2020 has been an extraordinary year with COVID-19 taking the world by storm. Not only did this Virus cancel all the sports that were in the middle of their seasons. It also put all of 2020-2021 sports seasons in jeopardy. With the Pac-12 and Big 10 cancelling their Fall sports, it put all of college football seasons in doubt. However, with the Big XII, SEC, and ACC committing to playing, it looks like there will be a season for Syracuse loyalists. Here is a Syracuse week 1 preview
The Returners
This Syracuse team had a tough season last year, going 5-7. However there are some bright spots that give a glimmer of hope for Orange fans for 2020. That all starts with the man under center.
Tommy Devito: The quarterback for Syracuse had a very promising sophomore season. He threw for 2,360 yards and 19 touchdowns, which tied him for 7th in the country. If the Orange want to be a contender in the ACC this season, Devito will have to be lights out, and really lead his troops.
Taj Harris: For the Orange offense to be dangerous, and for Devito to have a strong junior season, Harris will have to be an elite player for the Orange in the 2020 CFB season. The athletic 6-2 wide receiver out of Beverly, New Jersey exploded onto the scene of college football, after taking over the starting role from Devin Butler as a true freshman. He then accumulated 40 receptions for 565 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, he didn’t elevate his game in his sophomore year as he had similar numbers to his freshman year. He totaled 37 receptions for 559 yards and 2 touchdowns. Harris will be looking to having a breakout season in his junior year to not only lead his team to a better record, but to also get on the radar of NFL scouts.
Andre Cisco: A name that’s very known throughout the college football world. The 6-0 209 pound Safety from Valley Stream, New York has been a phenom for the Orange ever since he hit the field at the Carrier Dome. In his freshman season with the Orange, he erupted for a total of seven interceptions and 46 tackles. Again in his sophomore season his success didn’t waiver. He picked up another five interceptions and 41 tackles on the year. Cisco’s tremendous defensive play has gotten him selected as an AP pre season All American for the 2020 CFB season, and also a potential first round pick in this upcoming NFL entry draft.
Week 1
The University of North Carolina: The University of North Carolina enters the 2020 ACC season with a very experienced team. The Tar Heels are returning 10 starters on offense. That includes star quarterback Sam Howell, who threw for 38 touchdowns last year. That is the most ever by an FBS true freshman. They come into this season ranked 15th in all of college football (without the BIG 10 or PAC 12). For the Orange to win this game, the first priority is making sure they are defensively sound. That all starts with the Preseason All American Andre Cisco leading his defense on the field and minimizing Sam Howell’s affect on the game. With the Combination of that and Devito’s offence connecting for a few touchdowns. This underdog Syracuse team could set the tone in the ACC with a big week 1 win against UNC.
