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#12 Syracuse vs. #3 Notre Dame: Streaming, preview, and predictions

By Eric Robinson

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 6: Wide receiver Miles Boykin #81 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his touchdown reception against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Lane Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 6: Wide receiver Miles Boykin #81 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his touchdown reception against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the second half at Lane Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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SYRACUSE, NY – OCTOBER 20: Nykeim Johnson #82 of the Syracuse Orange makes a game tying catch during the fourth quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Carrier Dome on October 20, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats North Carolina in overtime 40-37. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY – OCTOBER 20: Nykeim Johnson #82 of the Syracuse Orange makes a game tying catch during the fourth quarter against the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Carrier Dome on October 20, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. Syracuse defeats North Carolina in overtime 40-37. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Syracuse Keys To Victory

Tempo, Tempo, Tempo

The name of the game for the Syracuse offense is tempo. A fast-paced offensive unit that is seventh in the FBS in scoring at 44.4 points per game. Dig a little deeper and you will see a group that leads the FBS in possessions per game with 16.2 and fourth in the FBS in plays per game 82.2.

Syracuse loves to get the ball in the hands of their talented receiving corps of Sean Riley, Nykeim Johnson, Jamal Custis, and Taj Harris. Getting their offense in a comfort zone does not take long and with a senior leader at quarterback in Eric Dungey, the offense for the Orange is one of the more well-oiled machines in college football.

Extra Possessions 

What has helped their potent offense this season? The fact that the Syracuse defense is tied for third in the FBS in takeaways with 25.

The defense has seven players this season who have recorded an interceptions, led by free safety Andre Cisco with five. The unit has a whole have forced a turnover in each game this season and have six games recorded of three or more takeaways.

This particular phase of the game has been a true strength for the Syracuse defense this season and against another dangerous offense such as Notre Dame’s, this defense will have to create their own share of big plays.

Quick Start 

Yes, the Syracuse Orange are in the midst of their best season under head coach Dino Babers and the polls/rankings show that. Aside from that, Syracuse enters this contest as 10-point underdogs  and they have something to prove in this one.

On the season, Syracuse has scored on it’s game opening drive in six of 10 games played. Getting off to a fast start for the Orange is critical. Even in what can very well be a shootout, Syracuse can not afford to have their confidence wavered early on thanks to an early deficit.

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