BSD Staff Predictions for Syracuse

After Wake Forest’s win at Louisville last week, there are no more perfect picks on the staff. This week, the Deacs take on the Syracuse Orange, and the staff predicts a lot of points will be scored in this one.

Andrew (6 correct-Tulane, Towson, Notre Dame, Rice, Clemson & Louisville, 2 incorrect-BC & Florida State)

Wake Forest 35-Syracuse 24

The Wake defense, despite being torched the previous two games, showed some sign of improvement, albeit against a depleted Louisville team. Whatever the case may be, we can all agree that the unit as a whole looked better than it has been recently. With that said, however, the team is once again matched up against a mobile quarterback. This time, it’s senior Eric Dungey, who has proven to be an effective dual-threat out of the backfield. But, Wake has already played quite players of that archetype this year (Jawon Pass, Deondre Francois), and hopefully, they’re able to adapt to what they’ve done in the past in order to create their own schematical advantage.

On the other hand, the Deacons’ offense looks like it did at the beginning of the year. The Louisville game was a coming out party for quarterback Sam Hartman and he looked confident for the first time really against a conference opponent. He has the poise, and now experience, of playing against these big-time schools, which should help both physically and mentally as he goes up against another ranked school.

With Scotty Washington back healthy and Matt Colburn establishing himself more on the ground, the Deacons offense should be a true threat Saturday. Let’s not forget, the Orange have given up 40+ points on three separate occasions this season, including one against Western Michigan.

Plus, the team is back at BB&T Field, which is always an advantage to have.

Expect to see a lot of scoring early on, and look for the Deacons to grab a hold of that lead midway through the fourth. After that, I can see the team earning a real staple victory.

Elijah (7 correct-Tulane, Towson, Notre Dame, Rice, Clemson, Florida State & Louisville, 1 incorrect-BC)

Wake Forest 31-Syracuse 28

The Deacs are hoping to build off their big win in Louisville. However, the Cuse come into the Deacs Homecoming as a top 20 ranked College Football Playoff team.

Wake Forest will try to lean on the run game again after Matt Colburn’s 200+ rushing effort last week.

Look for the Deacs to build off the offensive performance and steal a game against the stronger-than-expected Orange. Wake Forest pulls off the upset, 31-28.

Riley (7 correct-Tulane, Towson, BC, Rice, Clemson, Florida State & Louisville, 1 incorrect-Notre Dame)

Syracuse 55-Wake Forest 45

This one has “first to 50” written all over it. After the best offensive effort of the season last week for the Deacs I think it will continue right where it left off. I expect Hartman to be sharp early and the Deacs to take advantage of the Cuse defense. Unfortunately, I fully expect the same thing of Eric Dungey and the Orange. They are going to tear apart our secondary as most teams have done this year. Ultimately this game will come down to who gets that one big stop or turnover, and I think Syracuse is more suited to get that done than Wake Forest is.

Sadly I’m taking the Orange to spoil the Deacs Homecoming.

Adam (7 correct-Tulane, Towson, BC, Notre Dame, Rice, Clemson & Florida State, 1 incorrect-Louisville)

Syracuse 51-Wake Forest 42

Combine two uptempo offenses capable of putting up massive numbers with two defenses that have seemed unable to stop anyone at times this year, and I think we’re looking at a shootout so big it would make John Wick jealous. Ultimately, I think the experience of Dungey at QB will give the Orange the edge in this one.

Cam (4 correct-Tulane, Towson, Clemson & Louisville, 3 incorrect-BC, Notre Dame & Florida State)

Wake Forest 54-Syracuse 48

Giving the shootout edge to the home team. Cuse is going to gash our secondary but they are inept at stopping the run. And well we see what Colburn did last week. I’m putting faith in Sam Hartman (SHOCKER) to lead a game winning drive.

Samurai (5 correct-Tulane, Towson, Rice, Clemson & Louisville, 3 incorrect-BC, Notre Dame & Florida State)

Wake Forest 35-Syracuse 24

Sam Hartman rides the wave of confidence behind a final form #BeefBoys and bolstered by our punishing runners to score early and not let up offensively, while the defense does enough to bend not break and give us a massive homecoming victory.

Edward (7 correct-Tulane, Towson, BC, Notre Dame, Rice, Clemson, & Florida State, 1 incorrect-Louisville)

Syracuse 52-Wake Forest 42

This one should feature a lot of scoring after the performance of these two respective teams last week. Matt Colburn should be in line for another big game, as he had his previous career high in rushing yards against Syracuse last year. In the end though, Syracuse has a senior leading the offense in Eric Dungey, and their high powered offense is just too much for the Deacs to handle. Syracuse is a top top 25 team, which the Deacs have struggled mightily against this season. The Orange spoil homecoming by defeating Wake 52-42.

Rob (7 correct-Tulane, Towson, BC, Notre Dame, Rice, Clemson, & Florida State, 1 incorrect-Louisville)

Syracuse 45-Wake Forest 35

I incorrectly picked against the Deacs last weekend, and I hope that trend continues for homecoming. I can certainly envision a scenario in which the Deacs win this contest, but I do not trust our defense to get enough stops against this Syracuse offense, especially with Boogie Basham questionable. Sam Hartman had his best game of the year against Louisville, but Louisville’s defense is also atrocious.

Bart (7 correct-Tulane, Towson, BC, Notre Dame, Rice, Clemson, & Florida State, 1 incorrect-Louisville)

Wake Forest 52-Syracuse 42

Wake is coming off an emotional road win insane they had to have to stay in bowl contention. They turn right back around to one of the top two games they have a chance of winning and still need two victories to make a bowl. I think Wake rides the wave and gets it done at home in front of a solid homecoming crowd. The offense continues to put up gaudy numbers and the defense forces two timely turnovers to wreak havoc against an adept Syracuse defense.

Grumpy (6 correct-Tulane, Towson, BC, Rice, Clemson & Florida State, 1 incorrect-Notre Dame)

Rafael (4 correct-Tulane, Rice, Clemson & Florida State, 1 incorrect-BC)

Ned (2 correct-Tulane & Rice, 1 incorrect-Notre Dame)