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The Fizz writers come together to give you their predictions about the final Syracuse matchup of the season. Who do you agree with? Do you think Syracuse can grab the W?
D.A.: Syracuse Wins, 24-22
When the schedule first came out, a final weekend vs. BC at home seemed like an easy win assuming Syracuse wasn’t absolutely awful. The Eagles were coming off of a dismal season, a wretched three years of recruiting under Frank Spaziani, and were trying to break in a first-year head coach. Now, it’s anything but. The Eagles are already bowl eligible, Steve Addazio has them playing hard every week, and running back Andre Williams is a Heisman candidate. It’s a one-game season for the Orange, and Scott Shafer needs to prove his squad can play for him when it matters most. Syracuse will pull this out on the strength of a strong ground attack and an opportunistic defense. Syracuse becomes bowl eligible with a 24-22 win.
Kevin Fitzgerald: Syracuse Wins, 27-21
Syracuse has one more shot to become the 11th bowl eligible team from the ACC. The odds look as if they’re stacked against the Orange, with no Sean Hickey to protect Terrel Hunt on the offensive line and a 2,000-yard back in Andre Williams coming to town. But on senior day, Jay Bromley and his defense will be able to rally the troops one last time. Williams has rushed for over 2,000 yards because of his ability to absorb tackles. He’s a flat-out monster. But Syracuse has still not allowed a tailback to rush for 100 yards all season. On their home turf, expect the Orange to pull one out to become bowl eligible: Syracuse 27, Boston College 21.
Brendan Glasheen: Syracuse Wins, 23-17
The Orange has been a resilient bunch all season when its back is against the wall. All the talk has been surrounded around Eagles RB Andre Williams. Not to take anything away from Williams’ outstanding season, Syracuse has the numbers on its side. SU is one of just three FBS schools to not allow a 100-yard rusher this season. Chuck Bullough’s defense is fourth in the ACC against the run. With bowl eligibility on the line, Syracuse turns to its defensive leaders like Jay Bromley, Marquis Spruill and Durrell Eskridge to get over the hump. The defense has carried the load all year long and it will come up big one more time. Senior day in the Dome provides some extra motivation. The defense leads while Jerome Smith stands out and continues his offensive MVP-like season.¬†No guarantee for a bowl even with the W, but Syracuse prevails 23-17 over BC.
Seth Goldberg: Syracuse Loses, 24-10
The Orange has a tough task at hand this weekend. The loss to Pittsburgh last weekend took a huge toll on the Orange, the team seemed defeated, and they may not be able to get up off the mat. With BC, the Orange defense will be tested on the ground by Andre Williams. Williams has already rushed for over 2,000 yards on the season and has run over 200 yards in six of 11 games this year. The rush defense has been the strength of the Orange, allowing about 133 yards per game. But Williams will hold his own even against a strong Syracuse run defense. On offense, the Orange will not be able to score enough points. The offense has simply lost too many pieces at this point. The injuries to Brisley Estime, Prince-Tyson Gulley, Jarrod West and now Beckett Wales are likely too much to overcome for Terrel Hunt and the Orange, even with a strong ground attack remaining with Jerome Smith, George Morris II and Devante McFarlene. This could be the final audition for Hunt to be the starting quarterback next year. While the Orange could beat BC, the combination of still overcoming last week’s tough loss and Andre Williams punishing Syracuse on the ground will send the Orange to a loss, 24-10, and a 5-7 record on the year.
Zephan Mayell: Syracuse Loses, 27-17
Unfortunately, I do not see the Orange winning this football game. Andre Williams will be too big of a force on the ground for the Eagles. The Orange had a great chance to reach bowl eligibility against the Panthers last week and squandered the opportunity. However, I expect the seniors on Syracuse to play their hearts out. Most of these seniors were here two years ago when Syracuse started 5-2 and did not make a bowl game. With a sour taste still in their mouths, these guys know they have one last chance to get to the postseason and not have a repeat of 2011. With the way the offense has been playing for the Orange, however, I see the Eagles winning this game by a score of 27-17.
Austin Pollack: Syracuse Loses, 35-13
Syracuse’s biggest focus is Andre Williams; the BC star running back is a Heisman hopeful. The Syracuse defense has been inconsistent all season, but was very strong against two ACC opponents, Wake Forest and Maryland. The defense gave up three points in those two weeks, but it was right back to a struggle against Florida State. If the defense can somehow stop Williams from going off, the Orange has a chance. He will find the open lane and run down the field because that’s how good he is. He has rushed for more than 2,000 yards this season, and could have a breakout game. It’s all up to the Orange defense to stop him. BC gets the win, 35-13
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