The Syracuse Orange (0-1) welcome the UConn Huskies to the JMA Dome tomorrow at Noon. The game will be streaming on ACCNX and here’s what the TNIAAM staff are predicting:
Kevin (1-0, 0-1 vs spread): Syracuse 34, UConn 30
I am not convinced that the Orange defense will be fixed in a week, but I think they generate enough pressure to keep a two-score lead until the final minute. This seems like a game where Syracuse focuses on short passes and then takes shots deep so let’s go with touchdown receptions
from Darrell Gill and Umari Hatcher in this one. Will Nixon and Jaden Hart add touchdowns on the ground as the offensive line controls the 2nd half. Fans won’t feel great about the final score, but a win is a win.
Casey (0-1, 0-1 vs spread): Syracuse 31, UConn 23
I think the Orange offense shows up again, and the Syracuse run game performs well against the Huskies. As Augie pointed out this week, though, Jim Mora’s UConn squad is no easy challenge. I can see this game having a similar feel to last season’s home opener against Ohio, where the defense struggled and the opponent made a late push. Still, if the Orange defense can contain UConn running back Cam Edwards, I think they’ll come out on top. I like Angeli to be steady and connect on a few explosive touchdowns to get the Dome fired up. In the end, I see Syracuse winning and just barely covering the spread.
Dom(1-0, 1-0 vs spread): Syracuse 41, UConn 31
Let’s be clear: neither offense will have trouble scoring the ball. Syracuse’s offense had its lapses here and there against Tennessee, but really showed some promise at other points. On the flip side, UConn’s own offense got off to a great start of its own in Week 1. Ultimately, the Orange and Huskies stay neck and neck through the first half, but Syracuse pulls away in the third quarter and manages to hold on the rest of the way. Regardless, Orange fans will be sweating this one out.
Augie (1-0, 0-1 vs spread): Syracuse 38, Uconn 34
I am right on board with the rest of them. It is going to be a high scoring game between these two teams. However, I do think this is going to be a game where Syracuse does feel in control for the most part. I think the first half will be back and forth but the second half will not put much pressure on the Orange and although the score will be close at the end, Syracuse will lead the entire fourth quarter. I think Willis continues to run the ball with a purpose on Saturday and we really see Angeli turn into a field general. I also think Samuel settles in defensively this week and makes a big play late in the game.
Max (1-0, 0-1 vs spread): Syracuse 34, UConn 31
This one should go similarly to last year’s edition: the Orange jump out to an early lead, the Huskies keep it within striking distance, but Fran Brown and company narrowly hang on. This is a perfect opportunity for Syracuse’s defense to get back on track, and I’m predicting two interceptions from the secondary. Look for UConn to lean on the ground game instead with Cam Edwards, who gashed SU with a 71-yard touchdown run last season. It’ll be way too close for comfort, but the Orange get to 1-1.
*********************************************************************************************************Now it’s your turn.
