No one is expecting the Syracuse Orange (3-8) to return from South Bend with a win over the #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-2), but is there any chance that this one is competitive? Kickoff is 3:30 on NBC/Peacock with Dan Hicks and Jason Garrett on the call and here’s what we’re predicting:
Kevin: Notre Dame 41, Syracuse 13
Notre Dame’s going to jump out to a big lead then empty the bench in the second half. I expect Syracuse to contain Jeremyiah Love for a bit, before he breaks a long touchdown run
in the second quarter that starts the onslaught. There is no NET ranking to worry about here so Marcus Freeman knows the final score doesn’t matter as much as making sure his starters are good for the season-ending game against Stanford. After all the talk this week, I’m just wondering if Luke Carney plays his 4th game, or if Fran Brown does hold him back for Boston College in the Dome.
Casey: Notre Dame 42, Syracuse 9
The season seems to have been punted away by Syracuse and Orange fans have moved over to the basketball court. However, no matter the season it is always cool to play at Notre Dame. I think CJ Carr has a big day and, as Kevin said, I could see the Orange defense staying in it for a quarter at most. On the offensive side of the ball, I can’t see Joe Filardi doing too much with this offense on the road at a top-10 school. I see them getting some field goals throughout the game, but the game being pretty much over by halftime. I’ll be in South Bend, and I’m curious how many Syracuse fans make the trip.
Dom: Notre Dame 38, Syracuse 7
The Orange can do a *really funny thing to help Miami inch closer in The U v. Fighting Irish ranking argument… but it’s not going to happen. Two of Notre Dame’s biggest strengths — running the ball with Love and its all-around defense — are essentially what Syracuse struggles most to do. The defense has flashed at times this year but doesn’t have the depth to stop the Fighting Irish as much as it needs to do, and the offense remains in the gutter with not too much to be optimistic for. Maybe Notre Dame lets its foot off the gas and gives Syracuse a few easy scores, but this will be a game for about a quarter.
Max: Notre Dame 45, Syracuse 6
Don’t let those two early losses fool you, this Fighting Irish squad is legit and has a realistic shot at a national championship. Love is a projected top-15 pick and should have no problems carving up lanes against an Orange defense that allows the third-most rush yards in the ACC. An offensive touchdown would be a moral victory, but I don’t see it happening. Onto the hardwood…
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Now it’s your turn. Let us know your prediction in the comments.
