Syracuse football vs. Rutgers: TNIAAM Predictions & Poll

The weekend is here, and the Syracuse Orange get to play in the Carrier Dome in front of fans for the first time since 2019. They’ll face off against old Big East Foes Rutgers, in a game that will go a long way in determining the hopes and expectations for both fan bases.

TNIAAM’s staff makes its predictions below, and you can, too. The Orange are currently a home underdog according to most sportsbooks.

Andy

Syracuse 23, Rutgers 21

Look, this game is going to get weird. Do I feel comfort in that fact? Weirdly, yes, because somehow, Syracuse has an All American kicker who can convert late and in pressure situations, so it’s going to come down to the defense not breaking late, and offense doing just enough to get Andre Szmyt in a position to win the game. I think we see the Orange get Sean Tucker 100 yards, but it’s far less pretty and efficient than last week, with Taj Harris emerging with over 10 receptions from the slot as Tommy DeVito’s favorite check down option. Those things are just enough to get the job done, and the Orange are 2-0.

Kevin

Rutgers 24, Syracuse 23

I have no idea what to make of either of these teams based on last week. It does shape up to be a game which will hinge on turnovers and special teams play and I would be shocked if it’s not a one-score game at the end. Maybe it’s the last thirty years of Syracuse Football in my brain but I think the Orange fall just short thanks to a bad pass interference call leading to a late Rutgers field goal. If Syracuse can protect the ball they can win this game but this is one where the loss of Chris Elmore could be pivotal.

John

Rutgers 27, Syracuse 23

Admittedly, Dan nearly convinced me of an Orange win during this week’s podcast, and honestly, it wouldn’t be that farfetched to see it happen. Simply, if Syracuse can run the ball well and isn’t forced to pass much, that should be enough to take home a victory. But Rutgers’ defense is unlikely to just get pushed around all afternoon, and Tommy DeVito will be forced to make a play or two. A late mistake could very well decide this one. I’m not sold the Orange can avoid being the ones to commit it just yet (but would love to be proven wrong).

Christian

Syracuse 27, Rutgers 24 (Double OT)

I made this prediction jokingly on our Livestream on Monday (check it out, by the way) without thinking about it too much or putting too much thought into why I said this score. Now that I’ve had some time to think, this just feels right. Both defenses seem to be the real deal, and points will be at a premium. This could easily go into multiple overtimes with both defenses causing turnovers left, right and center. Prepare for a slugfest, just not the offensive kind.

Steve

Syracuse 31, Rutgers 24

This one’s strange, as I’m sure you can gather from the above responses. I’m going off the wall and drinking the juice Dan was serving on the podcast. Even crazier, as a late Orange score takes this one into “over” territory. Neither team showed much in week one and the Orange take care of the football, not allowing Rutgers to take advantage of an ultra-short field on every possession. Tommy, Taj, Duce and the rest of the NJ natives all enjoy a win over their “hometown” team.

Those are our predictions now let’s hear yours.