Eric15
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Villanova (0-0) at Syracuse (0-0) Aug. 29, 7:30, ESPN3
Here's The Deal: Villanova-Syracuse conjures up images of a classic 1980s Big East basketball game. Friday night’s first football meeting since 1975 between the schools should be rather compelling as well. Andy Talley’s Wildcats are No. 7 in the FCS preseason coaches poll, and a threat to win the Colonial Athletic Association title. The Orange laid a solid foundation in Scott Shafer’s first year, inching above .500 with a Texas Bowl upset of Minnesota.
Why Villanova Might Win: Hopes are high at Villanova largely because of the return of QB John Robertson, the CAA’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. The junior is a dangerous dual-threat who rushed for 1,405 yards and accounted for 33 touchdowns in 2013.
Why Syracuse Might Win: The Wildcats are not going to match up well with the Orange at the point of attack. While Syracuse returns four starting blockers, namely All-ACC LT Sean Hickey, Villanova will not be at full strength for this game. The pocket will collapse quickly once S Durell Eskridge and linebackers Dyshawn Davis and Cameron Lynch blitz off the edge.
Who To Watch Out For: Syracuse’s fortunes rest on the maturation of junior QB Terrel Hunt, who showed intermittent flashes of brilliance and youth in 2013. The staff loves his potential as a strong-armed pocket passer who can also evade the rush.
What’s Going To Happen: While Villanova is a tricky opener, the Wildcats’ O-line injuries are going to dampen Robertson’s effectiveness. Hunt, on the other hand, will start strong, combining with RB Prince-Tyson Gulley to lead Syracuse to a two-touchdown win.
Prediction: Syracuse 35 … Villanova 21
Line: No Line
Must Watch Factor: 5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?”) – 1 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?") … 1.5
Here's The Deal: Villanova-Syracuse conjures up images of a classic 1980s Big East basketball game. Friday night’s first football meeting since 1975 between the schools should be rather compelling as well. Andy Talley’s Wildcats are No. 7 in the FCS preseason coaches poll, and a threat to win the Colonial Athletic Association title. The Orange laid a solid foundation in Scott Shafer’s first year, inching above .500 with a Texas Bowl upset of Minnesota.
Why Villanova Might Win: Hopes are high at Villanova largely because of the return of QB John Robertson, the CAA’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. The junior is a dangerous dual-threat who rushed for 1,405 yards and accounted for 33 touchdowns in 2013.
Why Syracuse Might Win: The Wildcats are not going to match up well with the Orange at the point of attack. While Syracuse returns four starting blockers, namely All-ACC LT Sean Hickey, Villanova will not be at full strength for this game. The pocket will collapse quickly once S Durell Eskridge and linebackers Dyshawn Davis and Cameron Lynch blitz off the edge.
Who To Watch Out For: Syracuse’s fortunes rest on the maturation of junior QB Terrel Hunt, who showed intermittent flashes of brilliance and youth in 2013. The staff loves his potential as a strong-armed pocket passer who can also evade the rush.
What’s Going To Happen: While Villanova is a tricky opener, the Wildcats’ O-line injuries are going to dampen Robertson’s effectiveness. Hunt, on the other hand, will start strong, combining with RB Prince-Tyson Gulley to lead Syracuse to a two-touchdown win.
Prediction: Syracuse 35 … Villanova 21
Line: No Line
Must Watch Factor: 5 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Up until Part 1 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?”) – 1 Every. Simpsons. Ever. (Everything after Part 2 of “Who Shot Mr. Burns?") … 1.5
