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6-6 was the go-to prediction for any Syracuse fan before the season that wanted to be optimistic with a dash of realism. I should know, it was mine.
We knew three wins would be in the bag (Akron, Maine, Colgate). We thought between Washington and BC, we could split those game. And in the Big East, we figured we could take Louisville and maybe steal one from Rutgers, UConn or USF. 6-6 wouldn't get us a bowl game, but it would get us respect and good vibes heading into next year.
Next year, schmext schmear.
What does "being back" mean to you? Does it mean we're simply competitive (early 00's)? Does it mean we're able to match a time in recent history when we were at our best (late 90's)? Does it mean we can compete with any team in the nation (late 80's)? Does it mean we're a National Champion (late 50's)?
Depending on your definition of "being back," you'll have to go back farther and farther to find a correlating Syracuse team. I think we can all agree we're not at that 50's one just yet. And the Washington and Pitt losses can confirm we're not at the 80's one either. Maybe we're not quite at the late 90' one as well, but hey, just like them we're officially competing for the Big East title late in the season.
Think about that. On Monday it will be November and Syracuse football is still relevant. Maybe that's not "being back" to you, but I'll take that in a heartbeat.
Still plenty to do. Stranger things have happened than a team starting 6-2 and then losing out. I just don't see that happening, not with what we've seen out of this team (and the team we're playing). The next win is about meeting our stated objective (winning record, bowl bid). After that, we'll see. The Big East is an insane asylum right now. Nothing makes sense. So there's no reason to think we can't keep going.
VIVA LA REVOLUCION ANARANJADA!
- Big East helmet stickers: Week 9 (Derrell Smith, Delone Carter, Doug Marrone)...Brian Bennett
- Orange prove they're here to stay...Brian Bennett
- Video: Syracuse DE Chandler Jones...Brian Bennett
- Syracuse’s Ultimate Road Trip Continues: Victory in Cincinnati...OrangeFizz
- Timely plays propel Syracuse University to 31-7 victory over Cincinnati...Nolan Weidner
- Syracuse University football team comes up big, Cincinnati empty following turnovers...Dave Rahme
- Cincinnati star quarterback Zach Collaros' cameo appearance in pregame was just that...Dave Rahme
- Syracuse University sails past Cincinnati, 31-7, moves to best start since 2001...Nolan Weidner
- Punter Rob Long does second-half kickoff duty against Cincinnati...Nolan Weidner
- QB Ryan Nassib has hot start, gets Syracuse University into the end zone four times...Nolan Weidner
- Quarter switch leads to big fourth-down pass, first Orange touchdown in 31-7 victory...Nolan Weidner
- SU-Cincinnati Recap: The Sunny Side...Brent Axe
- SU-Cincinnati Recap: The Dark Side...Brent Axe
- SU-Cincinnati Recap: This, That, and The Other Thing...Brent Axe
- BEARCAT DOWN: SU capitalizes on Cincinnati, Anderon's miscues en route to easy victory...Daily Orange
- Syracuse Is The College Football Story of the Year...Otto's Army
- With Win in Cincinnati, Syracuse Keeps Rising...NY Times
- Chazz Anderson offers no excuses...Cincinnati.com
- University of Cincinnati booed in homecoming loss to Syracuse...Cincinnati.com
- Syracuse Tames Bearcats, 31-7...SUAthletics.com
