Well folks the day is here. We have waited over 7 months (and really longer for Wake to play a game) for college football and it is finally here!!!! Today we will have this Q and A with Sean Keeley from Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician, a preview of the game, and any late breaking news leading up to the game.
Enjoy folks and GO DEACS!!!
Click through the jump to get to the good stuff!
You know, when camp began it was looking grim. Literally every day it seemed like an offensive lineman was going down with an injury and other players were dropping like flies as well. The term "out indefinitely" because the theme of camp.
But at some point, the injuries stopped and people started coming back. All of the offensive line starters will be on hand and there's enough back-ups to make us not worry. Defensive backs like Shamarko Thomas and Phil Thomas will be back. Keon Lyn, who dislocated his shoulder, will be available although he's not starting. Even Prince-Tyson Gulley, who got stabbed just over a month ago, is good to go.
Some surprise players who made an impact include freshman RB Adonis Ameen-Moore, sophomore WR Jarrod West and LB Dyshawn Davis, all of whom are expected to make an impact this season. As for players who came up short, I think we have to look at Sales, who was expected to be our deep threat but screwed himself and the team by getting caught with a massive amount of drugs. Awesome.
Syracuse will win because the Orange offense is full of weapons and has the ability to score in multiple ways. Ryan Nassib is much-improved and Antwon Bailey is a much more solid RB than many are giving him credit for. Meanwhile, the defense has some strong anchors at DE (Mikhail Marinovich and Chandler Jones) to cut down the run while Phil Thomas and Shamarko Thomas shut down the Wake passing game.
I truly believe the Orange can emulate their success from last year, even if its a different kind of success. Last year it was defense first but this year I think it's going to be the offense that carries things. At least I hope so.
I think the Orange have the ability to start very strong, maybe 3-1 in September. From there, they'll be competitive in the Big East since there is no powerhouse. I'm hoping for 8 wins but I'm expecting 7. A return to the Pinstripe Bowl is fine but I'm thinking we end up back in your state for the Belk Bowl.
I see a lot of scoring due to SU's offensive ability and SU's defensive liability, so I'm going with 31-21 Orange in a solid game. Good luck to you guys...