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Message: [QUOTE="Eric15, post: 1510728, member: 676"] [SIZE=5][B]Syracuse vs. Virginia Prediction & Preview[/B][/SIZE] [SIZE=4][B]Broadcast[/B][/SIZE] Date: Saturday, October 17 Game Time: 3:30 ET Network: RSN [SIZE=4][B]Why You Need To Care[/B][/SIZE] A pair of struggling ACC programs hook up this weekend, with an eye on changing their direction before it’s too late. Virginia is in a particularly tough spot, having beaten only William & Mary back on Sept. 19. Syracuse isn’t much better off, though, after being on the receiving end of South Florida’s most decisive victory in years. Both coaches, UVA’s Mike London and Syracuse’s Scott Shafer, are in dire need of a streak-busting win. [SIZE=4][B]Why Syracuse Will Win[/B][/SIZE] Sure, it was impossible to tell in last week’s game in Tampa, but Syracuse boasts an overachieving defense that played relatively well in the first four games. The Orange has created 10 turnovers, allows less than four yards a carry and will get after the pocket with linemen Ron Thompson and Donnie Simmons. In four games with FBS teams, Virginia is averaging less than 20 points a game. [SIZE=4][B]Why Virginia Will Win[/B][/SIZE] The Orange was a train wreck a week ago, getting outgained by a marginal South Florida squad, 540-305. It is possible try-hard Syracuse peaked in the opening month. The Hoos have better defensive talent, such as LB Micah Kiser, DE Mike Moore and S Quin Blanding, than the results have shown. And their 32 stops for loss are testament to their athleticism and penchant for creating pressure. [SIZE=4][B]Player Who Matters[/B][/SIZE] Which of the inconsistent quarterbacks will make plays this weekend? Virginia’s Matt Johns has thrown nearly as many interceptions (7) as touchdown passes (9), while Syracuse’s Eric Dungey is still rusty after missing time to injury. Dungey has the luxury of facing an underachieving Cavalier secondary that’s allowed 14 touchdown passes and has yet to pick off a pass. [SIZE=4][B]What’s Going To Happen?[/B][/SIZE] Virginia is home, desperate and playing slightly better than Syracuse, though neither team will frighten the rest of the ACC. The Cavaliers have the better individual players on defense and the more experienced kicker, Ian Frye, which will be valuable in a close game that could be decided by field goals. [SIZE=4][B]Syracuse vs. Virginia Prediction[/B][/SIZE] [B]Prediction:[/B] Virginia 26, Syracuse 24, Line: Virginia -7, o/u: 54 [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?