Denver Gameday...

[OrangeXtreme]

Syracuse at Denver
Monday, March 16, 2026 | 8:00 p.m.

Streaming: Midco Sports Plus ($)
Radio: TK99 (99.5 FM) / WAER (88.3 FM)

Mile-High Matchup Next for No. 7 'Cuse - Syracuse University Athletics

No. 7 SYRACUSE (6-2) at No. 12 Denver (4-2) Game Details Monday, March 16, 2026 | Denver, Colo. | 8 p.m. ET/6 p.m. MT Game Coverage Live Coverage: Stats Tele...

cuse.com

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[FloridaCuse]

LACROSSE REFERENCE
via free Expected Goals Email March 16, 2026

Preview: Denver vs Syracuse​

[td]LaxElo tilts this matchup toward Syracuse: based on the current ratings (Syracuse 7th, Denver 15th), if these teams played 100 times, we would expect the Orange to win about 72 of those games. A Denver win would not be shocking, but it would qualify as a clear upset.

Looking at the matchup, the clearest edge comes when Denver has the ball. Syracuse’s defense ranks 5th in opponent-adjusted efficiency, while Denver’s offense is 37th after adjusting for schedule. That gap means the Orange can disrupt Denver’s first looks and push the Pioneers into tougher shots or longer possessions. Denver has usually done just enough on offense with help from its defense, but this is a tougher test. If they can’t create clean looks, they’ll feel more pressure to convert on man-up chances and in late-clock situations.

Flip the field, and the dynamic changes. Denver's defense has been elite—1st in opponent-adjusted defensive efficiency—while Syracuse's offense is 8th after adjusting for who they've faced. That's still a top-10 unit, but on paper Denver has a small edge here. The Pioneers have been better than anyone at limiting high-quality chances and forcing opponents into low-percentage looks. Syracuse, meanwhile, is used to dictating terms and playing through multiple threats. This side of the ball looks more like strength-on-strength than a mismatch, and it's the area where Denver is best positioned to tilt the game away from the pregame probabilities.

The possession game probably won't swing this one, but it's worth a look. Looking at the teams as a whole, neither side has consistently built a big edge in extra possessions from faceoffs and the ride. Syracuse ranks 31st in adjusted extra possessions; Denver is 37th. All told, neither team has owned the possession battle once you factor in opponent strength.

However, the individual faceoff matchup points to a potential Syracuse lever. John Mullen comes in as the 14th-rated specialist in the Faceoff Elo rankings, while Denver's Luke Smeader is 141st. Since faceoff performance is a primary driver of those extra-possession numbers, that gap indicates Syracuse has a real chance to gain more possessions than Denver at the X, even if their season-long team metrics don't show a huge edge yet. If Mullen turns that rating advantage into a few extra possessions, it could offset some of Denver's defensive strength and give the Orange more opportunities to solve the top-ranked Pioneers defense.

Putting it together: Syracuse has the statistical edge when Denver is on offense and a realistic path to a possession advantage through Mullen at the X. Denver's counter is their No. 1-ranked defense, which gives them a credible route to slowing down a top-10 Syracuse offense and dragging the game toward a lower-scoring, tighter script than the LaxElo projection implies. Over 100 games, the numbers say Syracuse comes out on top most of the time, but Denver's defensive ceiling is high enough that an upset in this single meeting is very much on the table.[/td]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[JeremyCuse]

LACROSSE REFERENCE
via free Expected Goals Email March 16, 2026

Preview: Denver vs Syracuse​

[td]LaxElo tilts this matchup toward Syracuse: based on the current ratings (Syracuse 7th, Denver 15th), if these teams played 100 times, we would expect the Orange to win about 72 of those games. A Denver win would not be shocking, but it would qualify as a clear upset.

Looking at the matchup, the clearest edge comes when Denver has the ball. Syracuse’s defense ranks 5th in opponent-adjusted efficiency, while Denver’s offense is 37th after adjusting for schedule. That gap means the Orange can disrupt Denver’s first looks and push the Pioneers into tougher shots or longer possessions. Denver has usually done just enough on offense with help from its defense, but this is a tougher test. If they can’t create clean looks, they’ll feel more pressure to convert on man-up chances and in late-clock situations.

Flip the field, and the dynamic changes. Denver's defense has been elite—1st in opponent-adjusted defensive efficiency—while Syracuse's offense is 8th after adjusting for who they've faced. That's still a top-10 unit, but on paper Denver has a small edge here. The Pioneers have been better than anyone at limiting high-quality chances and forcing opponents into low-percentage looks. Syracuse, meanwhile, is used to dictating terms and playing through multiple threats. This side of the ball looks more like strength-on-strength than a mismatch, and it's the area where Denver is best positioned to tilt the game away from the pregame probabilities.

The possession game probably won't swing this one, but it's worth a look. Looking at the teams as a whole, neither side has consistently built a big edge in extra possessions from faceoffs and the ride. Syracuse ranks 31st in adjusted extra possessions; Denver is 37th. All told, neither team has owned the possession battle once you factor in opponent strength.

However, the individual faceoff matchup points to a potential Syracuse lever. John Mullen comes in as the 14th-rated specialist in the Faceoff Elo rankings, while Denver's Luke Smeader is 141st. Since faceoff performance is a primary driver of those extra-possession numbers, that gap indicates Syracuse has a real chance to gain more possessions than Denver at the X, even if their season-long team metrics don't show a huge edge yet. If Mullen turns that rating advantage into a few extra possessions, it could offset some of Denver's defensive strength and give the Orange more opportunities to solve the top-ranked Pioneers defense.

