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2008 Syracuse College Football Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on August 8, 2008

Unless the offensive line is magically transformed and the running game can be effective again, the best case scenario looks like a four-win season for the Orange. Unfortunately, that likely won’t be enough for Greg Robinson to keep his job. Jimmy Boyd’s college football predictions in his 2008 Syracuse Orangemen season preview have them finishing at the bottom of the barrel in the Big East.

Offense

Syracuse put one of the worst offenses in the nation on the field in 2007. They ranked 116th in scoring, 118th in rushing, and 114th in total offense. The biggest problem appears to be the offensive line. It must give QB Andrew Robinson more time to throw. It gave up 54 sacks last year. With talented wide receiver Mike Williams returning, who caught 60 balls for 837 yards and 10 scores, there is hope in the passing game. But the running game is going to have to hold its own or teams will just hang back to play the pass as they did a season ago. The return of running back Delone Carter, who missed 2007 with a hip injury, should help improve a running game which ranked next to last nationally. To put things in perspective of just how bad the running game was, seven players in the Big East averaged more than the 62.8 yards per game the Orange mustered.

Defense

If you thought the offensive ranks were bad, wait until you see the defensive ones. The Orange ranked 104th nationally in scoring defense, 108th in rushing defense, 102nd in Passing defense, and 111th in total defense. There is experience on the defensive line so there is no excuse for not improving. Both defensive ends, Brandon Gilbeaux and Vincenzo Giruzzi, return along with second-team All-Big East nose tackle Arthur Jones. Jones was a lone bright spot in 2007 with 17.5 tackles for loss. Senior Jake Flaherty is the only returning starter at linebacker. He finished second on the team with 95 stops a season ago. An experienced safety corps, featuring A.J. Brown and Bruce Williams, will have to supplement an overall inexperienced group. Numbers speak very loudly with this team and a big one that stands out for me is 34.8. You’re not going to win many games when allowing that many points per contest.

Special Teams

This unit is a rare area of strength. Sophomore kick returner Max Suter is the best in the business. He set an NCAA record with 1,299 return yards while averaging 25.5 per kickoff return. Punter Rob Long was a second-team All-Big East selection while averaging 41.9 yards per boot. Place kicker Patrick Shadle was accurate although rarely called upon. He was 10 of 14 on field goals last season.

Prediction – 8th Big East

The Orange are just 2-19 in league play during Greg Robinson’s three years as head man. All indications are that he will be gone barring a miracle. There is just too many improvements to be made on both sides of the ball so they’ll be at the bottom behind Louisville and Cincinnati.

Jimmy Boyd is ready to unleash his finest college football picks each week on the books for another hugely profitable season. It’s time to get geared up for major successes on the gridiron with the best NCAA football handicapper on the planet.

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