The Syracuse Orange kick off the 2017 football season by hosting the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at the Carrier Dome this Friday. SU has never faced CCSU in its history, while the Blue Devils rarely even fight above their weight. It’s the first time the Blue Devils face an FBS opponent since a 51-14 loss to Western Michigan in 2007.
The teams kick off at 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra (WatchESPN) on Friday. If you won’t be present at the Carrier Dome, you can hang out with us here while we enjoy the stream-lagged proceedings.
So what does the TNIAAM staff think will happen?
Steve Haller
Syracuse 47, CCSU 10
Defense finishes working some kinks out early and the offense looks like what we saw last year. With as many pieces back as we have, we slide into a comfortable rhythm and roll the Blue Devils. If JMU and Dusquene can put 50-plus on them last year, I think we've got this. Ideally this should be a solid tune up game where we get some of the inexperienced pieces some game time.
Andy Pregler
Syracuse 70, CCSU 24
Look, I think we all know this is a cupcake of a cupcake of cupcake, but that doesn't mean we can't fun. Mainly, that I think we'll see some of the backups come on in the second half and look to prove that on a wide open depth chart, they should have talent and should get reps. I love the idea that this is the beginning of the awakening for Cuse Football: tons of scoring, tons of plays, but also a fair amount going the other way too. This is as close as we'll be to getting EA NCAA Football back. Let's enjoy it.
The Invisible Swordsman
Syracuse 41, CCSU 13
With a year of Dino Babers's offense under our belts, I see us settling in very nicely and jumping out to a 28 to 3-ish lead at the half. We coast in the second when our reserves take over and we all get to haze loads of idiots who will try to leave so they can avoid waiting two turns of the light at the corner of Irving and Adams.
Kevin Wall
Syracuse 54, CCSU 17
Look for the Orange to strike early and often on Friday night. I'm expecting we see Dungey, Mahoney and Culpepper take some snaps. I also expect five or six players getting second-half carries as Syracuse works to establish some confidence in the running game before they face MTSU. This will be a good start to Year two of the Dino Babers era as both the offense and defense will look faster and sharper.
Michael Lehr
Syracuse 31, CCSU 7
Friday night will be a four touchdown night for the Orange. Count on two passing TDs for Eric Dungey. Dontae Strickland will get into space and earn a score of his own. After the half, the second squad will find the end zone and will be fun to watch. Defensively 'Cuse makes a mistake or two in the middle of the game and gives up just one score collectively. Final in the Dome is 31-7 and everyone will be feelin' good.
John Cassillo
Syracuse 45, CCSU 10
This one’s over by halftime as Eric Dungey & Co. throw all over a porous Blue Devils secondary. The Orange passing game goes for over 350 yards, while the rushing attack handles the second half. A bunch of new faces see the field as freshmen get a shot to prove their spot on the depth chart. CCSU’s only touchdown is in garbage time, but that’s fine as SU picks up the easy victory.
Now it’s your turn...
Poll
What will be the outcome of the Syracuse vs. CCSU game?
This poll is closed
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94%
Syracuse wins by any amount, and we’re 1-0!
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5%
Central Connecticut pulls a major upset and we’re inconsolable