Football

Syracuse football: Beat writers pick South Florida to buck Syracuse

Courtesy of Jim Damaske | Tampa Bay Times

Syracuse struggled to stop South Florida last season and our beat writers predict the Orange will have trouble stopping the Bulls again.

Syracuse (1-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast) takes on South Florida (2-0, 1-0 American Athletic) in the Carrier Dome at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Check out how our beat writers see the matchup unfolding.

Chris Libonati (2-0)
South Florida 56, Syracuse 42
Buck off

Syracuse is grabbing life by the horns, but it’s getting bucked. After taking its opening game against Colgate, 33-7, the Orange looked poor overall against ranked Louisville. Syracuse’s offense takes another step forward, but its defense proves to be costly again. If you’re betting a Syracuse game this year, though, take the over. That’s a good bet.

Jon Mettus (2-0)
South Florida 58, Syracuse 38
Tampa blues

USF quarterback Quinton Flowers isn’t quite Heisman-hopeful Lamar Jackson, who stormed into and through the Carrier Dome a week ago. But this game won’t be much better than the Louisville blowout. Flowers and running back Marlon Mack will have their way with SU’s depleted defense. Syracuse’s offense will have more success, especially in the running game, but the Orange won’t be able to keep up.







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