Tag: syracuse

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2025 Preseason ACC Predictions

A preseason prediction for all 17 ACC teams heading into the 2025 college football season.

Projected ACC StandingsComments

12-0		Clemson looks like a complete team that could be 13-0 headed into the CFP

11-1		Expect Kevin Jennings to take a bit of a step back this year but the schedule almost assures a really strong season.

10-2		Color me a bit skeptical of Mario Cristobal and Miami but the schedule is there to be a CFP contender.

9-3		The Haynes and Haynes combo is not to be trifled with. Brent Key seems to have finally found a roster that can compete for an ACCCG berth.

9-3		Manny Diaz proved me wrong last year. With a good transfer QB and soft schedule, they will make noise this year.

8-4		Offense should be really good. Defense — who knows?

8-4		Dave Doeren is usually able to pull together a solid squad every year but will that defense hold up after all the transfers?

6-6		Too much talent to be as bad as last year. Will the new influx transfers this year work out for them? Hard to pick anything but middle of the road.

6-6		Solid additions through the portal but Brent Pry is still the head coach.

6-6		Pitt and Pat Narduzzi are trending toward becoming a perennial 6-6 team.

5-7		Bill Belichick is a football genius but he doesn’t block, tackle or run the ball.

5-7		They have a great RB and that’s pretty much it. However, that may be enough to win 5 games with that schedule.

4-8		Tough schedule and not enough talent. Not a great combination.

4-8		Fran Brown might get a reality check in year 2.

4-8		Soft schedule might help them out a lot but ultimately they have to show they have become a better team when they hit the field.

3-9		Cal football looks lost at the moment. At least they have the #Calgorithm.

3-9		Tough schedule. Transfer losses. Interim head coach and a new AD trying to make his mark. Looks like a bottom-out season for Stanford.
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Syracuse vs Virginia Tech Preview and Prediction

Virginia Tech proved on Saturday they can win a game even when the offense isn’t producing. Georgia Tech did a nice job of stopping the run but the Hokies need to prove they can move the ball with the passing game. This week’s game against Syracuse is a good opportunity to show that the passing game can make plays.

SP+ Rankings

Virginia Tech

Overall: 24th
Offense: 34th
Defense: 29th
Special Teams: 21st

Syracuse

Overall: 61st
Offense: 47th
Defense: 63rd
Special Teams: 106th

Syracuse’s offense was BAD last time out. QB Kyle McCord threw five interceptions against Pitt. I wouldn’t call that a normal performance for this offense. They got down 31-0 in the first half and McCord had to throw the ball 64 times! Syracuse usually likes to throw the ball a lot and they have a very good passing offense. This is a game where Tech’s secondary will need to be able to make plays against Syracuse’s receivers. They like to spread the ball to a lot of receivers including tight ends and running backs. Tech has to be ready for an air raid offense that they haven’t seen thus far this year. The good news is that McCord is not a running QB. So Tech will face a more traditional pro style offense this week in what feels like the first time this year.

Syracuse has a solid defense. Good against the run. Not great against the pass. Tech should not abandon the running game — especially not with Bhayshul Tuten available. But this is a game where Kyron Drones is going to have to hit some passes downfield. The running game alone will not win this game. Tech needs to be able to find balance offensively. A stout running game is a great thing to have but they cannot be one-dimensional. Tech needs to bring Jaylin Lane, Da’Quan Felton and Ali Jennings out of the witness protection program. Tech has weapons and they need to use them in this game.

The Carrier Dome gives me nightmares. There are always weird vibes up there. Last time out in 2016, Virginia Tech took a ranked team there and lost by 14. It’s a strange environment to play in but the players need to be focused on football and nothing else. No cockiness. Just show up ready to play from the opening whistle. A workman-like effort like they had against Stanford. Tech is the better team. I actually think the matchup works in Tech’s favor. The biggest thing is not to let the ghosts of the Carrier Dome take them down. Avoid a turnover fest or a major special teams meltdown and this should be a win.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Syracuse 24

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2024 ACC Football Preseason Predictions

This week we are doing ACC preseason predictions from our favorite Hokie podcast and Twitter personalities. We have preseason picks from Twitter personality OXVT (@OX_VT), Brian Seigla (@seigs5052) from the Boundary Corner Podcast, and Pete B. (@petebvt) from the Two Deep Podcast. We are also joined by ACC contributors Casey (Clemson) and Dirty Bird (Miami) with their picks for the 2024 ACC football season.

