BIG EAST FOOTBALL PREVIEW: WEEK #2 SYRACUSE

September 4, 2008


The downward spiral of the Syracuse football program continued as they opened the 2008 college football season with a 30-10 loss on the road against Northwestern. Now the Orange open their home schedule with a date against Akron from the MAC.

Akron also opened their season last weekend with a road loss to a Big 10 team as the Zips saw Wisconsin pull away in the second half for a 38-17 win.

Statistically, Akron and Syracuse seemed to mirror each other in most overall categories in week #1 and this probably projects as a pretty even match-up, sadly for Syracuse. Reviewing the College Football Lines for the week and seeing the Orange begin as a 7-point favorite and see the line be whittled down to -5 and even -4.5 in some places is an indication that many do believe that Akron and Syracuse are basically 'even' teams, but the Orange will have the home field advantage in their favor.

Just do not expect the Dome to be rocking like the days of Donovan McNabb, Marvin Harrison or other recent SU greats. This football is a shadow of it's former self in terms of football talent.

I do feel the Orange has some decent talent at the running back position and they will look to exploit a defense that allowed over 400 yards rushing last week at Wisconsin. Curtis Brinkley, Delone Carter and true frosh Doug Hogue should be able to find room and if Andrew Robinson can keep the defense honest, SU should be able to control this game.

Prediction:

Syracuse 24
Akron 16

Most of the Syracuse fans will be there hoping to get a glimpse of Orange basketball players at the Dome.