The Orange’s upcoming contest against Colgate, a New York rival, should provide a relatively easy win to push SU to 2-1 on the season. However, every game throughout the 12-week slate is important and should have a meaning attached. The scoreboard is not the first priority; while Syracuse may win the actual game, there are other factors that this game could produce to be equally thought of as “Wins” on Friday night.
Get the rest of the depth chart reps
This is football: injuries will happen, especially with Syracuse’s brutal ACC schedule that features three ranked opponents on the road. They have a younger and less experienced team compared to last season; the only way those players will grow and develop is by getting into the game and making the “Rookie mistakes” while there is a large cushion for error due to the scoreboard. Freshmen Demetres Samuel Jr and Antoine Deslauriers already improved in just their second week. The second, third, and fourth string players also need their reps so that they can be ready if their name is called. Syracuse should look to jump out to an early lead, not play with their food, and begin rotating players to strengthen their overall roster depth.
Do not allow a sack in week 2
After a shaky first two games from the o-line unit (Eight sacks allowed), Syracuse must have a strong Friday night in the trenches against a Colgate squad that hasn’t registered a sack yet this season. They have the talent to keep Angeli upright the entire game, and will need to quickly grow together as a line unit ahead of next week’s test against Clemson. The 12th ranked Tigers feature two bonafide first round draft pick defensive lineman in Peter Woods and T.J. Parker, and have a highly-touted front seven group with a mix of star youngsters and returners. The revamped offensive line was always going to take time to adjust, but it’s turning into a do-or-die situation with ACC play looming.
String together full-scale offensive drives
The bomb-shots to Darrell Gill Jr and Johntay Cook are very exciting to watch; Yasin Willis bowling over three defenders also sends the JMA Dome into a frenzy. However, Syracuse hasn’t been able to display a consistent and methodical offense yet this season. They had splashes of strong drives in the third quarter against Tennessee and the fourth quarter against UConn, but they will have to produce multiple strong offensive showings to keep up with the likes of Miami, Clemson, and Notre Dame. Fluky plays catch social media feeds, 12 play drives rip the soul out of opposing defenses.
Friday’s contest, while most likely a win, should be utilized as a preparation game to ready the Orange for ACC play. If they play with their food and don’t take advantage, it will cost them later this season.
