Syracuse vs. Northwestern: Predictions

In my Q&A with Northwestern blog Lake The Post, I gave the following as my prediction for this weekend's game:

Gotta go with the Cuse winning a great back-and-forth game that comes down to the final play. Syracuse 28, Northwestern 24. Sorry 'bout that.

I wasn't actually sorry. I was in fact quite glad to do it. And I'm sticking to that prediction.

I see this one playing out somewhat similar to the Minnesota game. Both teams get on the board early but the defenses pucker up shortly thereafter. From there-on out it becomes a game of adjustments and re-establishing offenses. The Orange will have trouble defending the pass (as usual) but I have faith in Delone Carter and the running game. Paulus and the passing attack will likely have some issues but if Carter, Bailey & Co. can open things up with some Stallion trickery, Mike Williams begins a new streak. The game comes down to the final drive, of course, and the Orange either win it there or stop the Wildcats before they can do so.

Syracuse 28, Northwestern 24. The Orange go 1-2 and set up the opportunity to go 2-2 heading into Big East play. A whole new ballgame.

But that's just my highly-biased opinion. What's yours?