Syracuse vs. Western Michigan: TNIAAM predictions & poll

The Syracuse Orange (1-2, 0-1) are at home for the second straight weekend, and could really use a victory against the Western Michigan Broncos (2-1, 0-0). We saw WMU just over 12 months ago, and the Broncos actually return a lot from a team that inspired a bit of a scare in the Orange during a busy third quarter in 2018.

Before this one gets going on Saturday at noon ET on the ACC Network, the TNIAAM staff weighs in on whether or not Syracuse can get back to .500 with a much-needed win.

Brandon Ross

Syracuse 35, Western Michigan 24

SU’s offense has not had an explosive performance yet. This could be the week against a weaker WMU defense, but the Orange don’t even need that. Syracuse’s defense has been holding up well for the most part aside from a shaky outing at Maryland, so I think that will push SU to the W this week.

Andy Pregler

Syracuse 24, Western Michigan 18

This is going to be a weird game we look back on and say helped turned around the Orange’s season. Lester’s group will be ready to go, but they’re not going to be able to hang with Syracuse for 4 quarters. I think DeVito puts up solid numbers, but has another bone head moment that keeps the game too close for comfort. Abdul Adams and Moe Neal steal the showing, running the ball, controlling the clock and ultimately being the best threats in the passing game. It won’t feel great, but it’s a win and that’s all that matters.

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Wall

Syracuse 41, Western Michigan 27

The Orange defense will have their hands full with Jon Wassink and LeVante Bellamy and I think the first half will be back and forth. In the second half look for Moe Neal and Abdul Adams to find space running the ball which allows Syracuse to pick up the offensive tempo while the talented Orange secondary creates two more turnovers leading to a somewhat comfortable win.

Steve Haller

Syracuse 38, Western Michigan 24

I’m assuming that the Orange can get back on track in the offensive categories against the Broncos. While WMU can put up points, albeit against lesser competition so far, their defense is a bit of a sieve. After the travails of playing against Clemson’s defense, the running game opens up a bit, which frees up Tommy DeVito to look much more comfortable passing the ball.

John Cassillo

Syracuse 34, Western Michigan 21

Perhaps too optimistically, I’m keying in on WMU’s less-than-stellar run defense as the means by which the Orange get themselves back on track. With Moe Neal and Abdul Adams able to run a bit more freely, it provides Tommy DeVito with more time to throw and get the passing game going. The Broncos keep things interesting because SU’s defense struggles to truly slow down LeVante Bellamy. But Syracuse winds up forcing a couple turnovers to help make the difference.

Now it’s your turn...