Rickie Collins

[sdhall01]

I get it. UNLV was a a very good team. They still lost to Boise twice. As good as they were they weren’t going to be better from a talent standpoint. We have a murderers row with 5 road games against superior talented teams with some of the best QB’s in the NCAA. Beck, Nico, Jennings, Klubnik …

Yeah, they lost to a playoff team twice, and it wasn’t blown out in either game. We also beat a top 10 team at the end of the season. We won’t know how good these teams are until September. Everybody needs to pull out a paper bag and breathe into it.

This season was not as easy as it seemed—it was way harder than 2023 and harder than 2022. At the time, we thought that this year was going to be WAY easier than either of those seasons. In any event, our tune-up game was against a MAC team that won the MAC this year, UNLV was good, and Miami was great.

Next year looks tough, but for all we know, Cason Beck could get Syphilis or something. We’ll have to wait and see.

 

[HtownOrange]

I get it. UNLV was a a very good team. They still lost to Boise twice. As good as they were they weren’t going to be better from a talent standpoint. We have a murderers row with 5 road games against superior talented teams with some of the best QB’s in the NCAA. Beck, Nico, Jennings, Klubnik …

You make valid points, as do the others. Please recall that SU beat Miami several weeks ago, this team knows they can play with top level teams. Your point that playing 5 such top level teams cannot be glossed over, that is a gauntlet and likely one of the toughest in the country in 2025. However, you stated above that you only saw 3-5 wins, this seems low for a team that can and has won, punching above their weight. Yes, McCord took SU to 10-3. However, Dino had a .500 team the year before. Your prognostication of 3-5 wins seems a bit low. Assuming SU loses the 5 top level games, that still leaves 7 wins on the table, at worst, SU would go 5-2 in those 7 games and more likely 6-7 wins.

Nobody has SU running the tables (O.K., I have SU running the table to the NC, but I always do until August when I remove my Orange colored glasses) and we know HCFB has improved SU's talent and makes much better in-game adjustments. At the least this is a .500 team, realistically, SU will take 1-3 (could be 1-4 to 3-2, who knows) of the top teams, especially if the O and D lines improve.

Yes, QB remains a question, we lost a lot with McCord going pro. Yet, we are not going to zero. We have 2-3 good options and they will provide some level of performance. Most schools would be happy with QB competition. Also, we have good RB and WR corps. The OC has a talent for coaching the players he has to their best success. Is this perfect, no; is it doable, yes.

The Defense needs work, but we have a good young crew and HCFB knows D.

Thus, six wins is realistic and 9 wins is not out of the question. The most important think is to get a bowl, the extra practices and more exposure. Anyway, if you see regression to 3-5 wins, I believe that is your honest assessment, but don't beat down everyone who is more optimistic, it's way too early for serious predictions. Even my opinion of 6-9 wins is too early to be taken seriously, too many things can happen between now and September. Just my take.

 

[anomander]

You make valid points, as do the others. Please recall that SU beat Miami several weeks ago, this team knows they can play with top level teams. Your point that playing 5 such top level teams cannot be glossed over, that is a gauntlet and likely one of the toughest in the country in 2025. However, you stated above that you only saw 3-5 wins, this seems low for a team that can and has won, punching above their weight. Yes, McCord took SU to 10-3. However, Dino had a .500 team the year before. Your prognostication of 3-5 wins seems a bit low. Assuming SU loses the 5 top level games, that still leaves 7 wins on the table, at worst, SU would go 5-2 in those 7 games and more likely 6-7 wins.

Nobody has SU running the tables (O.K., I have SU running the table to the NC, but I always do until August when I remove my Orange colored glasses) and we know HCFB has improved SU's talent and makes much better in-game adjustments. At the least this is a .500 team, realistically, SU will take 1-3 (could be 1-4 to 3-2, who knows) of the top teams, especially if the O and D lines improve.

Yes, QB remains a question, we lost a lot with McCord going pro. Yet, we are not going to zero. We have 2-3 good options and they will provide some level of performance. Most schools would be happy with QB competition. Also, we have good RB and WR corps. The OC has a talent for coaching the players he has to their best success. Is this perfect, no; is it doable, yes.

The Defense needs work, but we have a good young crew and HCFB knows D.

Thus, six wins is realistic and 9 wins is not out of the question. The most important think is to get a bowl, the extra practices and more exposure. Anyway, if you see regression to 3-5 wins, I believe that is your honest assessment, but don't beat down everyone who is more optimistic, it's way too early for serious predictions. Even my opinion of 6-9 wins is too early to be taken seriously, too many things can happen between now and September. Just my take.

