Let's take a look at Syracuse football.
Best / Worst Case Record for :
Louisville | Virginia | Miami | Duke | Georgia Tech | Boston College | Pittsburgh | Florida State | Virginia Tech | NC State | Clemson | North Carolina | Wake Forest
Syracuse
It was a tale of two seasons last year for Syracuse. They started the year 6-0, and went to Clemson in a top-15 matchup that ended up the highest-rated game in college football that weekend. Then the wheels came off in a 1-6 finish. Dino Babers has been at Syracuse for seven years, with a lot of mediocrity and that one magical season 10-win season in 2018. Babers is a fine coach, but the Syracuse program is treading water. It really feels like Syracuse needs at minimum a bowl season, and probably at least a 7 or 8-win season for Babers to remain as Syracuse head coach. His seat could be the warmest in the ACC.
Will Go 8-4 (4-4) if:
The OC coordinator changes can upgrade the offense. Last season Syracuse ranked 76th in the country in total offense and lost 4 games where they scored 21 or fewer points. Jason Beck takes over at OC, and there is a major turnover to deal with including the loss of star RB Sean Tucker. The good news is the experience and ability of QB Garret Shrader and one of the ACC’s best offensive players receiver Oronde Gadson II. The schedule is favorable early with Colgate, Western Michigan, at Purdue, and Army. Purdue will be a test, but get that game and Syracuse can open the 4-0. A finish with games at Virginia Tech, Boston College, Pittsburgh, at Georgia Tech, and Wake Forest is tough, but not impossible. The defense needs to stay in stay top 30 caliber from last year.
Will Go 4-8 (1-7) if:
Syracuse can’t replace top contributors last year. Syracuse lost RB Sean Tucker, defensive stars like CB Garrett Williams and LB Mikel Jones among others. Syracuse is going to be dealing with a lot of turnover from players to coaches. The mid-season stretch could really do Syracuse in. From September 30 through October, Syracuse plays Clemson, at North Carolina, at Florida State, and after a BYE week at Virginia Tech. Once you get past Colgate and Western Michigan, the schedule gets challenging. Boston College could be the only ACC team that Syracuse is favored against… and even that is a maybe.