Treadmillhorse (@treadmillhorse)OX_VT
(@OX_VT)		Brian Seigla
(@seig5052)

11-1
11-1
11-1

10-2
10-2
10-2

10-2
9-3
9-3

9-3
8-4
9-3

9-3
9-3
8-4

9-3
8-4
8-4

8-4
8-4
8-4

8-4
8-4
7-5

6-6
8-4
7-5

5-7
7-5
6-6

5-7
6-6
6-6

5-7
6-6
6-6

5-7
4-8
5-7

4-8
5-7
5-7

4-8
5-7
5-7

3-9
4-8
3-9

3-9
3-9
3-9
ACC OPOYCam Ward, MiamiPreston Stone, SMUKyron Drones, Virginia Tech
ACC DPOYBarrett Carter, ClemsonAshton Gillotte, LouisvilleBarrett Carter, Clemson
ACC CoachDave Doeren, NC StateRhett Lashlee, SMUBrent Pry, Virginia Tech
Champ GameClemson / Florida StateClemson / SMUClemson / Florida State
ChampionClemsonClemsonFlorida State
Pete B.
(@petebvt)		Casey
(@FromSluggo)		DIRTY BIRD
(@dirtyyybird)

10-2
11-1
11-1

9-3
10-2
10-2

9-3
10-2
8-4

9-3
9-3
8-4

9-3
9-3
8-4

9-3
9-3
8-4

7-5
8-4
7-5

7-5
8-4
7-5

7-5
7-5
7-5

6-6
7-5
6-6

6-6
6-6
6-6

6-6
6-6
5-7

5-7
5-7
4-8

4-8
3-9
4-8

4-8
3-9
4-8

4-8
3-9
3-9

4-8
2-10
3-9
ACC OPOYKyron Drones, Virginia TechPhil Mafah, ClemsonCam Ward, Miami
ACC DPOYFrancisco Mauigoa, MiamiAshton Gillotte, LouisvilleRueben Bain, Miami
ACC CoachBrent Pry, Virginia TechBrent Pry, Virginia TechBrent Pry, Virginia Tech
Champ GameFlorida State / Virginia TechClemson / Florida StateMiami / Virginia Tech
ChampionFlorida StateClemsonMiami

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Syracuse vs Virginia Tech Preview and Prediction

For the first time in the Brent Pry era, Virginia Tech appears to be playing good football. The Hokies thoroughly handled Wake Forest before going into their bye week. The big concern now is how will the Hokies show up post-bye week. Will they look rusty? Or will they be able to maintain the momentum they had prior to the week off?

SP+ Rankings

Virginia Tech

Overall: 66th
Offense: 86th
Defense: 39th
Special Teams: 36th

Syracuse

Overall: 48th
Offense: 67th
Defense: 40th
Special Teams: 65th


Syracuse is pretty solid all around on offense. Jason Beck, former UVA QB coach under Bronco Mendenhall, remains at Syracuse and he has done a good job with QB Garrett Shrader. They like to balance the run with the pass and lean on Shrader and RB LeQuint Allen to get yards on the ground. Allen is a capable runner but thus far this season has not been a home run threat. The longest run that Syracuse has this season is 39 yards. The Hokies need to focus on bottling up those two in the run game and make Garrett Shrader beat them with his arm.

Syracuse’s big weakness on defense is defending the pass. They rank 111th in the country in passing yard allowed. This week, Kyron Drones needs to show that he is more than just a runner. After throwing for over 300 yards against Wake Forest, Drones needs to show he can do it again. While the Syracuse run defense isn’t great, the pass game is where the Hokies will want to attack them. Once again, the Hokies need to set up the pass game with an effective run game behind Drones and Tuten.

This matchup does not scare me, particularly at home. I’m more worried about the Hokies getting off to a slow start after the bye week. This is the type of game where a slow start could doom Tech. The formula for this game needs to be for the defense to feed off a great atmosphere to get off to a good start until the offense can get into a rhythm. This would be a good week to get the pass catching weapons involved like Jaylin Lane, Dae’Quan Felton and Stephen Gosnell. This looks like a close game but I like the Hokies at home on Thursday night.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Syracuse 24

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Syracuse Q&A with Nunes Magician

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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2023 ACC Football Preseason Predictions

This week we are doing ACC preseason predictions from our favorite Hokie podcast and Twitter personalities. We are joined by @OX_VT, @PeteBVT from the Two Deep Podcast, Brian Seigla from the Boundary Corner Podcast, Dan (@Visionary_SZN) from the Tales from the Terrordome Podcast, @DriftVT from the @VT4L Podcast and Hokie Pharmacist from Main Street Pharmacy with their picks for the 2023 ACC football season.

