After losing head coach Doug Marrone to the NFL, many thought Syracuse would take a step back. Scott Shafer was promoted to the head job and immediately made headway with the Orange, guiding them to a 7-6 record and a win in the Texas Bowl. With returning starters at key positions, Syracuse could repeat last season's success in an improved Atlantic Division. A tough non conference schedule, along with crossover games against better than expected teams, could make for tough sledding. But if a few new contributors can step up to the task, the Orange could make it back to a bowl again this year.
Offense
The Orange are one of the few lucky teams in the ACC that return their starting quarterback in junior Terrel Hunt. Hunt contributed 17 touchdowns combined in the air and on the ground despite not starting the first four games of the season. With a full season under his belt, Hunt should improve those numbers in to the mid 20s. Backing him up is redshirt freshman Austin Wilson and true freshmen Alin Edourad and A.J. Long.
Syracuse relied heavily upon the ground game last season, but leading rusher Jerome Smith has moved on. Senior Prince-Tyson Gulley and sophomore George Morris II saw significant action in 2013, and should be more than capable of splitting the workload. Gulley racked up 456 yards on 83 carries for four touchdowns. Morris had a productive freshman season with 79 carries and 334 yards. Hunt contributed 500 yards and seven touchdowns to the rushing totals as well.
Shafer and offensive coordinator George McDonald need someone to take charge at the wide receiver position in 2014. Junior Ashton Broyld is a big target, but averaged less than nine yards per reception and failed to score. Senior Jarrod West could be the name to break out after picking up 15.3 yards per catch, but he will need to produce more than 26 receptions. Sophomore Brisly Estime could make a big impact after making big plays in the return game and pulling in 28 catches. Senior Quinta Funderburk and sophomore Alvin Cornelius will have chances to improve upon their combined 12 catches from a year ago. Sophomore Josh Parrish looks to be the starter at tight end. He made 13 receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman.
The Orange should be strong in the trenches, returning four of five starters from a unit that paved the way for a solid ground game, but struggled in passing situations. Senior Sean Hickey and junior Ivan Foy will return to the tackle spots and juniors Nick Robinson and Rob Trudo will man a guard spot and center, respectively. Sophomores Kyle Knapp and Omari Palmer will battle senior John Miller for the last remaining spot at guard.
Defense 
Seven starters return from a defense that finished 33rd nationally in total yards allowed. The Orange will have to replace defensive tackle Jay Bromley, but otherwise return three starters from a defensive line that performed admirably last season. Senior ends Robert Welsh and Micah Robinson will anchor the line. Welsh is one of two returning players with four sacks in 2013. Senior Eric Crume returns at one tackle spot, while junior Ryan Sloan will likely take over the other.
Syracuse will likely start three linebackers, with Dyshawn Davis and Cameron Lynch locked in at the outside spots. Fellow senior Luke Arciniega should replace the highly productive Marquis Spruill at middle linebacker. Senior Josh Kirkland should be the top backup at the outside linebacker positions. Sophomore Marqez Hodge will compete with Arciniega for the starting middle spot.
Junior Durell Eskridge may be the team's star at the free safety spot. Eskridge is the returning leader in both tackles (78) and interceptions (4) and will patrol the secondary. Senior Ritchy Desir should start at strong safety, but will have to hold off fellow senior Jaston George. At cornerback, Brandon Reddish will start in his final year, while fellow senior Joe Nassib will compete with juniors Julian Whigham and Wayne Morgan for time on the other side.
Special Teams
In an odd situation for most teams, Syracuse will have competition at the kicker position between two players with starting experience. Senior Ross Krautman returns after injury and should win the battle, but Ryan Norton took over his role and went 10 for 15 in 2013. Riley Dixon should hold down the punter position as a junior. As stated earlier, Brisly Estime is a dangerous kick returner and will handle kickoffs at the least.
Schedule
Syracuse has a relatively tough 2014 schedule, including nonconference dates against Maryland at home and against Notre Dame at a neutral field in New Jersey. Other dates out of conference are a home date with Villanova to open the season and a trip to Central Michigan. In conference, a tough slate at home consists of Louisville, Florida State, NC State, and Duke. A similarly challenging away schedule in conference includes Wake Forest, Clemson, Pittsburgh, and Boston College.
Prediction
The Orange could be improved in Shafer's second year and still produce the same record. A tougher conference, and challenging games in nonconference play will prevent Syracuse from reaching the eight or nine win mark, but this would not be a disappointment. An experience ladened roster will help continue the strides started during the Marrone era. Six wins is the likeliest scenario for Syracuse, but a healthy season could see a seven or eight win breakthrough.
The Orange could be improved in Shafer’s second year and still produce the same record. A tougher conference and challenging games in pre-conference play will prevent Syracuse from reaching the eight or nine win mark, but this would not be a disappointment. An experience-ladened roster will help continue the strides started during the Marrone era. Six wins is the likeliest scenario for Syracuse, but a healthy season could see a seven or eight win breakthrough.
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