Syracuse football bowl watch: Orange halfway there!

The sky has stopped falling for now on Dino Babers and the Syracuse Orange, as they head into the bye week halfway completing the bare minimum requirements of the quest (six wins). While fans may feel so-so about the results to date, the Orange are still in a very good spot to make a bowl, and it’s not like the ACC is inspiring confidence. So, where do the all seeing bowl projections think ‘Cuse will land? The Quest for Tony dives in below:

Quick Lane Bowl, December 26 (Detroit, Mich.)

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach: vs. Indiana Hoosiers

ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura; vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

This would certainly feel like a let down, being that the Quick Lane was a “just get in” type of destination for ‘Cuse fans for so many years. That said, there’s not a ton to like about ‘Cuse that stands out from any of the rest of their opponents when you do the eye test. Let’s hope this isn’t the outcome, though I feel like we’d see some Sean Keeley there.

Walk-On’s Independence Bowl, December 26 (Shreveport, La.)

Sporting News: vs. Arizona Wildcats

Similar to above, this is less than ideal, as I don’t think many ‘Cuse fans would make the trek the day after Christmas to Louisiana. That said, Sumlin vs Babers would be some kind of pointsy showdown.

Pinstripe Bowl, December 27 (Bronx, N.Y.)

Fansided: vs. Michigan State Spartans

College Football News: vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The “7-9” wins club favorite here, I can’t see how a non-second place ACC finish Orange doesn’t get heavily considered, seeing that there’s no New York City Metropolitan Area game this year for football. However, these two teams represent the absolute opposite ends of Big Ten styles, and I’m not sure which I want to see ‘Cuse play.

Military Bowl, December 27 (Annapolis, Md.)

Bleacher Report: vs. Army Black Knights

Orlando Sentinel: vs. Navy Midshipmen

The Military Bowl is always interesting, as I think this would be a universally loved option by ‘Cuse fans. Annapolis is a great spot to visit, DC is nearby, and while Army is challenging, Brian Ward would have time to prep for the triple option madness either team brings to the table that usually trips up opponents week to week.

Belk Bowl, December 31 (Charlotte, N.C.)

CBS Sports: vs. Army Black Knights

247 Sports: vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs

And finally, the good ol’ Belk Bowl people still seem to think the Orange have a shot in. If North Carolina and Wake continue to do what they have, I think they’re more a favorite to land here. That said, I’ll take a New Years Eve Bowl against an SEC opponent or a team the Orange would definitely be able to compete with.