Fresh of its biggest win in a couple of years, the Syracuse Orange (3-4, 1-2 ACC) head to Massachusetts to face the Boston College Eagles (3-3, 0-3 ACC). The Orange just defeated No. 17 ranked Virginia Tech, and will look to string together wins for the first time this season.
Who’s Hot- The Defense
Syracuse’s defense has not been good for most of the season, but over the past two games they have begun to turn a corner. After giving up 28 points to Wake Forest, the Orange defense held Virginia Tech to 17 points. The Orange defense has been forcing more turnovers lately, including a game-clinching fumble late in the 4th quarter forced by Chris Slayton. After being torched the first few games, and suffering a ton of injuries, the secondary has responded, clamping down on receivers and not allowing the big play as much. Dino Babe
“With those [injured] guys playing a big part in our group, some guys definitely had to step up, including myself,’ Daivon Ellison said. “So some guys stepped up, started getting in the film room more, figuring out what they had to do and learning the playbook more. So that’s it.”
Who’s Not- No One
There were no glaring weaknesses from the Orange’s win against Virginia Tech. The Orange played a complete game in all three phases—offense, defense and special teams. Now comes the true test for the Orange: putting it together for more than one game.
“All we’ve proved so far is that we’re occasionally great, and what I want this football team to be is consistently good,” SU head coach Dino Babers said. “It bothers me that we’re not consistently good, and that’s what we’re striving for. And we may get there this year, we may not, but that’s where we’re heading, to be consistently good."
Boston College Looking For First Conference Win
It’s been a tough couple of seasons for Boston College football, and that hasn’t changed this year. In the three ACC games the Eagles have played thus far, they’ve been outscored 122-24, including a 49-0 beat down from Virginia Tech. The Eagles have some talent, especially at running back, where redshirt sophomore Jon Hillman has rushed for 378 and five touchdowns this year. In addition to Hillman, Boston College is known for its physical play, which will be interesting to see against the fast-paced Orange offense.
SU @ Boston College Saturday 12:30 PM. Pre game coverage starts @Noon on WAER 88.3
Syracuse Will Win If:
They bring the play from last week over to this week for a full 60 minutes, Dungey and his stable of receivers continue to light it up and the defense continues to force turnovers at crucial points during the game.