Treadmillhorse (@treadmillhorse)
12-0
10-2
10-2
8-4
8-4
8-4
7-5
7-5
6-6
6-6
5-7
5-7
3-9
2-10
ACC Offensive Player of the YearDrake Maye
ACC Defensive Player of the YearJeremiah Trotter Jr.
ACC Coach of the YearPat Narduzzi
ACC Title Winner
OX_VT (@OX_VT)
10-2
9-3
9-3
9-3
8-4
8-4
8-4
7-5
6-6
6-6
5-7
4-8
4-8
2-10
ACC Offensive Player of the YearBrennan Armstrong
ACC Defensive Player of the YearJeremiah Trotter Jr.
ACC Coach of the YearBrent Pry
ACC Title Winner
Pete B. (@PeteBVT)
from the Two Deep Podcast
11-1
11-1
8-4
8-4
8-4
7-5
7-5
7-5
7-5
6-6
6-6
5-7
4-8
2-10
ACC Offensive Player of the YearWill Shipley
ACC Defensive Player of the YearJared Verse
ACC Coach of the YearMike Norvell
ACC Title Winner
Brian Seigla (@Seig5052)
from the Boundary Corner Podcast
12-0
10-2
9-3
9-3
8-4
8-4
7-5
7-5
7-5
6-6
5-7
4-8
4-8
2-10

ACC Offensive Player of the YearDrake Maye
ACC Defensive Player of the YearJared Verse
ACC Coach of the YearMike Norvell
ACC Title Winner
Dan (@Visionary_SZN)
from the Tales from the TerrorDome Podcast
10-2
9-3
9-3
8-4
8-4
7-5
7-5
7-5
6-6
6-6
5-7
4-8
3-9
2-10

ACC Offensive Player of the YearBrennan Armstrong
ACC Defensive Player of the YearJared Verse
ACC Coach of the YearMike Norvell
ACC Title Winner
@DriftVT
from the @VT4L Podcast
11-1
9-3
9-3
8-4
7-5
7-5
7-5
6-6
6-6
6-6
6-6
4-8
3-9
2-10

ACC Offensive Player of the YearJordan Travis
ACC Defensive Player of the YearJeremiah Trotter Jr.
ACC Coach of the YearMario Cristobal
ACC Title Winner
Hokie Pharmacist (@HokiePharmacist) *
12-0*
12-0
10-2
9-3
9-3
9-3
8-4
8-4
7-5
5-7
5-7
4-8
4-8
0-12

ACC Offensive Player of the YearGrant Wells*
ACC Defensive Player of the YearDrake Maye*
ACC Coach of the YearDave Clawson
ACC Title Winner

* See the full Hokie Pharmacist Twitter thread here:

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Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech Preview and Prediction

You can’t win if you can’t score. The Hokies defense put up a solid effort against Pitt. But the offense couldn’t stay on the field and the defense wore out. We’ll continue to see that unless this offense gets any better as the season goes on.

SP+ Rankings

Virginia Tech

Overall: 52nd
Offense: 68th
Defense: 33rd
Special Teams: 88th

Syracuse

Overall: 58th
Offense: 69th
Defense: 40th
Special Teams: 109th

Syracuse runs the ball well. They are one of the best rushing offenses in the country. They have an elite running back in Sean Tucker and a quarterback who can get yards on the ground. This is the type of offense that has given the Hokies trouble in recent years. Expect the Orange to keep the ball on the ground and pound it right at the Hokies defense.

Syracuse defense is bend but don’t break. They give up a lot of completed passes but not a lot of yards. They keep the game in front of them. This is the type of defense that should be able to feast on the Hokies’ offensive approach this season. Virginia Tech will have to take some chances downfield to have success against Syracuse’s defense.

The two defenses are similar but Syracuse does one thing well and that’s run the ball. Last week, my pick was easy Pittsburgh had the better QB. This week, Syracuse has the better running back. Sometimes you don’t have to overthink it. The Hokies will score some points because this isn’t exactly an elite defense. But Syracuse will do enough with their running game to pull out a win. Lou Groza award winner Andre Szmyt for the win.

Prediction: Syracuse 24, Virginia Tech 21

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Pittsburgh Preview and Prediction

The Hokies bounced back from the Syracuse loss in a big way against Miami. Now let’s see how they handle coming off a big win. The Hokies didn’t handle success very well last time. They immediately lost to Syracuse after a big win against UNC. Let’s hope we see more focus from the Hokies this time around.

