Some of you probably already have winter break vacation plans. Maybe you’re going to Florida, or making a cross-country drive to see family. We hope you’ve been in the process of changing those after Syracuse’s sixth win. However, things have definitely changed for the ‘Cuse. Gone are those fantasies of the College Football Playoff, and now a New Year’s Six Bowl is going to require close to perfection. But keep in mind, at the beginning of the year, just making a bowl was enough. So let’s not forget where this program came from.
All that being said, let’s check out some of SU’s new projected bowl destinations. We’ll rate them from 1-10 based on matchup and fan experience and also try to keep in context what that bowl game would mean for the Orange season.
Cheez-It Bowl: Syracuse vs. Texas
CBS Sports has Syracuse playing Texas in the Cheez-It Bowl (formerly known as the Citrus Bowl). The game takes place at 5:30 on Thursday, December 29 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Matchup: 7
Syracuse and Texas are teams with distinct styles. Both have All-American running backs (Bijan Robinson is on the Doak Walker award shortlist) and both have a tendency to turn to mush late in games. Steve Sarkisian definitely has the edge on Dino Babers when it comes to talent, but Babers definitely has the edge coaching-wise, especially with Tony White leading his defense. Texas has allowed 140 yards rushing in five of its eight games. This game would be really interesting, but if Syracuse could pull it out, the Orange would make a huge statement on the national stage.
Fan Experience: 8
Orlando means Disney World, Universal Studios and beaches. Plus, the Cheez-It bowl, with its wacky advertising and penchant for going viral, would keep fans involved throughout the game. However, getting a hotel or plane ticket after Christmas is a really difficult task. It could get really crowded. There’s a 100% guarantee Texas fans will pack this game. Would SU fans as well as ACC basketball approaches?
Total Score: 16 out of 20
ReliaQuest Bowl: Syracuse vs. Kentucky
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach has the Orange matching up with Kentucky in the ReliaQuest Bowl (formerly the Hall of Fame/Outback Bowl. Yes, we know.) It’s the day after New Year’s in 2023, which takes away from its luster, and it’s a noon kick.
Matchup: 6
Syracuse and Kentucky are much more similar than SU and UT. The Wildcats primary form of offense is utilizing star RB Chris Rodriguez, and even though QB Will Levis is touted as a first-round talent in this upcoming NFL Draft, he’s struggled this year because of injuries and a lack of talent at wide receiver. It would be a ground and pound slugfest.
Fan Experience: 7
Florida is Florida – the weather is better than Syracuse. And the January 2 date allows you to party on New Year’s Eve, spend Jan. 1 nursing any headaches and basking in the glory of 2023, then recuperate and pop up bright and early (you’ll need to if you’re tailgating) for the noon kick. Tampa doesn’t have as many other attractions as Orlando, but the beach is the beach.
Total Score: 13 out of 20
Both of these outcomes suggest the Orange finish the year at 10-2 or 9-3. Not good enough to play with the big boys in the pinnacle of college football, but a successful season nonetheless. Nobody in CNY should be complaining either after going 1-10 two years ago. Enjoy the tan!
