We know the Syracuse Orange’s 2017 football schedule is difficult, and there are still plenty of challenging opponents ahead. We’ll be using this space to look out at what our past and future foes accomplished this past week, and assess what’s next for the Orange.
So how’d Syracuse’s opponents fare in week six? And how might that affect SU going forward?
Week Six
Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (3-3, 1-0)
Result: 42-21 win over Penn
Since the 0-3 start, CCSU’s reeled off three straight victories -- this most recent one against Penn. The Blue Devils actually ran the ball reasonably well and even averaged 5.5 yards per carry (must be nice!). CCSU could win out and it wouldn’t mean anything for Syracuse. Still, congrats.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (3-3, 1-1)
Result: 37-17 win over FIU
Brent Stockstill’s still not back, but that didn’t stop MTSU from running through the Panthers on Saturday. Tavares Thomas scored three touchdowns on the ground, and John Urzua threw for 250 yards. This team looks nothing like the one we faced, but they still seem capable. I’m still bitter.
Central Michigan Chippewas (3-3, 1-1)
Result: 26-23 win over Ohio
CMU finally shook off its three-game losing streak, earning a road victory at Ohio. The Chippewas can’t really run the ball, but the passing game rebounded as Shane Morris threw for 249 yards and two scores. Ohio turned the ball over a bunch, which also helped. Central’s bowl hopes are still alive for now.
LSU Tigers (4-2, 1-1)
Result: 17-16 win over Florida
LSU bounced back from a rough few weeks, going to the Swamp and pulling off a one-point upset over the Gators. So there goes the tailspin talk, for a week anyway... The Tigers didn’t do anything all that well on offense, but the defense applied pressure all game and helped secure the win. This is still a team that’s yet to figure out what it is under the new regime. If only they could’ve lost their way against us.
N.C. State Wolfpack (5-1, 3-0)
Result: 39-25 win over Louisville
State put heavy pressure on Lamar Jackson all game, while the Wolfpack offense pretty much did whatever it wanted. Ryan Finley remained brutally efficient, picking up 367 yards through the air and Nykeim Hines topped 100 yards on the ground. You could make the case that the Pack got a better push against Louisville than they did against Syracuse. NC State has a very real chance to win the Atlantic now.
Clemson Tigers (6-0, 4-0)
Result: 28-14 win over Wake Forest
Clemson’s defense really got after Wake, while the offense did enough to stay ahead. Kelly Bryant also got injured in this one. While Dabo Swinney says he’s fine, we’ll have to see what the week brings. The quarterback was in a boot post-game. The Tigers had eight tackles fo loss against the Deacons (and three sacks). We should get a little concerned in advance of Friday.
Miami Hurricanes (4-0, 2-0)
Result: 24-20 win over Florida State
Miami hadn’t beaten FSU since 2009, but a late touchdown grab near the goal line put the ‘Canes ahead for good and ended the streak. Neither team looked like they wanted to win this one for upwards of two quarters, but eventually it was the ‘Canes that outlasted FSU. Both defenses looked pretty stout, even in those closing seconds. Miami did lose running back Mark Walton for the season, though.
Florida State Seminoles (1-3, 1-2)
Result: 24-20 loss to Miami
Directly related to the above. FSU thought they’d crushed Miami again with a late field goal to take a 20-17 lead. Then Miami picked up the pace and quickly drove down for the game-winning touchdown. The Seminoles’ offensive line is still pretty bad, and James Blackman was under attack most of the evening. Lucky for FSU, only one or two remaining opponents have excellent pass-rushes.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-2, 1-2)
Result: 28-14 loss to Clemson
Wake Forest’s offense couldn’t move the ball as much as necessary against the Tigers, but they never really went away either. We keep talking about how much the Deacons have improved, but this game is the prime example. They pressed enough up front, did enough on offense and tried to keep Clemson working through four quarters. Wake could be a year out from really competing with the conference’s top teams, which is stunning.
Louisville Cardinals (4-2, 1-2)
Result: 39-25 loss to NC State
Jackson did what he could, with over 420 yards of offense an two touchdowns. But without much help from the line or the rest of the run game, it didn’t matter much. Same goes for the defense, which was picked apart by the NC State passing game all night. Despite quality recruiting in recent years, it’s still just Jackson and then everyone else on Louisville. That’s causing more and more problems by the week.
Boston College Eagles (2-4, 0-3)
Result: 23-10 loss to Virginia Tech
Looked like ass on offense again, doing enough to stick around, but not enough to ever really challenge Tech. The defense, on the other hand, looked the part with nine tackles for loss and five sacks. BC isn’t terrible since their defense is so aggressive and disruptive. But paired with this offense, there’s a dwindling chance the Eagles can make a bowl game.
Week six opponent W-L: 7-5
2017 total W-L: 41-27