Appreciate the post and respect what you’re saying. I do reserve the right to change my prediction once we have a better idea of the roster

 

[kcsu]

Last year we were loaded with an easy schedule and fought tooth and nail for 9 regular season wins. My eyes are pretty clear at what we lost and haven’t replaced with potentially 3-4 top 10 teams on the schedule. Let’s be a little realistic.

We also had a dline that was decimated. Wax was out for 5 or 6 games. Special teams were horrible. Granted the schedule next season is a gauntlet. Toughest on paper I have ever seen. Still, I think we can get to a bowl. My floor would be 5 wins. Ceiling is 8

 

[HtownOrange]

Appreciate the post and respect what you’re saying. I do reserve the right to change my prediction once we have a better idea of the roster

We all do, my fellow Orange fan.

 

[longtimefan]

They don't want to know what I call them...

Studebaker?

 

[longtimefan]

Why would he enter the portal when he is next man up at Notre Dame??????

Because two years in a row they went to the portal, and the rumor is they kicked the tires on Ewers but decided his asking price ($6M?!) was excessive.

 

[SuFTW]

Because two years in a row they went to the portal, and the rumor is they kicked the tires on Ewers but decided his asking price ($6M?!) was excessive.

So, out of spite?

 

[texacuse]

They don't want to know what I call them...

By simple definition we might agree buckeyes are…. hard, hairless nuts of little to no value.

 

[sufandu]

"easy schedule" - LOL!!!!
that BS narrative needs to die in a fire.
then get shot in a rocket into the sun.

We beat THREE TEN WIN TEAMS.

Three wins over Top 25 (at the time) teams.

NO team won more games vs. bowl-eligible teams than Syracuse did (Texas tied), before the bowl/playoff season started.

I'm sorry, but that hardly sounds like cupcake and soupcan central.
You know - like say, Indiana or Illinois schedules and records.
Or - Army.

From the rankings I looked at, our SOS ranged from 59 to 75. That doesn't scream tough schedule to me, maybe average. Being ranked at the end of the year matters more than when we played a team, especially early in the year when voters don't know the teams.

Beating 10 win teams needs to be looked at in context. Are we going to criticize Indiana's record because they didn't play anyone but ignore that Ohio didn't play anyone so we can brag we beat a 10 win team? Tennessee won 10 games this year. Are we to assume they won't be tougher than Ohio?

The schedule ended up being a bit harder than anticipated, but it wasn't a tough one. It was easier than most (maybe all) we've had since joining the ACC. Next year's will make this year's look like a cake walk.

 

[Crusty]

Last year we were loaded with an easy schedule and fought tooth and nail for 9 regular season wins. My eyes are pretty clear at what we lost and haven’t replaced with potentially 3-4 top 10 teams on the schedule. Let’s be a little realistic.

Turns out the schedule wasn't that easy.

 

[721Comstock]

Turns out the schedule wasn't that easy.

144% THIS.

Just because the '25 schedule looks ridonkulously difficult in advance -
does NOT mean that the '24 schedule was easy.

see: my prior post about the quality (as proven by the season results) of our opponents.

Easier? Of course. Duh!
Easy? NFFF'nW.

 

[orangemass]

His throwing motion looks unorthodox. Doesnt scream quick release or accurate. Time will tell I guess

 

[baggerbob]

Ohio and UNLV were very good. We didn’t get any credit for beating them. Still comparing them to Notre Dame who is playing for a natty and will be top 10 next season, Tennessee who will easily be top 10, Miami who who just got Carson Beck
and will be around top 10, along with Clemson who got Klubnik back really doesn’t compare. Plus @ SMU who will be top 25. Oh, and those others are all on the road or neutral field in Tennessee’s case.

We hear you let's bring this back after next year, you base too much on 247 ratings.
They are very flawed after the top 10 classes.
This year Fran is bringing in a lot of lineman who don't usually get high grades which knocks your averages way down.
As for next year's schedule let's see where these teams are after a couple of weeks.

 

[longtimefan]

I get it. UNLV was a a very good team. They still lost to Boise twice. As good as they were they weren’t going to be better from a talent standpoint. We have a murderers row with 5 road games against superior talented teams with some of the best QB’s in the NCAA. Beck, Nico, Jennings, Klubnik …

I think Haynes King may be coming back for GTech. If so, he is better than some of those you listed.

 

[Niastri]

Yeah, and 1 out of 3 worked out.

Nothing wrong with that approach.

