The 2025 Syracuse Orange (0-0) football season kicks off tomorrow at 12:00 on ABC when they face the #24 Tennessee Volunteers in the Aflac Kickoff Game in Atlanta. Year two of the Fran Brown era will kick off against an SEC opponent in what will be a big test for the Orange.
Syracuse is currently a 13.5 point underdog according to FanDuel
so a win would be a significant upset to start the season. Here is what we’re predicting:Kevin: Tennessee 31, Syracuse 20
It feels like this game will come down to
the offensive lines and I think that gives the edge to Tennessee. If the Orange can force the Volunteers to pass the ball more, they can find themselves with a better chance for the upset. I think the Syracuse passing game can move the ball, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a 300-yard passing day from Angeli in his debut, but in the end the defense just can’t stop the Tennessee run game late and they get the insurance score in the final four minutes.
Augie: Tennessee 27, Syracuse 17
I think this game is going to be lower scoring than people think. I agree with Kevin in the idea that offensive lines are going to be a big story, but I think there are going to be multiple instances where they break down. I can foresee at least three sacks from each defense stalling drives and forcing punts. I think third down conversions are going to be difficult to come by and Joey Aguilar makes a few more plays than Syracuse can keep up with. With that being said, I think Syracuse either leads or is within three at the half and keeps it a one possession game until late into the 4th quarter.
Max: Tennessee 24, Syracuse 20
The Vols aren’t the SEC powerhouse that they once were, but I still think Josh Heupel’s squad does just enough to squeak out the win. It should definitely be a lower-scoring game given the new offensive personnel on both sides. That being said, Tennessee’s defense is returning a ton of starters and is expected to be one of the best in the SEC. I think that experience keeps Syracuse from taking the lead late and the Vols’ run game chews out the clock from there.
Dom: Tennessee 34, Syracuse 17
Both offenses will have new faces under center, leading to plenty of uncertainty how exactly each team will attack the other. I’m cautiously optimistic in Syracuse’s passing system working, leading to a pair of touchdown drives and at least one other score. That said, Tennessee has a really solid insurance policy with an SEC-level offensive line and a run-heavy scheme that has dealt with a shaky passing attack before. I think Syracuse’s defense will surprise some folks and keep the Vols from totally blowing this game out of the water early on, but can’t sustain that the whole game. This comes down to the trenches and Syracuse’s O-line is too much of a question mark, and Tennessee overall has certainly at most of its positions.
***************************************************************************************************
What are you predicting?