With an already gauntlet schedule announced, Syracuse’s early season stretch may have gotten a bit easier today. Already a part of the Maui Jim Invitational, and a neutral site matchup against Oregon announced, Adrien Autry won’t have an easy road to start his head coaching career. However, with LSU announced as SU’s opponent for the first ACC/SEC challenge, the Orange should have a good shot at an early power five win. While questions still remain about what the squad will look like, a chance at a confidence-boosting win could be crucial for an inexperienced Syracuse team.
Last year, the Tigers finished dead last in the SEC with a conference record of just 2-16. LSU did go 12-3 against non-conference foes however it was a light schedule with just two power five matchups. The Tigers did beat their only ACC opponent, Wake Forrest in a nail-biting two-point neutral-site victory.
The Tigers are expected to be much improved this year, however. With a recruiting class led by four-star Corey Chest and former Syracuse target, Mikey Williams along with a massive six-player transfer class Matt McMahon is hoping for a much better team. The expectations are sky high down in Baton Rouge, with the overall success of the athletic department. The athletic director, Scott Woodward’s hires at LSU, have been massive successes so far outside of McMahon. In their second years, Kim Mulkey (women’s basketball) and Jay Johnson (baseball) both won national championships while Brian Kelly (football) brought the Tigers to the SEC championship.
Syracuse and LSU have faced off once before. Back in 1985, the Orange beat the Tigers at the Dome, 76-64. Rafael Addison led the way with 25 points while Pearl Washington scored 20.
The Orange didn’t have much success in the ACC/BIG 10 challenge. In 10 games, SU went 4-10. The most recent time out, Syracuse was obliterated on the road against Illinois 73-44. However, a new challenge means chances for new success for Adrien Autry.