Is rather have four, with one who really works out, two who fail, and another one who kind of works out to be the backup.

Several seasons down the tube because of lack of depth has scarred me a bit. Both in football and basketball!

 

[shu 49]

Because two years in a row they went to the portal, and the rumor is they kicked the tires on Ewers but decided his asking price ($6M?!) was excessive.

Sorry but Ewres sucks. i wouldnt pay him 500,000.

 

[AcAndAc]

You make valid points, as do the others. Please recall that SU beat Miami several weeks ago, this team knows they can play with top level teams. Your point that playing 5 such top level teams cannot be glossed over, that is a gauntlet and likely one of the toughest in the country in 2025. However, you stated above that you only saw 3-5 wins, this seems low for a team that can and has won, punching above their weight. Yes, McCord took SU to 10-3. However, Dino had a .500 team the year before. Your prognostication of 3-5 wins seems a bit low. Assuming SU loses the 5 top level games, that still leaves 7 wins on the table, at worst, SU would go 5-2 in those 7 games and more likely 6-7 wins.

Nobody has SU running the tables (O.K., I have SU running the table to the NC, but I always do until August when I remove my Orange colored glasses) and we know HCFB has improved SU's talent and makes much better in-game adjustments. At the least this is a .500 team, realistically, SU will take 1-3 (could be 1-4 to 3-2, who knows) of the top teams, especially if the O and D lines improve.

Yes, QB remains a question, we lost a lot with McCord going pro. Yet, we are not going to zero. We have 2-3 good options and they will provide some level of performance. Most schools would be happy with QB competition. Also, we have good RB and WR corps. The OC has a talent for coaching the players he has to their best success. Is this perfect, no; is it doable, yes.

The Defense needs work, but we have a good young crew and HCFB knows D.

Thus, six wins is realistic and 9 wins is not out of the question. The most important think is to get a bowl, the extra practices and more exposure. Anyway, if you see regression to 3-5 wins, I believe that is your honest assessment, but don't beat down everyone who is more optimistic, it's way too early for serious predictions. Even my opinion of 6-9 wins is too early to be taken seriously, too many things can happen between now and September. Just my take.

Winnable games... are also potential losses. Would there be any surprise to lose any game other than FCS/UConn? And even UConn won its share of games this year. The rest of the ACC is not standing pat. Duke and UNC are making big splashes. We already lost to Pitt and BC this past year.

 

[AcAndAc]

Winnable games... are also potential losses. Would there be any surprise to lose any game other than FCS/UConn? And even UConn won its share of games this year. The rest of the ACC is not standing pat. Duke and UNC are making big splashes. We already lost to Pitt and BC this past year.

Also... game experience at QB is huge. Our opponents are loading up on older QBs, while we are rolling with inexperience. That will make a difference. Not to channel Boeheim, but this 2024 football team does not win 10 games without McCord. Start looking through the games... which ones do we win with a replacement-level QB?

Well... that will be next year. Sure... someone COULD rise up and do well... but even that is not likely to be McCord-level. The bottem line is that our toughest schedule on paper ever, top to bottom, with our least experience at QB since the year after Nassib graduated. And even that year we brought in a vet transfer to handle the PSU game.

Sorry, I think next year is very ugly in the absence of a bigger splash at QB. However, ugly can still set the stage for a great 2026. I just think we are looking at a lot of victories that do not manifest into wins... i.e. keeping games closed, improving over the season, solidifying who is QB#1 in 2026. I think a bowl is very unlikely. Not talking about possibilities, but probabilities. Not talking about what is wanted. Not talking about what the players will be striving for. Just reality.

 

[Cusefan69]

Also... game experience at QB is huge. Our opponents are loading up on older QBs, while we are rolling with inexperience. That will make a difference. Not to channel Boeheim, but this 2024 football team does not win 10 games without McCord. Start looking through the games... which ones do we win with a replacement-level QB?

Well... that will be next year. Sure... someone COULD rise up and do well... but even that is not likely to be McCord-level. The bottem line is that our toughest schedule on paper ever, top to bottom, with our least experience at QB since the year after Nassib graduated. And even that year we brought in a vet transfer to handle the PSU game.

Sorry, I think next year is very ugly in the absence of a bigger splash at QB. However, ugly can still set the stage for a great 2026. I just think we are looking at a lot of victories that do not manifest into wins... i.e. keeping games closed, improving over the season, solidifying who is QB#1 in 2026. I think a bowl is very unlikely. Not talking about possibilities, but probabilities. Not talking about what is wanted. Not talking about what the players will be striving for. Just reality.

