Syracuse vs. Central Michigan Official TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

The Syracuse Orange (1-1) host the Central Michigan Chippewas (2-0) at the Carrier Dome this Saturday, with an eye on revenge. CMU first knocked Eric Dungey out of a game back in 2015. Plus, the Orange really need this victory after last week’s unsettling loss.

This contest kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ACC Network Extra (WatchESPN). 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?

Andy Pregler

Syracuse 31, CMU 28

I don't think Babers and Co rebound in a satisfying fashion after last week's mess, but they still rebound enough for the W. The biggest key to see if this team evolves? A tweaked blocking scheme to buy Dungey more time or some use of his natural mobility to shift the pocket when the Orange are backed up on second/third and longs.

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Kevin Wall

Syracuse 38, CMU 27

We saw the Orange cause a lot of self-inflicted damage last weekend. This weekend I look for them to play a cleaner offensive game. It won't be an easy contest, but in the end, Ervin Phillips breaks out this week and helps pace a needed Syracuse win.

Adam Hillman

Syracuse 31, CMU 23

Syracuse and Central Michigan are two completely different teams going in two completely different directions. CMU, coming off a win over Big 12 basement dweller Kansas, showcases former Michigan QB Shane Morris, while we all know what happened to Syracuse last weekend. I see a similar game to last week: a slow start for both teams followed by a fairly high scoring second half. Instead, this time, Eric Dungey has a career day, running and throwing for all of Syracuse's four touchdowns. Dino bounces back with a nice win over a quality opponent.

Michael Lehr

Syracuse 24, CMU 17

A lot is looming this week. Mostly last weekend, and Dungey’s injury from two seasons ago. But I'll still be optimistic about this group and Babers' ability to turn them around. 'Cuse has a lot of energy and goes up early, the defense hangs on to the lead.

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Julian Whigham

Syracuse 35, CMU 31

The Orange bounce back. Shane Morris and his receivers will test Syracuse's defense but I think they hold up. Speaking of defense, CMU's isn't very good allowing more than 300 passing yards a game. Expect Eric Dungey and this offense to take advantage.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 34, CMU 23

CMU losing some key receivers certainly helps Syracuse’s chances to keep their passing game in check, but it was the Orange offense that gave the biggest cause for concern last week. SU still fails to get the running game in an acceptable place, but Dungey does enough through the air to put points on the board. You probably won’t feel great about the close win that needs a fourth quarter push to get to double digits. But that’s likely the way things have to be this year.