This week we are joined by Syracuse blog Nunes Magician. You can follow them on Twitter at @NunesMagician.
Tell us about yourself and your blog.
We’ve been around Syracuse sports for a long time and we try to balance the coverage between serious analysis and #jokesandgarbage.
What are your thoughts on Syracuse so far this year?
The 4-3 record is what most expected the Orange would be right now, but the last three games have sapped a lot of optimism from the fanbase. Without Oronde Gadsden on the field. Syracuse’s offense has struggled to move the ball through the air against ACC opponents. The Orange defense has played well, despite the final scores the last two weeks.
What’s your favorite memory from the Syracuse-Virginia Tech series?
These teams have played some wild games but nothing tops the Donovan McNabb game-winning pass to Steven Brominski back in 1998. You don’t see a lot of football plays decided on the final play and that’s one of the defining moments of McNabb’s Syracuse career.
What do you think of the ACC’s new scheduling format?
It looked like a good step towards addressing the issue of schools not facing one another- Syracuse hasn’t hosted Miami since joining the league. However, expansion looks like it’ll change again and hopefully this time Syracuse won’t keep Florida State as an annual rival.
How do you view the current state of the Virginia Tech football program?
It’s interesting to be honest. Before the season I thought this would be a tough challenge for Syracuse. After the teams both played Purdue, it seemed like it would be a game Syracuse could win comfortably. After the last two weeks I think Virginia Tech is finding an identity, which is something the Orange have struggled to maintain since Dino Babers took over.
What is your outlook for the future of the ACC?
Short-term there shouldn’t be a major concern about the ACC collapsing. Expansion should provide a bit of security, but it all feels like everyone is waiting for the SEC and Big Ten to grow again.
What conference do you see Syracuse belonging to in the next 5-10 years?
I think Syracuse will be in the ACC, but it’ll look different in 10 years. Wouldn’t surprise us to see UConn and maybe WVU back with Syracuse, BC, Duke, Pitt, Wake and maybe Virginia Tech? The long-term viability of the league seems to hinge more on what UNC and UVA decide to do, than what Clemson and FSU do.
What are your expectations for the Virginia Tech game?
The team that gets out to an early lead will dictate the game. Syracuse needs a fast start to take the crowd out and also force the Hokies to play catch up. I do think the bye helps the Orange after this rough stretch, but it should be a game that is in the balance until the final five minutes. This sets up as a huge game for both programs as they jockey for bowl eligibility and positioning.
What’s your prediction for the game?
I’ll admit that as a homer I think Syracuse bounces back and wins 27-23. The week off helps Garrett Shrader get out and run a bit more and that dimension opens up some offense for the Orange.
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