of the defense, with 0 starters back. Andrew Armstrong (45 tackles) returns, but Lakiem Williams is the other expected starter and he only recorded 4 tackles last year. The nickel back position returns Antwan Cordy (27 tackles, 3 PBU) for another year, after his eligibility was granted, as well as Trill Williams (31 tackles). It will be interesting to see how the defense does with the uncertainty at LB, but running a 4-2-5 defense really helps. The defense should be able to match last years ppg total (27.0) and even improve by a pt or two.
Special Teams
Cuse returns All-American kicker Andre Szmyt, who was 30/34 last year, with a long of 54 yds. He should be one of the best in the nation again. Punter Sterling Hofrichter returns as well, and had an average of 39.0 yds per punt last year, including 26 punts inside the 20. This unit will be Top 5 and possibly even Top 3 in the nation.
How they make the playoff
The first 3 weeks are the key. They start with back to back away games vs Liberty and Maryland, before their biggest home game ever vs Clemson. The Orange must stay focused to win their first 2 games, because both will be dogfights. Then they’ll get the Champs. They have played Clemson very close the last couple years, so they’ll have confidence. If they can upset the Tigers, they will have a legitimate shot at the CFP. They face NC State and Florida St on the road, but those are both winnable. The Orange will be favored in 10-11 games this season. So anything is possible in a Season of Hope.
