John (8-1): Louisville 34, Syracuse 31
This figures to be an ugly game, much like the Virginia Tech shootout about a month ago. Syracuse needed somewhat of a Herculean effort to pull that win off. I don’t think it happens this time around. Scott Satterfield’s pistol offense is just too much for SU’s 3-3-5 defense and the Orange once again fail to contain UL quarterback Malik Cunningham. SU will still score and develop a passing game against a terrible Cardinals passing defense. Sean Tucker and Garrett Shrader will complement each other to big performances. Unfortunately it’s just not enough, Louisville gets out to the early lead and holds one BUT, SU will cover the +3.
Ian (7-2): Louisville 34, Syracuse 27
I hate to be the negative one here, but it’s though to see Syracuse coming out of the bye on the road and beating a competent Louisville team. The Orange defense struggled in Tallahassee and Blacksburg. It’s tough to see them doing it again against a guy Dino Babers put right next to Lamar Jackson in his media availability. Unless Malik Cunningham gets banged up and misses a portion of the game (which has happened this season), he provides enough electricity to power a Cardinal offense lacking its usual bevy of playmakers. Louisville’s defense has been suspect at times, but Syracuse has to limit its penalties and avoid third-and-longs to beat a team with more talent.
Jaron (6-3): Syracuse 31, Louisville 21
I never thought I would say this, but Syracuse is going to a bowl this season. The Orange are one game away and Louisville is a sitting duck. Other than Malik Cunningham, the Cardinals don’t have anyone on offense that worries me. They have a solid rush defense, which will be a challenge to SU’s run-heavy style. However, I have faith in Sean Tucker and Garrett Williams, especially coming off a bye and being much healthier. The key to this game will be the Syracuse linebackers containing Cunningham. It’s a difficult task, but I envision the Orange doing just enough and using the extra motivation of bowl eligibility being on the line to grab the win. So, give me SU in this one.
Matt (6-3): Syracuse 31, Louisville 24
With three games left, SU has to go 1-2 to reach bowl eligibility. With NC State and Pitt both being ranked, the Orange know their best chance lays in Louisville Kentucky this Saturday. Garrett Shrader is determined and he’s leading this team well. Look for Shrader to leave everything on the field in Orange win on the road.
Carter (5-4): Syracuse 44, Louisville 34
Syracuse has somehow both overachieved and underachieved this season. The Orange have blown preseason record predictions out of the water, but we all know they should be at least a game or two better than 5-4. Despite everything, SU is just one win away from qualifying for a bowl, but this game is a big one with just three left on the schedule. ‘Cuse can clinch a berth against a Louisville team that throttled it last year 30-0. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and the specials are looking pretty frosty.
Head coach Scott Satterfield‚Äôs Cardinals can score with the best of them thanks mostly to quarterback Malik Cunningham – who has 24 touchdowns on the year – but the team is 4-5 thanks to a bad defense. Cunningham tweaked an ankle injury last week against Clemson, but it‚Äôs a safe bet to think he and the UL offense put up some points. Syracuse‚Äôs defense has been a sack machine this year, but the team has struggled against mobile quarterbacks. Florida State‚Äôs Jordan Travis and Liberty‚Äôs Malik Willis both gave this team fits. I expect a run-first shootout here between Cunningham and Garrett Shrader with the Orange coming out on top. Don’t forget to be on the lookout for a potential record-breaking afternoon from running back Sean Tucker. Keep your eyes on him no matter what the score may be – Tucker is just 106 yards away from breaking SU‚Äôs single-season rushing record.
Cam (5-4): Syracuse 31, Louisville 27
This game is a battle of momentum. Syracuse is fresh off a pair of wins, while Louisville has lost two straight. For this reason, the Orange are going to take it on the road. I think this is the game where Garrett Shrader finally establishes a consistent passing attack as he’s gelled with his receivers over the past few weeks. Plus, the Cardinals are 14th in the ACC in pass defense. Shrader’s passing threat will open up holes for himself in the run game, as well as complement another Sean Tucker 100-yard rushing performance. Give me Syracuse in a game that’s closer than it should be, and pencil the Orange into a bowl game.
Brad (4-5): Louisville 27, Syracuse 20
This just seems like the kind of game Syracuse would lose. The Orange are coming off a bye, one win away from their first bowl berth since 2017, with a chance against a Louisville team that is hobbling after a tough loss last week against Clemson. However, Dino Babers is 5-14 in November since taking over the job in 2016. The pressure could not be higher considering the next two games are against two teams in the AP Top 25. It’s a game that Syracuse has to win, and for that reason probably won’t.
