Syracuse’s 41-13 loss against No. 19 Pitt was an ugly one, but it will have a chance to redeem itself against Virginia Tech on Saturday.
The Hokies have the momentum, winners of three straight after beating Georgia Tech 21-6 on Saturday, a team the Orange beat earlier this year for its first ranked win of the season. Still, it’s a winnable game for Syracuse, and as extra motivation, the Orange will be playing its first game at home since its Family Weekend triumph over Holy Cross on Sep. 28.
Beating Virginia Tech won’t propel the Orange back near the AP poll rankings, but it will prepare Syracuse for a tough game against Miami to close out the season, which is currently ranked No. 5 in the country. On both sides, the key to success in this game will be on the ground.
Quarterback Kyle McCord will be looking to bounce back after a brutal outing against the Panthers, where he tossed a career-worst five interceptions and three pick-sixes, but the Hokies have a strong secondary. Virginia Tech’s defense has allowed under 200 passing yards per game this season but they’ve been susceptible to the run, giving up 161 rushing yards per game.
That weakness means Syracuse’s offense needs a better performance in this one from top back LeQuint Allen Jr. after a quiet day against Pitt, especially considering backup running back Yasin Willis is likely out due to a high ankle sprain.
Virginia Tech’s top rusher Bhayshul Tuten has racked up 950 rushing yards this season, so Syracuse will have its hands full, even if Tuten is playing through a lower leg injury. The Orange run defense has looked strong as of late and has limited three of its last four opponents to under 100 rushing yards. If it can do the same against Tuten, it should be able to shut down Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones and the rest of Virginia Tech’s skill players.
The loss to Pitt stings, but if Syracuse can rack up yards on the ground through Allen and shut down Tuten, it can avoid losing back-to-back games for the first time this season and get back on track.
