Syracuse vs. Louisville: TNIAAM predictions & poll

The Syracuse Orange briefly resuscitated their season last weekend with a 49-6 win over Duke. Now we get to see if they can keep it going on Saturday against the Louisville Cardinals. The Cards are bowl eligible already, and have looked pretty capable on offense. However, the questions on the defensive side should give some slight hope for SU as they try to keep bowl hopes alive.

Before this road game gets started tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET on ACC Network, the TNIAAM staff weighs in on what we think will happen.

Brandon Ross

Louisville 38, Syracuse 31

I think this will be a close game. Louisville is the definition of a perfectly imbalanced team: The Cards average 430 yards per game on offense and allow 430 yards per game on defense. Since the Orange D has been spotty, this means the onus falls on the offense to keep the them competitive. While there were signs of promise against Duke, I’m just not sure enough consistent play will carry over to pull off SU’s second consecutive road win.

Andy Pregler

Louisville 42, Syracuse 35

Syracuse comes out hot as heck against a below average Louisville defense, however the return of Mekhi Becton helps nullify the newfound defensive pressure the Orange used so well versus Duke. Satterfield continues to show his skill as an in game coach, keeping the Cardinals score for score, and the Orange offense’s shortcomings keep them away from the W.

Steve Haller

Louisville 35, Syracuse 31

Syracuse comes close to the promised land, but can’t finish it off, as Louisville’s team speed is able to come up late against a gassed secondary. If I remember right, I picked Tutu Atwell in our preseason draft of other teams. I don’t want to see him be the one to go off against Syracuse, but it’s not a bad shout, as he and Dez Fitzpatrick are both top notch options against the Orange. The Cardinals defense is relatively suspect, giving up 36 points per game to FBS opponents, there is always the spark of light for Syracuse to get it together.

Kevin Wall

Louisville 41, Syracuse 33

I’m not sure if last week’s Syracuse defense was the result of better health and increased focus or Duke missing two OL starters. Louisville has been the surprise team of the ACC and has shown an explosive offense and will be a much tougher test for Steve Standard’s group. If the Orange can create turnovers then the Syracuse offense should be able to cash those in for points against a pretty weak Cardinals defense. I think this game will feature a lot of points with the difference being Louisville’s offense converting more red zone trips to touchdowns instead of field goals.

John Cassillo

Louisville 37, Syracuse 31

Hidden behind Syracuse’s final score last week were some offensive struggles, even if not created by the line this time around. I think Louisville’s defense could help Tommy DeVito and the Orange attack look capable in this one too, but I’m not sure SU’s defense will be able to put a stop to the Cards’ rushing attack. Perhaps they contain one of Javian Hawkins, Hassan Hall or QB Micale Cunningham, but doubt it’s all three. SU makes it interesting at the end, however.

Now it’s your turn...