SWC Why Will We Lose SMU Edition

[PAcuse]

• Veteran QB vs. Shaky Secondary
  – SMU’s quarterback is a seasoned player who knows how to read defenses. Syracuse’s secondary, while talented, is still developing and has been prone to giving up space. If SMU’s QB gets into rhythm, it could be a long day.
  
  
• Pass Rush Pressure
  – SMU has already racked up 11 sacks this season, ranking 25th nationally. That’s a front that thrives on pressure, and if Syracuse’s O-line doesn’t hold up, the QB won’t have time to set his feet. Quick hits and rollouts may be the only way to survive.
  
  
• QB Growing Pains
  – Syracuse’s young quarterbacks are still learning. They’ve shown a tendency to lock onto receivers, which is exactly what savvy safeties feast on. If Collins or Angeli gives the ball away early, it could snowball quickly.
  
  
• Explosive Plays
  – SMU has already generated multiple plays of 40+ yards this season, proving they can strike fast. Syracuse’s defense has shown vulnerability to big plays, and just one or two can flip the scoreboard and the momentum.
  
  
• Slow Starts
  – SU has had stretches of sluggish first quarters, and SMU averages 10 points in the opening frame. If the Orange fall behind by two scores early, the run game gets sidelined and SU is forced into a shootout — not the script they want.
  
  
• Depth Concerns
  – Syracuse is still thin at some key spots, especially along the offensive line and in the secondary. If SMU pushes tempo, fatigue could start to show in the second half, leading to breakdowns and missed assignments.
  
  
• Special Teams Slip-Ups
  – SU has an advantage in special teams, but that only matters if they’re clean. A blocked kick, bad snap, or coverage bust could flip the advantage the other way. One mistake here can change field position and momentum instantly. The kick return team has been terrible the last few weeks and needs cleaned up.
  
  
• Turnover Margin
  – Syracuse can’t afford to lose the turnover battle. SMU’s defense is opportunistic and built to capitalize on mistakes. If SU gives the ball away multiple times, it’s nearly impossible to stay in the game against a veteran offense.

Posted in memory of our friend, carrying on the tradition.
Go Orange!

 

[Nicknack]

I hate to like a post about how we will lose but good points. We could REALLY use a win here but a bad loss and the wheels could come off. Think about going 4-2 into the bye versus 3-3 and having to face Pitt the next game (a team that has owned us in recent years with us only winning 3x against them in the last 15 years).

 

[OttosShoes]

I think the actual why we lose has been covered, I just wanted to offer some perspective, so here goes:

UCLA helped break up the PAC12 and is now looking down the barrel of an 0-12 season.