Adam (2-1): Syracuse 63, Holy Cross 3
Last week I said that Syracuse had to blow Stanford out. We all know how that went down. It was an embarrassing loss for the Orange that isn’t easy to come back from. SU negatively changed the course of its season with the loss to Stanford. The ACC Title and College Football Playoff talk is done. But, that doesn’t mean the rest of the season and these next few weeks aren’t important. The ‘Cuse NEED to bounce back with a demolition of Holy Cross. The Crusaders aren’t a good football team. They lost to Yale at home last week. That’s all you need to know. The Orange should and need to cruise to victory. If they don’t then we have some real problems.
Tyler (1-0): Syracuse 59, Holy Cross 0
The Orange are coming into this game hungry, rightfully so.
If you’re one to say “don’t overlook Holy Cross,” just don’t. Stop it. Overlooking Stanford was clearly a mistake, but there’s levels to bad. Holy Cross is 1-3 in FCS play.
Fran Brown wants to make a point about running better, so expect a ton of that. The Crusaders allow 125 yards on the ground per game, but the Orange might tally double that.
Nico (2-1): Syracuse 58, Holy Cross 14
Syracuse fans thought last weekend’s game against Stanford might be a cake walk. There’s a reason I had the closest prediction out of Orange Fizz staff writers, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy for the Orange, especially if they didn’t get going right away, which we all know how that turned out. It’s a new week for SU football, and the Orange have a chance to get right and fix multiple issues in the game plan. Syracuse should theoretically walk all over Holy Cross, but it can’t enter the game with that mentality. If the Orange treat this game as any other quality opponent and get LeQuint Allen involved (over 100 rushing yards and a touchdown would be nice), then Syracuse is on its way to an easy victory. Also, hopefully this can be the first opportunity to preview SU’s potential quarterback next season in the fourth quarter.
Dan S (1-2): Syracuse 42, Holy Cross 6
There is no way that Syracuse is going to lose this game coming off a bad defeat against Stanford last week. I expect head coach Fran Brown to be fired up coming into this game, leading to the Orange putting up a large number on the scoreboard. I also think that Kyle McCord is going to have a record day at the office. I wrote earlier this week about how if the Ohio State transfer throws for 300+ yards he will break the all-time streak for most games in a row with 300+ yards. That is more than achievable against an FCS side in Holy Cross for McCord. The New Jersey native has never started a game against an FCS team before. So, just imagine how he will tear apart this Crusader defense tomorrow. Other than that, Gadsden needs to have a big day at the office as well after having just two catches for 12 yards. Regardless if McCord or Gadsden deliver tomorrow, SU should coast to victory without any problems.
Alex (2-1): Syracuse 42, Holy Cross 13
The Orange desperately need a rebound, and the Crusaders present the perfect opportunity to do so. Syracuse, who only has seven first-quarter points this year, needs a good first 15 minutes. Kyle McCord has the chance to become the first SU quarterback ever to throw for 300+ yards in four straight games. But if SU gets a big early lead, it may be time to give QB1 a break and head to the bench. It’s easy to sleepwalk against an FCS team, especially one that is 1-3. Instead, this is a good chance for Syracuse to try out some new things before hitting the road for a month.
Dan P (1-2): Syracuse 52, Holy Cross 7
Do not panic Orange fans, this is your bounce back win. McCord and company shine against an FCS defense and only play for a half at most. Expect the backups, and this is the game where freshman running back Yasin Willis breaks out. I’m calling over 100 yards on the ground and a touchdown, book it.
Henry (0-1): Syracuse 42, Holy Cross 14
This is a great bounce-back spot for Syracuse, who will be looking to put their loss last week to Stanford firmly in the rearview mirror. The Orange have a tough schedule in October, but they should first be able to take care of business against a Holy Cross defense that will have their hands full against quarterback Kyle McCord. Syracuse will have to limit the Crusaders’ run game and come up with stops on third down. Holy Cross has averaged 150 rushing yards per game to start the season, so the Orange will have to make it a point of loading up the defensive line. Syracuse’s opponent has only converted 30% of its third downs, so if the defense can keep the Crusaders off the scoreboard and limit them on the ground, this should be a blowout win on Family Weekend for the Orange.
