Syracuse Orange Football: Predictions and Poll vs. Virginia Tech

The Syracuse Orange (5-2, 2-2) host the Virginia Tech Hokies (5-3, 3-1) for their first game at the JMA Dome since September. What will happen when these longtime rivals collide on Noon on the CW? Here’s what we think…

Kevin (5-2): Syracuse 31, Virginia Tech 27

There’s no sugarcoating what happened last week in Pittsburgh, but I trust Kyle McCord and the offense to make some plays tomorrow. I also trust that the return of Marlowe Wax gives the Orange three defenders who can contain Kyron Drones at the rim. Wax, Justin Barron and Fadil Diggs will keep the Hokies’ quarterback from using his legs to beat the Orange. I think the defense creates two turnovers, which puts the offense in short field situations, and Trebor Pena finds his way into the end zone twice in that situation.

Cathedral (5-2): Syracuse 35, Virginia Tech 28

Without a doubt the most difficult game to predict all year. I would have said weeks ago that Syracuse was the clear favorite. Then came the Pitt game, and now Virginia Tech enters the Dome with its hottest stretch of the season so far. I’ve been going back and forth on this game, and Virginia Tech’s great strengths (running the ball and toughness on the defensive line) will give me headaches, but a strong home climate and strong offensive performance lead to a shootout win.

Mike (4-3): Syracuse 37, Virginia Tech 31

The Hokies are hot at the right time and, as they have done in several games, this is likely to come down to the wire, but with the right plans the Orange can still pull this game out. Antwaun Powell-Ryland is undoubtedly a beast, so it’s important to get as many plays as possible on the weak side. The VT secondary is better than Miami and Rutgers’ inflated stats can show, so McCord needs to stay calm, work under the covers and wear them down. Pitt had a lot of worst performances during the season and this is the perfect environment to bounce back.

Max (5-2): Virginia Tech 30, Syracuse 24

These teams are going in opposite directions in this game, with Tech riding a three-game winning streak and the Orange getting demolished by Pitt. I had high hopes for Syracuse last week, but after ripping my heart out, I can’t support them here, not even at home. The Hokies have played some of the toughest opponents in the country (19th in SOS compared to SU’s 74th), and their balanced offensive system will give them victory on Saturday.

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Now it’s your turn…