Pittsburgh Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2017
The Syracuse Orange and head coach Dino Babers went 4-8 in season one. Season two could see them pull out a one or two more victories, but Syracuse is still deep in the rebuilding process.
The Orange have the skill position players to field a solid offense. However, it’s the offensive line that continues to raise the biggest concerns.
On a positive note, Syracuse returns 10 starters on defense and nine on offense. Senior linebacker Zaire Franklin returns as the unsung leader on defense. Franklin returns after recording 101 tackles last season and leading the team in tackles for loss with 10.0
The Orange got some help in the second via the graduate transfer and junior college route. Devin Butler (Notre Dame), Jordan Martin (Toledo) and Mykelti Williams (junior college) will challenge for starting playing time in the secondary.
Related Story: Pittsburgh Football: 2017 season preview, prediction
Offensively, quarterback Eric Dungey is back but he’ll need to stay healthy for the Orange to see success. Dungey threw for 2,679 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and just seven interceptions in nine games in 2016.
Wide receivers Erv Phillips should play a role if the Orange do end up pulling out a victory against the Panthers. Phillips caught 90 passes for 822 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Lest fans forget, the last time these two teams met, the score read like a basketball score; Pittsburgh won 76-61. The Pittsburgh Panthers won by two possessions but defense was scarce in this game. Expect similar results this season.
Final: Syracuse 46, Pittsburgh 56 (4-2, 2-0 ACC)