Fran Brown. Lifetime contract. Right this minute.
If Fran Brown and the Syracuse Orange go 8-4 with this schedule, I’ll get to booking my hotel in Vegas the moment the season ends.
An 8-4 record would not only require Syracuse to go near undefeated at home, but also would require, at the very minimum, two upsets against the cream of the crop across the whole college football world, as well as in the ACC. I’m mostly optimistic about the Orange’s chances this season, but an 8-4 record seems near impossible with the rigor of this schedule, let alone the amount of new faces and major senior contributors leaving. However, I see a path where this team can find eight wins throughout the season.
Here’s a potential path to 8 wins for the Orange:
at #24 Tennessee: Loss (0-1, 0-0)
The Vols and the Orange play out a close one in Atlanta, with young offenses making mistakes on both sides, but when it’s all said and done, the Tennessee defense is just a little bit better when they need to be, and Syracuse comes out of the gate with a heart-wrenching loss. Unfortunately, this also means we can’t say anything about them using the orange emoji (Just kidding, it’s still lame).
vs Uconn: Win (1-1, 0-0)
Syracuse carries on the great program tradition of playing down to their competition, and this game ends up a little closer than expected, but at the end of the day, Syracuse pulls out a win with little sweat. Steve Angeli and Demetres Samuels Jr. both have incredible games, and they look to be finding their footing well in Orange.
vs Colgate: Win (2-1, 0-0)
This game is over about ten minutes into the first quarter. Syracuse builds up some confidence heading into a trip to Death Valley, as they rout the raiders, and we see a lot of the second unit getting some playing time. Rickie Collins looks very good, as he plays most of the second half.
at Clemson: Loss (2-2, 0-1)
Another gut-wrenching Orange loss coming up! Syracuse keeps it close against the Tigers, but it’s just not enough for the more experienced squad, as the Orange find themselves at .500 after the first third of the season.
vs Duke: Win (3-2, 1-1)
The theme for this Syracuse season has begun to present itself, as the Orange have another nail-biter in the dome. They need overtime to settle it, but after a Duce Chestnut pick during the Blue Devils drive, the Orange ride to their first ACC win of the season.
at SMU: Win (4-2, 2-1)
Fran Brown is able to rally his team to get a win against an SMU team that has started the year out extremely strong. Yasin Willis has a career night as he burns a Mustangs defensive line that is seeing a lot of new faces. Syracuse is starting to put the rest of the college football world on notice as they stay consistently solid across this schedule.
vs Pittsburgh: Win (5-2, 3-1)
Syracuse rides the momentum from their upset over SMU to cruise past Pitt, getting some revenge for the away matchup last season. Steve Angeli began turning some heads, as he was almost flawless this game. It also seems like Johntay Cook has moved past his discipline issues early in his career and has blossomed into a true WR1 for this Orange team, as he hauls in two scores this game.
at Georgia Tech: Win (6-2, 4-1)
This game is expected to be close, but Fran Brown reaches down to his Georgia roots and shuts down the Yellow Jackets in blowout fashion. Haynes King has his worst performance of the season, as the Orange offense has a field day in Atlanta. Syracuse enters the top 25, and vibes could not be higher for this program heading back home.
vs North Carolina: Win (7-2, 5-1)
A packed dome on Halloween night sees the Orange win their fifth game in a row, as they dismantle Bill Belechik’s UNC squad. Steve Angeli has another ridiculous performance, as people start to wonder if Syracuse just turns transfer QBs into superstars overnight. Syracuse is climbing up the rankings fast, and people are beginning to notice. Syracuse fans are looking ahead at the ACC championship and even the College Football Playoff as we head into the back fourth of the season.
at Miami: Loss (7-3, 5-2)
Unfortunately, CFB only has a certain number of scripts, so they just had to use one from last year and flip the teams. Instead of us ruining Miami’s dreams, it’s Miami ruining ours, as we just aren’t able to keep up with Carson Beck defensively, and as hard as the offense tries, the Miami defense is just too talented. The ‘Canes win this one, and a rivalry for the future is potentially born.
at Notre Dame: Loss (7-4, 5-2)
All remaining CFP hopes are dashed during this one, as we come into South Bend tired and get routed by the Irish. However, the fanbase continues to rally behind this team, and there is expected to be a good atmosphere for senior day.
vs Boston College: Win (8-4, 6-2)
Senior day goes well for the Orange, as they win comfortably against a struggling Boston College team. This also cements their undefeated record at home, showcasing the dome as one of the hardest places to play in the country. Unfortunately, they just barely missed the ACC title game. In other news, the statue of Fran Brown in the center of the quad has begun construction.
It’s safe to say that this season would be a resounding success for Syracuse. With the schedule we have and the lack of experience, this is a pipe dream at this point. However, there are at least eight winnable games on this schedule. It’s very unlikely, but I would absolutely not put it outside of the realm of possibility.
Now it’s up to you. Where do you see the winnable games on this schedule? Is eight wins even possible for this Syracuse squad?
Category: General Sports
