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Syracuse needs a victory just as bad as the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday

By Kevin Connelly

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Head Coach Dino Babers of the Syracuse Orange runs off the field during a game against the Clemson Tigers at the Carrier Dome on September 14, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 14: Head Coach Dino Babers of the Syracuse Orange runs off the field during a game against the Clemson Tigers at the Carrier Dome on September 14, 2019 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The Syracuse Orange need a win on Saturday afternoon just as bad as the Duke Football team does, but only one school will come away from Wallace Wade Stadium victorious.

The Duke Blue Devils (4-5) will host the Syracuse Orange (3-6) on Saturday afternoon at Wallace Wade Stadium and both teams need a win in the worst way to try and keep its bowl game hopes alive.

Prior to the game, the team at Ball Durham had a chance to talk with Paul Esden Jr., the site expert of Inside the LoudHouse, the FanSided page dedicated to Syracuse Athletics.

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Paul provided some insight on the Orange’s struggles this season and how they can possibly turn it around against the Blue Devils.

Q: What has been the biggest difference in this Syracuse football program from last season to this season? 

A: In its’ simplest form its the offensive line. Syracuse lost three starters to the NFL/graduation (Koda Martin, Cody Conway, and Aaron Roberts). Most of us assumed that the Orange would be able to fill the gaps and there wouldn’t be major issues, boy were we wrong. Syracuse has arguably the worst offensive line in all of college football and that has stymied their rushing efforts and the development of Tommy DeVito. That’s been the main culprit behind a disappointing 3-6 season, it’s certainly not the only reason, but it’s the biggest reason for sure.

Q: Syracuse had a week to sit on a loss at home to Boston College where the Orange gave up 58 points, is this game just an outlier or has the Syracuse defense been that bad this year? Will it continue on Saturday or will the respond? 

A: Syracuse has had several embarrassing lapses this season on defense: vs Boston College, vs Maryland, and even in a win vs Western Michigan the defense gave up a lot of big plays. This unit was supposed to be the strength of the team heading into 2019, head coach Dino Babers said it himself through media opportunities. The defense has been porous all year, but it’s not because of a lack of talent. They still have an All-American safety in Andre Cisco, two bookend pass rushers in Alton Robinson and Kendall Coleman, and some other solid players in the secondary. For those reasons, the Orange fired their long-time defensive coordinator Brian Ward and Steve Stanard (former defensive ends coach) is stepping in for the final three games of the season. Expect a spark vs Duke on Saturday, they should play much closer to their potential.

Q:  Who’s a player Duke fans should know about on both sides of the ball for the Syracuse Orange? 

A: Offensively it’s an easy answer: Michigan State transfer wide receiver Trishton Jackson. He was just added to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List this week due to his outstanding play this season. He’s a big-play threat that can beat you in a lot of different ways. He’s been one of the lone bright spots on a disappointing offensive year for Syracuse. 

On the other side of the ball what about linebacker Lakiem Williams. Syracuse for the third straight year replaced their entire starting linebacking core entering this season. This meant that some inexperienced guys would be forced to step up to the plate. Lakiem is a JUCO transfer and last year he battled injuries and was learning the playbook. Now he knows what he’s doing out there and delivers hard hits and makes plays. Watch out for him on Saturday. 

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Q: Now, more than ever, is desperation time for the Syracuse Orange, how do you think the team will react after the bye week?

A: That’s the million-dollar question. The team has lost four straight games and they’re super in their feelings. Last year Syracuse was 10-3 and many thought (including the players) that they would run through the ACC and reach even higher destinations in 2019, but obviously that hasn’t happened. There’s no other way to slice it, this team has been playing like dog meat all year long. With three games to go, motivation is running short on making something happen this season. It would make sense to say this team will show some fight after being embarrassed, but that wouldn’t be accurate. This isn’t the first time the Orange have been embarrassed this season, they haven’t responded to it previously this season, why would they now? 

Q: Who will win this game and why? 

A: Based on everything you’ve read thus far you probably know where I’m going with this, but actually here’s a 180, I think Syracuse can win this game. The last chance Syracuse has of salvaging this season is going on a run winning three games in a row to reach a bowl. To do that they’d have to beat Duke. It won’t be easy, the Blue Devils have capable pass rushers who could take advantage of the Orange offensive line, but I think with some turnovers and perhaps some divine intervention, the Orange can pull off the upset. Give me Syracuse 25-22.

The team at Ball Durham would like to thank Paul for his time and remind fans to watch the Duke Blue Devils face the Syracuse Orange at 4:00pm EST on Saturday, November 16 on the ACC Network.

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