BIG EAST FOOTBALL: Syracuse Orange 2008 Season Predictions

Syracuse has suffered through three straight losing seasons and Coach Greg Robinson likely has one last chance to turn things around.  A winning record is not necessarily a necessity for Coach Robinson to keep his job, but the team better at least start showing some progress.

As bad as the offense was last season, the defense was worse.  Coach Robinson is a defensive minded leader and has even taken over co-defensive coordinator duties. Will the Orange have enough confidence in their secondary to blitz a lot? 

The alternative, standing back and letting teams pick you apart, has proven not to be very effective.

Here are my predictions for the 2008 Syracuse Orange:

8/30     at NORTHWESTERN

Pat Fitzgerald's team is going to be stronger this season.  QB C.J. Bacher and RB Tyrell Sutton will have great afternoons for the Wildcats.

Prediction:  Loss (31-17)

9/06     AKRON

The Zips are coming off a disastrous season and are shaking things up a bit.  This will be the perfect opportunity for the Orange to get a win on the season.

Prediction:  Win (28-20)

9/13     PENN STATE

The Nittany Lions are tough this season and boast a slew of explosive receivers.  The Orange will be over-matched from the start.

Prediction:  Loss (31-7)

9/20     NORTHEASTERN

If Syracuse can't win this one, they should just give up.

Prediction:  Win (37-20)

9/27     PITT

Heisman candidate LeSean McCoy runs all over the Orange.

Prediction:  Loss (35-13)

10/11   at WEST VIRGINIA

This game will match the Big East best against the Big East worst.

Prediction:  Loss (48-10)

10/18   at SOUTH FLORIDA

The Bulls will not have a let down against a much weaker Orange team.

Prediction:  Loss (38-10)

11/01   LOUISVILLE

Revenge game.  The Cardinals should not have lost to the Orange last season and they will make sure not to let history repeat itself.

Prediction:  Loss (45-17)

11/08   at RUTGERS

Mike Teel has a great day against the Syracuse secondary.

Prediction:  Loss (38-14)

11/15   CONNECTICUT

The Orange defense can't stop Tyler Lorenzen.

Prediction:  Loss (37-13)

11/22   at NOTRE DAME

Notre Dame will be much improved this season and John Tenuta's blitzing defense will cause problems for the Orange offense.

Prediction:  Loss (36-17)

11/29   at CINCINNATI

The Bearcats are a team on the rise.  The Orange can't keep up.

Prediction:  Loss (38-10)

Final Record:  2-10.  Another horrific season for the Orange.  Coach Greg Robinson will need to go back to the drawing board, that is if he is given the chance to.