Who’s back – the U or the Cuse?
The Syracuse Orange (8-3, 4-3) finish the regular season when they welcome the #8 Miami Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1) to the JMA Dome. Kickoff is at 3:30 on ESPN and here’s what we’re predicting in this one:
Kevin (8-3): Miami 51, Syracuse 45
Two explosive offenses inside the climate-controlled Dome leads me to believe this turns into a track meet. I think the Orange get a late touchdown to make the final score look closer, but it wouldn’t be shocking if Cam Ward and Kyle McCord combine to throw for over 800 yards in this one. I’d feel better about Syracuse chances if the secondary was healthier as this is not the game you want to have a true freshman on an island on the outside.
Mike (6-5): Syracuse 45, Miami 42
What does the U always do when they find themselves in a critical juncture? Blow it. Sorry to our own Miami rep but he’d tell you the same. Ward and McCord will do what they do best and tear up the Dome turf, and I fully expect both sides to have a 100-yard receiver. Besides that, just be ready for lots and lots of scoring, and yet another down-to-the-wire finish. This is where the Barron-Diggs-Wax trio does just enough to halt the final ‘Canes drive and let pandemonium ensue.
Dom (8-3): Miami 41, Syracuse 28
Call me biased or a #DisLoyalIdiot! Miami is coming into this game with a huge target back on its shoulder and has played particularly its ACC opponents really close for stretches. Yes, Syracuse’s offense can also absolutely keep up and make this a high-scoring contest. I wouldn’t be surprised if Syracuse is even up at halftime (I’ll predict 24-17 or 17-13). All that being said, Miami is going to come in looking to make a statement. Even if things start out slow, The U can score 20-something points in a quarter and that’s exactly what will happen this Saturday. (Writer’s note: the city of Miami had to sacrifice the Heat and Dolphins’ seasons to get to this point and we cannot afford to lose this).
Max (6-5): Miami 45, Syracuse 35
This is a crucial game for the Hurricanes, who would clinch a berth in the ACC Championship Game (and most likely the College Football Playoff) with a win. Syracuse will come out strong and give Miami a taste of its own medicine with a few quick-hitting touchdowns. However, Ward’s playmaking abilities will be the difference, as the projected top-3 pick in next year’s NFL Draft finishes with three touchdown passes through the air and one more on the ground. It would be a statement sendoff for Syracuse’s senior class, but I think the Orange come up just short.
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Now it’s your turn