FSU football: Syracuse Orange preview and prediction

FSU football travels to New York to take on the Syracuse Orange in a prime-time matchup Saturday night.

The two teams have identical (6-3) records, and FSU looks to secure its first ACC winning record since the 2016 season. The Noles are fresh off an absolute demolition of their arch-rival, the Miami Hurricanes. However, they’ll need to avoid the emotional letdown on a big rivalry win while on the road against a scrappy team.

I wrote about how Syracuse’s record is a bit of a fraud and all the injuries they’ve dealt with over the season. They’ve lost three consecutive games and looked less competitive in each one. The biggest thing is their inability to stop the run over the past few games, and FSU football has rushed for over 200 yards in the last four.

However, Syracuse is +7 in turnover margin, and FSU’s offense has the propensity to turn it over. That’s one major key to the game. I expect FSU to move the ball on Syracuse’s undersized defensive line, but they’ll need to capitalize on their scoring opportunities once they enter the red zone.

Defensively, I expect FSU to continue to play how they’ve done all season. If starting QB Garrett Shrader plays, FSU will need to contain him in the pocket and limit running back Sean Tucker. However, Shrader hasn’t played in a couple of weeks and could be rusty.

The Orange offensive line has allowed 28 sacks this season, which ties for No. 110 nationally. Syracuse only has seven tackles for a loss over the past two games, and FSU has done well limiting those in the last two games(when the starters were in the game).

This game is more about FSU football than Syracuse. If FSU comes in focused and doesn’t turn the ball over, it’s a game they should win and cover the touchdown spread.

If Shrader plays, I’m going with 27-17 because I think Syracuse will look to limit the big plays, and FSU will find success on the ground and keep the clock moving. Plus, Jordan Travis didn’t look totally comfortable against the 3-3-5 defense look earlier this year against NC State.