College Football Playoff Rankings 2018: Selection Sunday Top 25 projections

Syracuse posted their first nine-win season since 2001, and they could match that first Orange squad of the 21st century and reach 10 wins with a victory in their bowl game. After a pair of 4-8 seasons where Syracuse showed more promise than their record indicated, Dino Babers finally saw results from his effort building up the program.

Eric Dungey finally saw his efforts pay off as well in 2018, as the quarterback recruited by Scott Shafer blossomed under Babers. Dungey completed just over 60 percent of his passes this year, piling up 2565 yards with a 17-to-7 ratio of touchdowns to interceptions. The quarterback added 732 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his myriad skills.

Coupled with a defense that led the nation in turnovers gained, the Orange were a clear second behind Clemson in the ACC Atlantic. They will head into their first bowl game since 2013 with a legitimate chance of getting to 10 wins no matter who they face. That will be enough to maintain their place somewhere in the high teens in the final College Football Playoff Top 25 of the year.