Putting it together: Syracuse has the statistical edge when Denver is on offense and a realistic path to a possession advantage through Mullen at the X. Denver's counter is their No. 1-ranked defense, which gives them a credible route to slowing down a top-10 Syracuse offense and dragging the game toward a lower-scoring, tighter script than the LaxElo projection implies. Over 100 games, the numbers say Syracuse comes out on top most of the time, but Denver's defensive ceiling is high enough that an upset in this single meeting is very much on the table.[/td]

Pretty good preview by Laxreference, think they pretty much nailed it.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[cuselaxss26]

oh nice be playing in the snow. Great .

 

[DoctahLexus]

oh nice be playing in the snow. Great .

Nothing wrong with a little snow!

 

[JeremyCuse]

oh nice be playing in the snow. Great .

Snow was yesterday thankfully. Looks like mid 40s at game time no precipitation.

 

[OrangeinBoston]

Whatever the weather is, it's the same on both sides of the field. NEVER an excuse.

 

[Laxfanshutt]

One thing that I would like to see is giving Tucker a couple of runs early… let him try and bury a shot with that massive cannon he’s got… if they could do that it may open up passing lanes later in the game.. just a thought

 

[kismet35]

Friendly FYI to anyone with a Samsung TV...Was not able to locate or download Midco Sports Plus...Simply cannot find the app...Found via the Apple App Store...Looks like I will have to cast from my phone to my TV.

 

[BillSU]

WIN IT!

 

[cusefan88]

Looking like a radio game for me. I just can't justify paying anything for one-use.

 

[cuselaxss26]

haven’t looked but anyone know cost for just the game ?

 

[CuseAlum87]

Looking like a radio game for me. I just can't justify paying anything for one-use.

I'm planning on listening to radio call and have the live stats going at the same time--just like the old days before streaming

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Direct TV: Channel 681.

Tonight's trivia night, hopefully the bar subscribes to this channel.

Otherwise, I'll be joining you for the 2nd half.

 

[ROCcuse]

haven’t looked but anyone know cost for just the game ?

Copying cuseguy's link from another thread.
The blurb below says the Plus 1 plan for $9.99 per month includes lacrosse.
No game only option for less.

https://midcosports.com/streaming/

 

[cuselaxss26]

Is it for one month only? meaning after the month it won’t renew automatically? Or do i have to cancel it myself fkr it to not keeping going beyond the month?

Mean in one way may be good to listen to radio n not possibly see how bad we could look or not. But also if close game n not being able to watch will prob drive me crazy.

Just stupid crazy insane to have a ranked game during week (kind primtime ) be on a network or streaming option like this one.

Need this dub boys please come out ready to play n hustle ur a$$ off. Win the gb battle n good chance will win the game. Win each qtr n will def will the game.

 

[ROCcuse]

Is it for one month only? meaning after the month it won’t renew automatically? Or do i have to cancel it myself fkr it to not keeping going beyond the month?

Mean in one way may be good to listen to radio n not possibly see how bad we could look or not. But also if close game n not being able to watch will prob drive me crazy.

Just stupid crazy insane to have a ranked game during week (kind primtime ) be on a network or streaming option like this one.

Need this dub boys please come out ready to play n hustle ur a$$ off. Win the gb battle n good chance will win the game. Win each qtr n will def will the game.

Yes, there's a check box when you register that makes you agree to auto-renew until you cancel.

I'm still deciding whether to do it or just radio the game.

 

[Laxfanshutt]

I pay $9.99 a month for it… it’s an easy cancellation… it’s not like some other sites where it’s impossible to cancel.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Anyone know the deal with Ochoa? He did not play even when we brought in the backups against Airforce, but the injury report was that we were totally healthy. Still think he would be useful at least on the wings or something like that, or if we want to try TMac on offense again.

 

[IraSez]

This should be on the ACC Network. Not like we need another repeat of Nothing But Net

 

[JeremyCuse]

This should be on the ACC Network. Not like we need another repeat of Nothing But Net

It should be on CBS sports. I mean you have a TV agreement with the BE, how in the world do you not show one of the best OOC games the conference has. Baffling.

 

[cuselaxss26]

Yes debating paying or radio myself. As said may keep my stress levels down not watching. But also could up my stress levels not watching lol.

If ochoa isn’t hurt think he should play or least get few runs. Don’t think kid (know said he was hurt but was dressed for penn game least) deserve to be benched. Yes he got beat but also got picked on a lot or should say went after him a lot. Plus there was no jake spallina his last game n prob used more often then normal n was tired.

Think he can be good to use here n there. Grant def can’t have him and bowen on at same time. Has to be either with jake,jayden, or t-mac to run with. That way have least one guy with speed out with him. Also think should be put on coaches a little by not telling him to not go out so far. Knowing he doesn’t have the speed to recover if gets beat that far out tell the kid to then no go so far out. Another thing can do with him (limited runs still) is whoever he is on just have him shut his guy off. Can’t get beat if his guy isn’t able to get the ball. Was princeton game he was shuting off (well all our dmids) were at time n seem to work, till we just stop doing it I guess. But think could be helpful option.