While you’re probably still getting used to the fact that Syracuse Orange football is back, basketball season is also right around the corner. The latest sign of hoops’ return?
The ACC has released the entire 2017-18 schedule.
First and foremost, here’s when/where the Orange play (for the 18 ACC games):
December
Sunday, December 31: Virginia Tech at Syracuse, 6 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
January
Wednesday, January 3: Syracuse at Wake Forest, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
Saturday, January 6: Notre Dame at Syracuse, 3:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN2)
Tuesday, January 9: Syracuse at Virginia, 8 p.m. ET (ACCN)
Saturday, January 13: Syracuse at Florida State, 2 p.m. ET (ACCN)
Tuesday, January 16: Pittsburgh at Syracuse, 9 p.m. ET (RSN)
Wednesday, January 24: Boston College at Syracuse, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
Saturday, January 27: Syracuse at Pittsburgh, 4 p.m. ET (ACCN)
Wednesday, January 31: Syracuse at Georgia Tech, 8 p.m. ET (ACCN)
February
Saturday, February 3: Virginia at Syracuse, 4 p.m. ET (ACCN)
Monday, February 5: Syracuse at Louisville, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Sunday, February 11: Wake Forest at Syracuse, 1 p.m. ET (ACCN)
Wednesday, February 14: NC State at Syracuse, 9 p.m. ET (ACCN)
Saturday, February 17: Syracuse at Miami, Noon ET (CBS)
Wednesday, February 21: North Carolina at Syracuse, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Saturday, February 24: Syracuse at Duke, TBD (ESPN/ESPN2)
Wednesday, February 28: Syracuse at Boston College, 9 p.m. ET (RSN)
March
Saturday, March 3: Clemson at Syracuse, 2 p.m. ET (ACCN)
All told, that’s seven games on linear ESPN TV networks, one on CBS, two on RSNs and eight on ACC Network. If most of those end up streaming, that’s... not great. Especially when you consider the fact that both of the Virginia games are online-only (defying all reason, logic). Seth Goldberg points out that ACC Network could also get some local pick-up so I’ve made some slight tweaks to reflect that here).
This list also includes networks for non-conference games (all non-listed games are either on ACC Network Extra or not televised outside of the local market):
Monday, November 27: Maryland at Syracuse, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
Saturday, December 2: Syracuse vs. Kansas, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Tuesday, December 5: Syracuse vs. Connecticut, TBD (ESPN)
Saturday, December 16: Syracuse at Georgetown, 12:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
Wednesday, December 27: Eastern Michigan at Syracuse, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
So add another four ESPN dates to the tally above. That makes 11 on ESPN linear TV, two for CBS, two RSNs and (a likely) 16 on ACC Network.
This sort of setup is going to generate some animosity from fans. And admittedly, with good reason. But the Orange aren’t necessarily projected to be any better than last year’s group, which is probably why we saw a couple dates shift to online only when we felt the games deserved a featured spot.
Also, Miami, North Carolina and Duke all in a row near the end of the schedule is brutal. At least there’s a better use of Wednesday and Saturday games over shorter rest like we had last year?
Share your own thoughts below.