First Look: Syracuse Orange

Today we continue our “First Look” series, where we preview each of the Tigers opponents during the upcoming season.

At one time, Dino Babers and the Syracuse Orange were a thorn in the side of the Clemson Tigers. Lately, not so much.

2020 was a season to forget for the Orange and Babers has gone from once being a hot commodity to maybe being on the hot seat. Syracuse finished 1-10 overall and 1-9 in the ACC.

After averaging 265 yards and 18 points per game last season the offense has nowhere to go but up. Honestly, it will hard to be worse.

It all starts with the offensive line which was just abysmal a year ago. Pretty much everyone is back, but the coaching staff will have to find the right mix. However, there is plenty of experience returning, which means there should at the very least be some improvement.

Starting quarterback Tommy DeVito returns. There might not be another quarterback in the ACC that has taken more of a beating than he has in recent seasons. However, he isn’t a lock for the job as Mississippi State transfer Garrett Shrader didn’t come in to sit the bench.

If the offensive line can protect, the passing game has a chance to be explosive, but that is a big if. Taj Harris and Courtney Jackson are two capable wideouts and gives either quarterback a reliable target.

On defense, the back seven has the potential to be solid. They have two really good linebackers in Mikel Jones and Geoff Cantin-Arku, both capable of making a ton of plays.

The secondary also has some good pieces. Ja’Had Carter is back at one of the safety spots and Garrett Williams gives them an NFL talent at corner.

Although, for this group to be better, it all starts up front. After allowing more than 200 rushing yards per game last season, the defensive front must improve. Four times last season the Orange allowed more than 275 yards on the ground.

Overall, for this team to see marked improvement from last year, they have to be better in the trenches. Protecting the quarterback will be key, as will keeping teams from running the ball down their throats.

The Orange do have a very favorable out of conference schedule that includes four games against non Power-5 teams. If they can win those, and find a couple of wins against ACC teams, they could find themselves bowl eligible one year removed from season with double digit losses.