Syracuse vs. Wake Forest Official TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

The Syracuse Orange (4-5, 2-3) return home for the first time since the Clemson game (weird). SU’s lost two straight, while their opponent, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (5-4, 2-3) are coming off a big defeat at the hands of Notre Dame. Both teams could use a win. But the Orange could REALLY use a win.

Adding to the fun, of course, is Eric Dungey appearing on the injury report as questionable. Hearing news like this makes me so upset, I would consider stomping a Porg. Hopefully he can go, if just for the Porg’s sake.

With or without Dungey, the Orange and Deacons will kick off at 3 p.m. ET tomorrow on your local RSN (check your affiliate) or ACC Network Extra for streamers.

So what does the TNIAAM staff think will happen in this game?

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 33, Wake Forest 27

This game is going to feature plenty of big plays from each offense. In the end I think the Orange defense is going to come up with an important stop to grab an obviously important victory. Everyone's nervous about Eric Dungey's health, but I think he's able to contribute enough offense at home to get the win.

Michael Lehr

Syracuse 41, Wake Forest 38

It's shootout time at the Dome. If Dungey is close to 80 percent healthy SU should be able to put up enough points to keep up down the stretch. Wake's defense has not been good recently (think 80 points allowed in the last two weeks). I think Dungey will play through the pain and if he's going to rest it will be at Louisville, not at home where the Orange are 4-1. Dontae Strickland will have to take some of the work load, but Steve Ishmael and Erv Phillips will keep racking up yards after the catch and push their way to a total team win. With the Loud House rocking on Saturday SU makes it 5-1 at home.

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Julian Whigham

Syracuse 28, Wake Forest 24

Offensively, Wake Forest has taken a step forward but its defense is still questionable, allowing over 1,200 yards of offense in two games and over 100 yards rushing to mobile quarterbacks in back-to-back weeks — good news for Eric Dungey and the offense. Syracuse’s defense rarely plays poorly two games in a row so i expect a solid outing by them, holding the deacs down just enough to get the win.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 30, Wake Forest 26

I have reasonable faith that Dungey plays, hence why I’m sticking with the Orange. Wake’s defense is susceptible against the pass despite what the raw numbers say, and I think the Syracuse defense uses this as a game to get back on track after several tough opponents in a row. We’re either going to be stopping someone from scoring late, or doing so ourselves. You’re going to be stressed. Sorry in advance.

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