John (3-0): Syracuse 31, Duke 20
Somehow, someway Vegas like Duke to win this game. Babers and company have come to adapt the underdog mentality and once again beat the spread, but outright. The offense excels once again behind quick strikes and a balanced attack. Sean Tucker goes for another 100 and DeVito connects with the speed demons on the outside. Duke has turned the ball over 15 times through four games. I expect Tony White’s group to get at least two more this week. Syracuse gets another win and get back to .500 building momentum heading into Liberty and eventually, Clemson.
Ian (3-0): Syracuse 30, Duke 17
The Syracuse offense seems to have found its feature back in Sean Tucker. While Duke‚Äôs best unit is its defensive line, the Blue Devils gave up 324 rushing yards last week to a shorthanded Virginia Tech offense. If SU can establish the run game, then Tommy DeVito can make easy throws against a weakened Duke secondary. Flipping the field, the Orange defense should continue their two-plus TO streak. Chase Brice has already thrown seven interceptions this season, and his skill players are nothing special. Tony White has been a great play-caller for this defense through the three weeks, and SU fans can expect exotic blitzes to wreak havoc in the Blue Devil backfield. The Orange should win this game comfortably. However, Andre Smyzt might miss another field goal…
Brad (3-0): Duke 24, Syracuse 17
Once again, Syracuse has a legitimate opportunity to win an ACC game, which is not going to be very common this year. But Duke’s run defense has shown spurts of greatness. Against Virginia two weeks ago, the Blue Devils allowed just 188 yards on the ground. The Orange offensive line should have received a confidence boost after the Georgia Tech win, but they still have their problems. This game will come down to whether SU can protect Sean Tucker and Jawhar Jordan or not.
Matt (3-0): Syracuse 27, Duke 13
Duke simply isn’t a very strong team. Chase Brice at QB hasn’t proven successful so far in the 2020 campaign, that won’t change against this Orange secondary. The SU offense might sputter a little bit against a very talented Blue Devils front 7, but will ultimately come out on top.
Jaron (2-1): Syracuse 31, Duke 17
Wow, I have completely changed my tone about this team. I didn’t think they were going to win a game after the first two weeks, but now I actually have some faith. I don’t have a crazy amount, but this Duke game is a very winnable situation for Syracuse. The key for SU in this one is simpleРforce turnovers. The Orange defense has already caused ten (10!) turnovers this season, which is second most in the FBS. The Blue Devils offense has lost fifteen (15!!) turnovers already, which is the worst in the FBS. If Syracuse can intercept some balls or force some fumbles, they’ll win this game. My one worry for the Orange is the Blue Devils’ defensive line. Chris Rumph II and Victor Dimukeje are beasts on both ends and could be a problem for the SU offensive line and Tommy DeVito. Keep an eye on those two (#96 & #51). That being said, Duke is horrible this year and I think Syracuse is improving with the defense clicking and them finding a run game with Sean Tucker. Give me the Orange in this one.
Gill (2-1): Syracuse 28, Duke 16
Duke is very much like…. Georgia Tech. The Blue Devils can’t stop the run and turn the ball over like crazy. Chase Brice has seven interceptions in three games, and even if Andre Cisco doesn’t play, SU can take the ball away. Duke has two highly rated edge rushers, Chris Rumph and Victor Dimukeje, who could be problematic. So I’d expect a lot of Sean Tucker between the tackles, to attack the line where it’s weak. Duke seemed to tire against Virginia Tech last week, and gave up 324 rushing yards. The Hokies won with their backup QB. Is Syracuse gonna lose to an 0-4 team off a bye week? No. I have more respect for the Orange than that.
Thomas (2-1): Syracuse 31, Duke 20
While Clemson transfer quarterback Chase Brice now suits up for Duke, the Blue Devils have the worst scoring offense in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Brice has thrown for just three touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. Against an SU defense that has 10 turnovers in just three games, expect Brice to struggle. Even if Andre Cisco does not play, Syracuse proved against Georgia Tech that it can still force havoc – at the line of scrimmage and in the secondary. Meanwhile on offense, the Orange seemed to finally click against Georgia Tech. Tommy DeVito threw for a couple long scores, and Sean Tucker emerged as the lead tailback after rushing for over 100 yards. Add in a bye week of preparation, and Syracuse should be well prepared to even up its season record at 2-2.
Harrison (2-1): Syracuse 31, Duke 17
Returning from the bye and remaining at home, Syracuse should come in feeling confident. The Orange notched its first win of the season the last time it took the field. Now, facing off against Duke, SU has a realistic chance to run off three straight wins before its bout with Clemson. Let’s not look ahead to Liberty just yet, however. Certain things remain to be seen heading into Saturday afternoon, one of them obviously being the health of Andre Cisco. All in all, Syracuse should still manage to defend its home turf and effectively, pump a fresh dose of life into its underwhelming season thus far.
