After a brutal showing last week by Team Fizz (and the Orange), the guys give their predictions another shot:
Logan Grossman: Syracuse 28 Central Michigan 20
It’s no secret that the Orange were terrible a week ago in the loss to MTSU. While a huge bounce back from the offense would be nice, the Orange may have more problems on that side of the ball than we all thought. The unit to watch Saturday is the offensive line. If the Oline takes a step in the right direction, we could see that offense return. If not, it could be another long day for Syracuse fans. With all of that said, its more likely than not that whatever the Orange bring will be enough to beat the Chippewas
Drew Carter: Syracuse 45 Central Michigan 41
We’ll get the shootout everyone expected — just one week after it was supposed to come. When Syracuse hosted Middle Tennessee State last week, the Carrier Dome scoreboard was supposedly in danger of either running out of space or simply breaking. Instead, both offenses sputtered until the Blue Raiders finally found the gas pedal late in the game. In Week 3, all signs again point to a shootout, and I find it hard to believe that Dino Babers will allow his offense to struggle twice in a row. The Chippewas’ passing offense, guided by quarterback Shane Morris, brings a devastating combination of efficiency and explosiveness to Central New York: CMU ranks 8th nationally in completion percentage (75.7%) and 3rd in yards per pass (12.6). But I believe Dungey and the Orange get the ball last, and thus get the W. It’ll be tight, though.
Tyler Aki: Syracuse 27 Central Michigan 17
This feels like a must-win type of game for Syracuse. After laying an egg on offense last week, the Orange needs to rebound against a CMU team that is better than people give them credit for. But I don’t buy the hype that the Chippewas are a good team because they beat Kansas last week. However, I do buy into the fact that they have made a bowl game each of the past three seasons. The Syracuse defense has actually impressed me, especially last game against Middle Tennessee State. Now the Orange faces a team that is missing its top three weapons in the passing game. This one will be a lot lower scoring that people expect.
Tim Leonard: Syracuse 35 Central Michigan 23
Make no mistake, this is a must-win game for the Orange. With adversity staring them in the eye, I expect Dino to get his guys pumped up for this one. On top of that, Central Michigan is really just not that good of a football team. Way too much is being made of CMU’s win last week over Kansas. Yes, the Jayhawks are a power 5 school. However, they also have won just 15 of their last 86 games and are literally the worst power 5 program in the country right now. Expect the Orange to come out with passion, create some turnovers early and ride the redemption train all the way to a reputation-saving 12 point victory.
JD Raucci: Syracuse 38 Central Michigan 31
Let’s be frank, SU’s offense was not up to snuff last week vs Middle Tennessee State. It’s going to have to better against Central Michigan and I have faith that it will be. While the Chippewas did easily handle a Power 5 team in Kansas last week, the CMU defense didn’t have a great showing, giving up 28 points. Plus, a week before that they went to overtime with FCS Rhode Island. With that kind of defense lining up on the other side of the ball, this game will serve as a bounce back for the SU offense. On defense, I think the SU will be able to hold off a strong CMU attack, led by Michigan transfer Shane Morris, just long enough to give the Orange a win.
