ACC Football Power Rankings: Can anyone topple Clemson?

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Oct 31, 2020; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Dino Babers leads his team before a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Syracuse Orange

Key returning players: Taj Harris, Matthew Bergeron, Sean Tucker, Mikel Jones, Geoff Cantin-Arku, Garrett Williams

Key losses: Andre Cisco, Trill Williams, Ifeatu Melifonwu

Key Additions: Garrett Schrader (transfer) Quarterback, Chris Bleich (transfer) Offensive Guard, Darian “Duce: Chestnut (freshman) Cornerback

Season Outlook: The offensive line has been an issue for the Orange the last few seasons. However, this season they are healthy and should be much improved. There is a reason for optimism for Syracuse this fall.

However, if the offensive line can’t stay healthy, the offense falls apart once again.

Mississippi State transfer Garrett Schrader looks to be the starting quarterback because of his mobility. Taj Williams and Sean Tucker are solid pieces at receiver and running back. However, if the offensive line is bad, none of those pieces matter.

Transfer guard Chris Bleich helps solidify the offensive line, so it should be better; how much better is the question.

Defensively, losing the trio of Cisco, Williams and Melifonwu are difficult losses, but the secondary looks to be solid. Also, Syracuse should have some pass rush with Josh Black and Kingsley Jonathan at the defensive end.

There is a lot of possibilities to where the Orange can go this season. It all depends on who well they play in the trenches.

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