The most recent bowl projections have Syracuse headed to the Gator Bowl in a big-time matchup against LSU. College Football Network has that tasty combo in their updated bowl schedule. The Gator Bowl features an SEC team vs. a Big Ten or ACC squad. Last year was Clemson vs. Kentucky. LSU is in 6th place in the SEC standings at the moment before a huge game this weekend against Alabama. Syracuse fans would surely love a chance to play in the Gator Bowl against an elite SEC foe.
Another projection for SU is Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on January 3rd against Minnesota from the Big Ten. These projections are from the Action Network’s Brett McMurphy and also have the Gophers as a 7-pont favorite. The Orange is 6-2, and now bowl eligible after its win over Virginia Tech. The Orange are in 6th place in the ACC now that the conference has eradicated the two divisional format. It’s been a largely fantastic season for first year coach Fran Brown, who promised to turn around the program’s fortunes and clearly has done so.
There are four games left on the Syracuse schedule to keep buffering that win total, and a win in all four would give the program an amazing 10-win season. That’s unlikely though with the finale coming against 4th-ranked Miami. The Canes are 9-0 and seeking their first spot in the College Football Playoff. But the next three are very winnable for the Orange. They’ll take on BC, Cal and UConn. None of the three are ranked foes.
Sports Illustrated has pegged the Orange in the Fenway Bowl taking on Memphis from the AAC. The Tigers are 7-2 and in 4th place in the American. Jerry Palm at CBS Sports has the Orange in the familiar Pinstripe Bowl against Wisconsin on December 28. A matchup against the Badgers would be intriguing from a brand standpoint and Wisconsin fans always travel well. But the Orange feel like a permanent house guest at Yankee Stadium so there are few SU fans who would be excited to return to the Bronx.
The Fenway Bowl would be interesting because it’s an easy drive for most SU fans and an iconic stadium, although a matchup against an AAC team is likely the least inspiring possibility. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl would be a good opportunity for Orange fans to have a warm(er) weather destination, a new experience, against a major conference opponent. The only issue is having mayonnaise on your head. But the Gator Bowl would be the most enticing destination for SU fans seeking a big game experience, warm weather, and an interesting opponent.
