College Football
2018 is Shaping up to be a Big Year for Dino Babers and Syracuse Football
Last season felt much more significant for Syracuse than their 4-8 record. This was due in large part to their upset victory over the ACC champion and playoff contender Clemson Tigers. Other contributors were the team’s fast pace offense as well as the positive spirit of head coach Dino Babers.
Going into his fourth season at the helm, Babers is looking to turn the program into a legit contender. Even in losses last season against ranked teams like LSU and Miami, the Orange were able to be competitive. But their own mistakes would end up getting the best of them. Of course, the first priority is to have a winning season and make a Bowl Game. To do so, they’re gonna have to come up big as they did against Clemson last season, but consistently. Here are 3 games that could have the biggest effect on Syracuse achieving said task.
Game 1: Florida St. 9/15
Calling 2017 an off-year for the Seminoles is an understatement. They went just 7-6 which included a 4-game-winning streak to end the season. Had it not been for that streak, the team would have missed their first bowl game since 1981. Also, their five losses in conference play last season was the most in team history. This year Jimbo Fisher is gone and new coach Willie Taggart is in as the team looks to rebound.
Syracuse has only beaten Florida State once in their 11-game history and that came way back in 1966. That was the first these teams ever met. It’s safe to say a win over Florida State, would be huge for the Orange; regardless of the team’s performance.
Game 2: Notre Dame 11/17 (Yankee Stadium)
Late this season, Syracuse will play a neutral site game in the Bronx against Brian Kelly and the Fighting Irish. According to the preseason rankings on sportingnews.com Notre Dame is in the top 10 at No. 9. Of course, there’s no guarantee they’ll still be that high up by the time this game rolls around. It will still likely be a big opportunity for Syracuse to show that they can compete with legitimate programs.
Game 3: At Clemson 9/29
A win on the road in their matchup against the Clemson Tigers would exemplify Syracuse turning a corner; more so than any other game. Clemson will have a handful of good players returning. These include running back Travis Etienne and defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. The team is currently sitting at No. 2 in the aforementioned preseason rankings. As noted, the Orange pulled off a major upset against the Tigers last season in the Carrier Dome.
Going into Death Valley and defeating one of the best teams would be a huge achievement; especially for Babers and his squad to do so for a second straight season.
Syracuse will certainly have their opportunities to make some noise in 2018.
This will no doubt be one of their most important seasons in a very long time.
