On paper Cincy should have a distinct advantage this weekend against our Orange. They are ferocious at home and have a statistical advantage in the majority of categories. However, much of this advantage comes from playing a weaker schedule than SU has and I think the Syracuse defense has an opportunity to step up and make the difference in this game.

I believe the Syracuse D will match up well with Cincy. We have shut down the run on several occasions this year, last week against USF not withstanding, and that is what Cincy really wants to do this year. Cincy has also completed a low % of passes, but they have hit big ones when they do complete them. Syracuse secondary has struggled stopping some of the short and intermediate routs, but hasn't given up very many big plays this year. If Munchy struggles with accuracy and can't take advantage of the SU secondary on the short and intermediate passes, it might be hard for them to move the ball against the Cuse. Plus, if we stop the run and can bring some pressure on Munchy, he will give us a chance at some pics. Our db's haven't been very opportunistic this year, but this may be their chance to get a couple and neutralize some of that home field advantage. It all comes down to stopping the run.

My last key to this game is neutralizing the Cincy pass rush. They have been excellent there this year and we will need to neutralize them to gain an advantage. We should be able to move the ball on their secondary and minimize tournovers if we slow their pass rush. Their defense has been bolstered by take aways this year. So if we can get a draw there it should give us the advantage.

Stop the run first, get at least a draw on the turnover ratio and neutralize the pass rush and The Cuse should have a chance to win this one in the end, and that is all you can ask against an evenly match opponent on the road..