Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech: TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

Yes, the Syracuse Orange football team has lost three in a row. And while the fact that all of those defeats have come by three points is certainly not a good thing, the bright side is that they’re probably a better team than the 3-4 record indicates. We’re unsure whether you can say the same for the Virginia Tech Hokies at 3-3 right now. But DraftKings says... Syracuse is a three-point underdog right now (odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details).

Before things kick off on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET from Lane Stadium (or your local RSN), the TNIAAM staff weighs in with their own predictions — and hopefully none of them involve another three-point loss.

Kevin (6-1)

Syracuse 17, Virginia Tech 16

Has there been a game where both quarterbacks fail to throw for more than 125 yards? This game might move along pretty quickly as both teams should keep the ball on the ground on offense. Getting out to a lead will be important and if the Orange can jump in front the crowd at Lane Stadium won’t be a factor. It’s also going to be important for Syracuse to be solid on special teams. If they make the Hokies offense go on long drives to score they could snap this losing streak.

John (6-1)

Syracuse 27, Virginia Tech 21

If you thought Syracuse’s offense was frustrating, might I direct you to the Hokies, who haven’t really put it together all year — save a 29-point outburst in a loss to Notre Dame. Meanwhile, Tech’s defense allows over 4.3 yards per carry while also being a top-30 pass defense. The more I’ve been digging into this matchup all week, the more I like Syracuse’s chances courtesy of the defense’s abilities and Sean Tucker. The key is avoiding the mistakes and silly game management issues that have plagued them in recent weeks. Without them, this (cautiously) feels like an Orange win.

Steve (5-2)

Syracuse 24, Virginia Tech 17

We’re getting off the three point game skid! I hope... If you’d have asked me Monday, I think the score would have been flipped, but I’ve moved myself into a place where I think this is a favorable matchup. Heading down to Lane isn’t going to be an easy task for anyone, but it’s not insurmountable by any stretch and Sean Tucker’s legs will tell you that on Saturday. If the Orange can stay in a spot where Shrader doesn’t have to throw the ball into a talented pass defense, they can walk away with the win.

Andy (5-2)

Virginia Tech 24, Syracuse 21

It’s going to be another week of bemoaning a close loss for the Orange, and unfortunately I think this one is going to hurt just as much as the last 3. Neither team is very good offensively, and both want to keep the ball on the ground with their QBs. Unfortunately for the Orange, I think we can almost guarantee a last minute key injury to a starter, and Virginia Tech, despite their record, has done a decent enough job bottling up opposition this year. I think Shrader does Shrader things on the ground, Sean Tucker does all he can, but the offense is stuck in too many third and longs they can’t convert, and Virginia Tech takes advantage for a last minute score.

Christian (4-3)

Syracuse 20, Virginia Tech 17

I’ll be honest, I didn’t know much about Virginia Tech before this game. But as most of us have pointed out, the matchup seems to balance out more and more than we originally thought. This game will be all about the run defense, which both offenses are based on. I think Syracuse has a slight edge in that category, which means the margins are still tight everywhere else. At this point, I feel like every game the Orange play this season will be a margin of three points.

Now it’s your turn...