Syracuse vs. Georgia Tech Official TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

The Syracuse Orange (15-6, 4-4) are on the road once more tonight, as they visit the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (10-11, 3-5). Though Tech’s currently under .500, don’t let the record fool you -- they’re still a very tough out. Also, the Orange only have six regular rotation players now that both Matthew Moyer and Howard Washington are injured for this one.

You can watch Syracuse vs. Georgia Tech at 8 p.m. ET on your local ACC Network affiliate or ACC Network Extra.

So what does (some of) the TNIAAM staff think will happen in this game?

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 59, Georgia Tech 58

I’m not as concerned about the Syracuse (lack of) depth as much as I am about containing Ben Lammers. Hopefully Bourama Sidibe’s feeling good tomorrow night so that he and Pascal Chukwu can be aggressive on defense. Syracuse struggled on Saturday but look for a few more shots to fall and some late Tyus Battle free throws to help the Orange escape Atlanta with a win.

Andrew Godnick

Syracuse 64, Georgia Tech 58

This will be another example of the Orange playing slower against a weaker opponent, and Howard Washington’s absence will not help. If Tyus Battle or Frank Howard get in early foul trouble, the Orange could be in some trouble. However, Battle will do as he always does, and close this one out with a clutch shot or two.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Bobby Manning

Syracuse 64, Georgia Tech 57

I expect this game to run its course in a similar manner to the Pittsburgh game we just watched. GT boasts a top-30 defense that has helped them fight with the likes of Clemson (played within two last game) but the lack of offensive efficiency (in the 200s across most categories) will make it difficult to close out the Orange’s regular second-half burst. The lack of depth is only a concern for Syracuse in the case that they run into foul trouble, which will lead to an automatic loss against most opponents (see the Florida State game). Tyus Battle, Oshae Brissett and Frank Howard have hauled full games all season, and Bourama Sidibe now sits as a reliable buffer to any foul issues Paschal Chukwu runs into. It’s going to be extremely difficult for SU to play as aggressively as it typically does with only six rotation players, but against a similarly depleted offensive team winning should not be a massive concern.

James Szuba

Syracuse 62, Georgia Tech 59

Despite the lack of depth, Syracuse should still be able to overcome the short rotation on the road at Georgia Tech. I suspect Ben Lammers will give Syracuse some trouble defensively while Jackson and Okogie do the heavy lifting offensively, but the centers are Marek have played well of late while the troika of Howard, Battle and Brissett has been solid all season. Ultimately the Syracuse role players give just enough to earn a road victory.

John Cassillo

Georgia Tech 64, Syracuse 62

The Orange have just played SO poorly on the road in recent years, and I think Tech’s talent far out-paces that of teams like Georgetown and Pitt — both of which, we struggled to beat away from home. Syracuse’s depth issues are a concern, but the bigger question will be around how we can produce on both ends in the paint. You can’t expect 18 and 16 from Bourama Sidibe every game. But without it, SU might struggle to do much on offense against a bigger Yellow Jackets squad.