The Virginia Tech-Pittsburgh series is one of the weirdest you’ll see. The Hokies dominated in the 90’s and that flipped in the 2000’s. The Hokies went 7 of the first 8 games in the series. Pitt has won 6 of 7 since 2000.

pittsburgh_series

Unlike previous visits to Heinz Field, I think this visit will get the Hokies full attention. This Pittsburgh team will not sneak up on the Hokies this time. This game is the Hokies biggest remaining obstacle to a trip to the ACC Championship Game.

Virginia Tech

Overall S&P+ ranking: 12th
Offensive S&P+ ranking: 56th
Defensive S&P+ ranking: 6th
Special Teams S&P+ ranking: 23rd

Pittsburgh

Overall S&P+ ranking: 33rd
Offensive S&P+ ranking: 29th
Defensive S&P+ ranking: 56th
Special Teams S&P+ ranking: 63rd

What is Pittsburgh good at? Running the ball and stopping the run. The key to slowing down their offense will be to shut down their run game. Even if the Hokies do that, they need to be able to stop their mobile QB from making plays with his feet. He doesn’t run a lot but can break the pocket to pick up a first down or two. The Hokies need to be ready for that.

Pittsburgh has the 5th ranked rushing defense in the nation.  They are very good at stopping the run. If the Hokies hope to win this game, they will need to move the ball through the air. Pittsburgh ranks 122nd in passing yards allowed. You would think the Hokies should be able to throw against this defense. If the Hokies do pass a lot, watch out for Ejuan Price off the edge. He leads the nation with 9 sacks this season.

On paper, the Hokies should win this game. But games aren’t played on paper. The last three times the Hokies have been to Heinz Field, they scored 6 points or less in the first half. This time they need to get off to a better start and put the Pitt offense and defense on their heels early. Unlike previous meetings, I think that Pitt has the Hokies full attention. I think you’ll see a much better performance than you’ve seen in previous visits to Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Pittsburgh 24

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Syracuse Preview and Prediction

Hokies took care of business against UNC. Three straight blowouts can really inject a lot of life into a fan base. After the Tennessee game, fans were wondering if this team would make a bowl game. Now folks are talking New Year’s Six bowl. A lot can change in a couple of weeks.

On to Syracuse. Long-time Hokies fans still have nightmares about the Carrier Dome. That dome has seen a lot of weird games between the Hokies and the Orange. It also has not been particularly kind to the Hokies. But those games were a long time ago. Different coaching staffs and two different programs at this point in time. The players on these teams were young children the last time these teams played.

This Syracuse team reminds me a lot of the Tulsa team the Hokies played in the Independence Bowl. A great offensive passing attack with one really good play-making wide receiver (Amba Etta-Tawo). And not much of anything else. Didn’t that Tulsa team only lose to the Hokies by 3? They did. But Bud Foster’s D is playing much better this year than they were in the bowl game.

Virginia Tech

S&P+ Overall Ranking: 19th
S&P+ Offensive Ranking: 96th
S&P+ Defensive Ranking: 4th
S&P+ Special Teams Ranking: 22nd

Syracuse

S&P+ Overall Ranking: 68th
S&P+ Offensive Ranking: 43rd
S&P+ Defensive Ranking: 96th
S&P+ Special Teams Ranking: 71st

The Hokies have the clear advantage on defense. Even though Syracuse has an excellent passing attack, the Hokies should be able to slow it down. Syracuse also reminds me of ECU, who was able to have some success in the passing game. But the Hokies were still able to limit ECU below their season average. Syracuse does not take a lot of shots downfield. They are a dink and dunk West Coast offense but they still put up a lot of yards.

Key matchup to watch: Virginia Tech’s cornerbacks vs. Amba Etta-Tawo. Etta-Tawo is one of the best wide receivers in the ACC and one of the best the Hokies will see all season. He leads the ACC in receiving yards. It will be a tough task for the Hokies corners to cover him all day.

Syracuse has lost to every decent team they’ve played this year. Their only wins were against Colgate and UConn. All their losses have been blowouts. Syracuse excels in the passing game and at punt returns (#1 in the nation!) but does not do much of anything else well.

I expect the Hokies to have a bit of a letdown in this game. It’s just so hard to play so well for four consecutive games. Eventually you’re going to have one that’s not exactly a masterpiece. This is a classic trap game on the road sandwiched in between two games against ranked opponents. Even if the Hokies don’t play their best, I still think they can win comfortably. Syracuse is not a great team. In fact, they’re not very good overall. Imagine if this team was playing last year’s Tulsa team, they’d probably win… by a lot. The talent advantage is clearly on the Hokies’ side in this matchup.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 31, Syracuse 17