Syracuse (3-2, 1-0 Atlantic Coast) visits Virginia (1-4, 0-1) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and is coming off a 45-24 loss last week at South Florida. For full coverage of SU-UVA, click here or follow along on Twitter @DOSports.

Here are five keys for the game.

1. The turnover battle

In the Orange’s first three games — all wins — SU collected nine turnovers to opponents’ two. In the past two games, Syracuse has four giveaways and one takeaway. Meanwhile, UVA quarterback Matt Johns leads the ACC in interceptions and the Cavaliers have the only defense in the country without a takeaway this season, per ESPN. It’s a basic fundamental of football, but holding onto the ball could be what separates the two ACC foes.

2. Containing Taquan Mizzell

The Virginia tailback is third in the conference in all-purpose yards with 126.4 per game. The former five-star recruit has finally found his niche as a junior becoming a dangerous pass catcher out of the slot. He has 196 rushing yards and 340 receiving yards this season. SU’s defense struggled defending screen passes and the run game last week against USF and Mizzell has a skillset to beat Syracuse in similar ways.

3. Stopping the run game

Syracuse’s run defense was one of its strengths through the first three games. The unit allowed just 140 yards total and SU was 3-0 for the first time since 1991. But in the past two weeks, the Orange has been gashed by then-No. 8 LSU and Heisman Trophy candidate Leonard Fournette and a run-heavy South Florida team for a total of 549 rushing yards. Defensive line coach Tim Daoust said this week that the recent performance is unacceptable and SU can get back on track against UVA.

4. Staying out of a big hole

Syracuse stormed back against South Florida in the second half and had a legitimate comeback attempt. But because SU was buried in an early 24-3 hole, the deficit was insurmountable. Freshman quarterback Eric Dungey threw a career-high 34 pass attempts, double his second most. If Syracuse can stay out of a hole, Dungey won’t have to pass as much and the offense can get back to being two-dimensional.

5. Making the big plays

When Syracuse has been at its best this season, its made big plays either on defense, special teams or with key passing plays. Whether it was a Donnie Simmons pick-six or 89-yard Brisly Estime touchdown reception, the Orange made several game-breaking plays early in the season. Against LSU and USF, Syracuse was gashed on running plays and screen passes. Saturday’s matchup is possibly the most winnable ACC game remaining for both teams, so the one that can swing momentum within just a few seconds could have the upper hand.

Published on October 16, 2015 at 7:04 pm

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