Adam (6-5): Syracuse 38 – Miami 34
This pick is one of optimism and belief in Fran Brown. I’m usually a massive pessimist when it comes to sports. But, if there’s a time to believe its now. Syracuse has it’s best passing quarterback in decades right now. Kyle McCord is a legit top-tier quarterback, not just in the ACC but nationally. Thats the key to winning big games. Miami has one as well in Heisman candidate Cam Ward. But, his issue is that he often looks disinterested on the field and doesn’t turn it on until the 4th quarter. The Hurricanes have played in a ton of games this season where they have a miraculous comeback. I think McCord does enough to pull away and give Fran Brown his first signature win as head coach of the Orange.
Tyler (5-0): Syracuse 37 – Miami 31
Let’s get this out of the way: I’m picking with my heart, not my head. Syracuse isn’t favored in this game, and for good reason. Miami is everything that SU is offensively, and more. However, the Hurricanes have had some ugly games this year too. Plenty of almost-losses stick in my mind – Cal, anyone?
This game could be the first big upset of the Fran Brown era, the “I’m here.” For that to happen, everything needs to be clicking, especially the defense. A big game from Fadil Diggs or Marlowe Wax turns this game into a coin toss. If that’s the case, feel free to call me crazy, but give me Fran Brown outcoaching Mario Cristobal to the win.
Nico (8-3): Miami 34 – Syracuse 21
It’s finally arrived. The game everyone has been eyeing since the beginning of the season. The 6th-ranked Miami Hurricanes come to town in what is the biggest game in the Dome in years. Syracuse is already locked into a bowl game, and in all likelihood probably going to be in an average contest. However, SU has a chance to take down one of the best teams in the country and potentially alter the way this positive season and first year under head coach Fran Brown has gone. Cam Ward versus Kyle McCord. I think the Orange come up short, but expect quite the environment and a closer contest than people think in the Dome.
Dan S (7-4): Syracuse 38 – Miamii 35
This game is the most impactful regular season finale game for the Hurricanes in decades, so what better way to celebrate than with some Orange? Syracuse needs a signature win like this one to cap off an extremely successful first season under head coach Fran Brown. The Orange have a chance to do just that tomorrow, and it all starts with quarterback Kyle McCord. The Ohio State product is just one touchdown away from owning the most scores thrown for in a season in program history. What better time to set the record against the sixth best team in the nation? I understand the Hurricanes have quarterback Cam Ward, but McCord and the Orange are still the highest ranked team for passing offense in the ACC. That metric gives me confidence. Along with that, McCord and the rest of the offense is more than capable of playing at or above the level of Miami offensive unit. Its simply a matter of if the Orange have the stamina to go 60 minutes.
Alex (7-4): Miami 46 – Syracuse 36
This game should live up the hype. Two quarterbacks who have had legitimate Heisman consideration all year meet in a matchup that actually means something. And the offenses should be flying. That number 46 doesn’t come out of nowhere. That’s the number of points that Miami is averaging in it’s wins this season. The problem for the Orange? SU hasn’t met that number once this entire year. Not to mention, Miami needs this win to stay in CFP contention. The Hurricanes are legit and will be playing their hardest at the Dome, making this a very tough task for SU.
Dan P (6-5): Miami 38 – Syracuse 34
This is what we’ve all been waiting for. The first battle between two 8-win teams in the Dome since 1992, and the two best passers in the nation in Kyle McCord and Cam Ward. I think this will be certainly be a shootout, but I worry about the third phase of the game. In a big contest like this, it comes down to key plays on special teams. All three kickers on Syracuse’s roster haven’t proved that they can make a big kick when they need it, and that will inevitably be the reason they lose this one. Give me the Hurricanes in what should be a program-defining contest.
Henry (6-3): Miami 35 – Syracuse 21
In Syracuse’s season finale, the Orange will face its toughest opponent in No. 6 Miami. While it’s fun to envision the scenarios where Syracuse wins and enters the AP poll rankings, I just don’t see that happening. This will be a game with plenty of offense as the two teams have the best passing attacks in the country, but Miami is the deeper team and has faced better competition all season. As if it wasn’t tough enough, Syracuse wide receivers Trebor Pena and Umari Hatcher are both questionable. If this is Kyle McCord’s final game in an Orange jersey, at least he’ll go down swinging.
