The Orange travel to Tallahassee to take on Florida State on Halloween and there is no denying that Syracuse is reeling. Syracuse has dropped four straight games and have seen its hopes of making a bowl game dwindle. Things do not get any easier this week as they take on number 17 Florida State. Here are the things you should know and look out for on Halloween.
1. Dungey may run less often
After the game against Pitt, Eric Dungey said that he realized he has to protect himself and throw the ball away or go down rather than scramble for a few yards. While this may make him slightly less dangerous it is news that should be most welcome for Syracuse fans. After suffering a concussion earlier this year, Dungey took another big hit to the head against Pittsburgh after he tucked and ran. It appeared he was knoncked out and Orange fans feared the worse: a second concussion, which would mean he was one concussion away from being declared ineligible, like A.J. Long. Dungey has shown that he can lead this team and his health for this year, and beyond, should be a huge focus for the Orange. His concious effort to throw the ball away and take fewer hits will not cost the Orange the game, but could save his career.
2. Florida State will be without their best player
Seminole running back Dalvin Cook has been ruled out of Saturday’s game with an ankle injury. Despite missing parts of three games this season, Cook is second in the nation with 148.8 rushing yards per game, behind Heisman front runner Leonard Fournette. The chances¬†of the Orange pulling out the huge upset, even with Cook sidelined, are still very, very slim. Syracuse has the 40th ranked rush defense in the country and Florida State has the 60th ranked pass attack with Everett Golson under center in the country so the Seminoles being forced to throw more is certainly a good thing.
3. Both teams in search of a big win
Obviously the Orange need to start winning games as they are in a four game slide. The Seminoles, however, are also coming off of a crushing loss at the hands of Georgia Tech. Florida State took a huge step back in their attempt to return to the College Football Playoff. The ‘Noles will need to win out, including taking the ACC Championship to have any chance. Why does this matter? It just brings a different feeling to the game. Syracuse is going for a win that would be a signature win for the program and give the team hope for a bowl game. Florida State now knows that there is no room for a slip-up against the Orange. While that may not seem to bode well for the Orange, Georgia Tech proved last week that the ‘Noles are far from invincible.