Honestly W/Ls projections shouldn't be discussed until at least halfway through camp. So many things can happen between seasons end and the first game of the next season it's really crazy to try and play out. Portal puts and takes, Injuries, off season growth by players, early enrollees, coaching changes, etc can all impact predictions being made now.

 

[AcAndAc]

Honestly W/Ls projections shouldn't be discussed until at least halfway through camp. So many things can happen between seasons end and the first game of the next season it's really crazy to try and play out. Portal puts and takes, Injuries, off season growth by players, early enrollees, coaching changes, etc can all impact predictions being made now.

Obviously. But it is very naive to think that four playoff teams and Miami are all going to regress, while none of Ga Tech/Duke/UNC/Pitt/BC are going to have a much better season than last year. What team on this list seems to be moving backwards???? That is the problem with this tough a schedule. If one team falls of the map, much more likely that another one climbs. What if next year Duke goes on the run that SMU did this past year? Or UNC? Or Georgia Tech? See what I mean??? There is no room for taking a year off to develop talent...

 

[Cusefan69]

Obviously. But it is very naive to think that four playoff teams and Miami are all going to regress, while none of Ga Tech/Duke/UNC/Pitt/BC are going to have a much better season than last year. What team on this list seems to be moving backwards???? That is the problem with this tough a schedule. If one team falls of the map, much more likely that another one climbs. What if next year Duke goes on the run that SMU did this past year? Or UNC? Or Georgia Tech? See what I mean??? There is no room for taking a year off to develop talent...

This time last year everyone said FSU should be in the Playoffs. Fast forward to the end of the season and FSU won 2 games. What if Tennessee loses their starting QB to injury and their 2nd string who lost the spring battle portals? What if Syracuse brings in a transfer LB and Center in late April? What if BC is graduating 3 starting lineman on offense and are going into next season with a whole new line? What if ND Freeman gets hired by the Bears? My point is a ton of things can change between now and September 1st. Realistically you can't project right now because a number of things can change.

 

[NJCuse97]

With Orange lenses on, I can see JW as a Russel Wilson mold (mobile, strong arm, a bit smaller, great athlete) and Collins the Jayden Daniels mold (probably why he was at LSU in the first place. A bit slender, mobile, or maybe elusive). Daniels just brought Washington to the playoffs and has the only road win so far.

 

[SUFaninNJ]

Also... game experience at QB is huge. Our opponents are loading up on older QBs, while we are rolling with inexperience. That will make a difference. Not to channel Boeheim, but this 2024 football team does not win 10 games without McCord. Start looking through the games... which ones do we win with a replacement-level QB?

Well... that will be next year. Sure... someone COULD rise up and do well... but even that is not likely to be McCord-level. The bottem line is that our toughest schedule on paper ever, top to bottom, with our least experience at QB since the year after Nassib graduated. And even that year we brought in a vet transfer to handle the PSU game.

Sorry, I think next year is very ugly in the absence of a bigger splash at QB. However, ugly can still set the stage for a great 2026. I just think we are looking at a lot of victories that do not manifest into wins... i.e. keeping games closed, improving over the season, solidifying who is QB#1 in 2026. I think a bowl is very unlikely. Not talking about possibilities, but probabilities. Not talking about what is wanted. Not talking about what the players will be striving for. Just reality.

Ah, the old responding to your post 10 minutes later strategy.

 

[AcAndAc]

This time last year everyone said FSU should be in the Playoffs. Fast forward to the end of the season and FSU won 2 games. What if Tennessee loses their starting QB to injury and their 2nd string who lost the spring battle portals? What if Syracuse brings in a transfer LB and Center in late April? What if BC is graduating 3 starting lineman on offense and are going into next season with a whole new line? What if ND Freeman gets hired by the Bears? My point is a ton of things can change between now and September 1st. Realistically you can't project right now because a number of things can change.

It is not impossible that we will go 17-0 and win it all. It is not impossible that we will win the ACC. It is not impossible that we will go 10-3 again. If you want me to concede that, I will.

But if we shift from what is possible to what is probable, the analysis has to shift. FSU's fall does not happen very often.

The scheduling of Tennessee was stupid in a year where we have ND on the schedule on the road in an OOC. Convert our 2024 schedule to Tenn and ND... no UNLV, no UConn, I guess. We still lost 3 conference games. Even winning those two games to get back to the very same 9-3 does not get us in the ACC CG and I am skeptical would allow us to leapfrog SMU, Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina. We would still have that Stanford loss. Worse than Oklahoma, right?