One month ago, picking Syracuse to finish 10-2 in 2019 was common place. Now, the Orange have two losses through four weeks. Now what? Many fans and media members alike also predicted the Orange to make an Orange Bowl appearance. After two lackluster performances against both Maryland and Clemson, that seems like a long shot.
Here are some hypotheticals for you to digest:
Syracuse runs the table (10-2): This seems unlikely. The Orange would have to get through road games against NC State, Florida State, Duke and Louisville. If they did that, it would all depend on the coastal. Right now, Virginia is the only ranked team in the conference behind Clemson. Since the Orange Bowl bid goes to the second-highest ranked team in the conference, there’s a chance that could be the Orange. However, a more likely event in this scenario is a return trip to the Camping World Bowl.
Syracuse finishes with 6-8 wins: Are you ready for another trip to New York City? A return to the Pinstripe Bowl would seem likely if the Orange are barely eligible for a bowl game. It just makes too much sense. Other options include the Belk Bowl in Charlotte, NC and the Music City Bowl in Nashville, TN.
Outside of those options, trips to Florida and Texas are possible. Stadium’s Brett McMurphy, who projects bowl matchups weekly, currently has Syracuse in the Military Bowl against UCF. That game would be played in Annapolis Maryland.
First things first, Syracuse has to finish with six or more wins.
