It’s another primetime game for the Syracuse Orange (2-3, 0-3) on Saturday night as the Louisville Cardinals (3-3, 2-2) travel to the JMA Dome. Kickoff is at 7:30 on the ACC Network and Jorge Sedano, Rodney McLeod and Annabelle Hasselbeck will be on the call.
Here is what we’re watching for in this one:
Kevin: Force the Cardinals to grind
This Louisville team has 43 runs of over 10 yards. The Browns (Isaac and Keyjuan) have 17 carries of 15 yards or more. Louisville can score quickly and from anywhere
on the field with their ground game. Syracuse can’t afford to make poor reads, poor angles, or have poor tackling or the Cardinals will be in the end zone. You need to find a way to force Louisville to go on double-digit play drives and test their patience.
Dom: The battle on the ground
The running game is a strength on most occasions for both sides, but it really is for Louisville. Three backs for the Cardinals are averaging 7.5 yards per carry or more, and Kienholz’s legs could be a problem for the Orange front seven. As for Syracuse, Tylik Hill has just one score on the year, but he’s been one of the most effective running backs in the ACC with the ball in his hands. Hill might have the most important role of the game in giving the Orange some sort of offensive foundation considering the health uncertainty at QB.
Tanner: Win the Turnover Battle
The Cardinals take care of the ball at one of the best rates in the country. Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz has one interception on his ledger in his first year as a starter. Louisville has fumbled the ball 3 times this year. Steve Angeli has thrown more interceptions this year, then the amount of turnovers L-Ville has all year. The Orange are one of 7 teams in the county that has not put the ball on the ground. So far Nelson is the only quarterback for Cuse that has not turned the ball over. With Nelson and Odom most likely doubtful, and the uncertainty of Angeli’s status, Lauter is going to have to take care of the ball to give SU a shot to win.
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What’ will you be watching for in this one?
