Game 3 Preview: Penn State @ Syracuse

Gametime: 3:30 pm

TV: ABC

Audio: Here

Weather: In the Carrier Dome, so weather isn’t a factor.

So we all know that this is an old rivalry (very old, since the last game between the teams was played in 1990). We know that a match up between Penn State and Syracuse was the beginning of guarding the lion shrine. And we know “The Orange” is perhaps the dumbest nickname in all of college sports. And that’s saying a lot because we already played a team nicknamed “The Chanitcleers” this year.

None of that stuff is very interesting. The rivalry renewal would have potential, but anyone playing that card is forgetting one very important fact: Syracuse sucks. In fact, there is no way, short of Donovan McNabb and Marvin Harrison suiting up for their old alma mater, that the Orange have a shot of winning this game. None.

The only hope for Syracuse.

Of course this isn’t an extremely bold prediction, but usually we cover our asses and try not to be so overconfident. Not this time. We offer you three reasons why.

Reason 1: The Syracuse Run D
Through two games this season, the Syracuse defense has surrendered 243.5 rushing yards per game. They’ve played Northwestern and Akron, losing both, to no one’s surprise. Holy shit, is that awful! Couple that with the fact the Lions have been rushing for an average of 286.5 yards per game, and the Orange’s defense might as well not even show up. They’d save themselves from getting their asses pushed around for 60 minutes. The Penn State O-line (and Evan Royster) is playing tremendously right now, and we don’t see that changing tomorrow.

Reason 2: The Syracuse Pass Offense
While Syracuse has put together a pretty decent ground attack (170 ypg) behind senior back Curtis Brinkley, their passing offense has been downright putrid. Quarterback Andrew Robinson had a solid season last year, but things have gotten off to a horrendous start this year. The team is averaging just 119 yards per game through the air, and their longest completion of the year so far is a whopping 18 yards. They have one player averaging more than 10 yards per catch (Lavar Lobdell), but he only has two receptions! Penn State’s pass D is far from perfect, but we’re gonna go out on a limb and say they’ll be able to handle the Orange.

Reason 3: Week 2- Akron 42, Syracuse 21
We were discussing Penn State’s non-conference foes today, and we noted that this year, at least there were a couple mid-level teams from BCS conferences on the schedule. One of us pointed out that these games may be winnable, but they’re not sure things like playing FIU or Akron. Excellent point, and most years, that would be true. HOWEVAH, this year Syracuse is much more of a sure thing than Akron, and we know this because the Zips walked into the Carrier Dome last week and hung 42 on the Orange. We don’t know what else to say except that is a damn disgrace. If Akron can put up 42 on the Orange, what will we do? Syracuse fans cannot be looking forward to this one.

Syracuse Player To Watch: Running Back Curtis Brinkley

Penn State Player(s) To Watch: 3rd String Offense

3 Bold Predictions:
-Penn State will rush for 500 yards
-The defense will record at least 5 sacks
-Syracuse will drop its football program after the game

Other Notes:
Seems it flew a bit under the radar this week, but Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma will not dress for this game. We don’t even care, we just hope they’re back in time for Illinois.

Game Prediction: PSU 70, Syracuse 13