As we prepare for the 2025 Syracuse Orange football season to begin, we bring back a TNIAAM staple this week. These previews are not our actual predictions, but rather a look at how the Orange could end up with a certain record this season.
Those who remember my previous predictions know I’m of the pessimistic nature. While I still haven’t nailed down an exact prediction for this season, it’s nice to look on the positive side of things for once.
That comes with caveats. I know a lot of fans see a 6-6
record as a floor for this season in terms of judging success. I’m still in the camp that says 6-6 would be a rousing success. With that said, let’s see how Syracuse could potentially go bowling with the toughest schedule in the ACC.
No. 24 Tennessee: Loss (0-1, 0-0)
Syracuse’s defense can probably hold off Tennessee’s offense, working with a new quarterback. The problem is that Syracuse’s offense faces the same problem. The Volunteer defense is just a tad more experienced and polished to stop the Orange charge.
UConn: Win (1-1, 0-0)
After a slow and apprehensive start given the prior week against Tennessee, the Orange offense finds its groove against an outmatched Huskies team in the second quarter.
Colgate: Win (2-1, 0-0)
The UConn game allows the team to build more chemistry and consistency, allowing for a much more comfortable win against Colgate.
at No. 4 Clemson: Loss (2-2, 0-1)
Syracuse keeps it tight, but the Orange loses out in the trenches just enough for Cade Klubnik to methodically move the chains for a fourth quarter dagger drive.
Duke: Loss (2-3, 0-2)
The Orange are too beat up physically from the previous week against Clemson, and it shows with a slower effort against an upstart Duke team.
at No. 16 SMU: Loss (2-4, 0-3)
Syracuse has trouble containing Kevin Jennings as the toll of the season continues to wreak havoc on the Orange roster. The bye week comes just in time.
Pittsburgh: Win (3-4, 1-3)
Spurring recent trends, Syracuse uses the bye week well to recover and rebound with a clean and consistent performance against Pitt.
at Georgia Tech: Win (4-4, 2-3)
The second trip to Atlanta goes better for the Orange. Syracuse uses the performance to start out hot against Georgia Tech and keeps the lead despite a Yellow Jackets rally.
North Carolina: Win (5-4, 3-3)
The Dome is on fire for the Halloween primetime matchup and the vibes are strong in the Syracuse locker room. Bill Belichick cannot keep up with the Orange as Syracuse moves one win away from a bowl.
at No. 10 Miami (FL); Loss (5-5, 3-4)
The trenches come back to bite the Orange as the lines fail to keep up with Miami in Hard Rock.
at No. 6 Notre Dame: Loss (5-6, 3-4)
Steve Angeli’s homecoming bodes well for the Syracuse starter as the Orange quarterback uses the return to power the Orange offense, but the Orange defense fails to stop Jeremiyah Love.
Boston College: Win (6-6, 4-4)
Fran Brown uses 4th-and-1 to rally the Orange to an inspiring performance to get Syracuse to a bowl.
Now it’s your turn. How does Syracuse get to a bowl game? Sound off in the comments below.
