Fresh Leadership, Fresh Talent: A Look Ahead to the Syracuse Orange
Syracuse, NY - As the 2024 season kicks off, the Syracuse Orange football team, led by new head coach Fran Brown, is focused on making a strong push in the ACC. Entering his first season, Brown will instill a new level of toughness and physicality in this team. With dynamic playmakers like tight end Oronde Gadsden II and running back LeQuint Allen returning, the Orange aim to combine explosive offense with an aggressive defense. Facing a tough conference schedule, Syracuse is determined to surpass expectations and secure bowl eligibility. Fans at the JMA Wireless Dome are eager to see if this team can take the next step and establish itself as a top squad in the ACC.
Offense Preview:
The offense is already off to a better start once they grabbed Kyle McCord from the portal. He knows how to win and that is a nice change for Syracuse. The wideout and TE core are talented, which gives McCord the confidence to find his guy. I expect an up-tempo style of play, knowing Coach Brown’s personality. Now that everyone is back and healthy, the offense is in a good position to score lots of points.
Defense Preview:
One of new head coach Fran Brown’s first moves was to hire Elijah Robinson as the new DC. He comes from Texas A&M where he coached the defense that finished in the top-20 nationally against the run in three of his six years there. Needless to say, the run defense will vastly improve with this hire. Marlowe Wax will once again be the center of the defense and the tackle machine will be all over the field.
Top Returning Players:
Oronde Gadsden II TE - Before he suffered an injury that caused him to miss the final 11 games of the 2023 season, Gadsden II was unbelievable for the Orange. During the 2022 season, he shattered Syracuse’s single-season receptions and receiving yards record by a tight end. He has added some more muscle, now over 240+ pounds, he is going to be a threat in the passing game.
LaQuint Allen RB - He is entering the 2024 season with the 10th-most receptions by a running back in Syracuse history. He adds a ton of value to the offense with his ability to catch passes out of the backfield. With McCord commanding the offense, Allen should be a good look for dump-off passes that he can use his play-making skills to get yards after the catch.
Marlowe Wax LB - Wax has seen action in all 49 games since arriving in Syracuse. He has 38 straight starts which has allowed him to lead the team in tackles in back-to-back seasons. He had a heart-to-heart conversation with Coach Brown, which led him to get in the best shape of his career.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Kyle McCord (QB) - McCord spent three seasons at Ohio State before transferring to Syracuse. He was a member of the All-Big Ten team in 2023 and recorded a 12-1 record as a starter. He is entering the 2024 season fourth among active FBS quarterbacks in career completion percentage at 66.5%.
Michael Nwokocha DL - He is transferring from Tyler Junior College and was rated as a four-star prospect by On3. In 10 games played, he had 32 tackles, 4.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, and one forced fumble.
Fadil Diggs DL - Diggs followed coach Brown from the SEC to join Syracuse in the ACC. He served as a year-long team captain for Texas A&M so he knows how to lead and won’t be afraid to step up into a leadership role.
Top Incoming Freshman:
KingJoseph Edwards DL - One of the most unique names in all of college football comes to Syracuse with high expectations. He is expected to play a big role on the defensive line. Needless to say, Syracuse faithful are excited to welcome him to campus.
Top Departures:
Dino Babers HC - Babers has accepted the role of Offensive Coordinator for Arizona. He spent eight seasons as the head coach of Syracuse.
Garrett Shrader QB - Shrader was a great student of the game and an honorable leader. He wasn’t an elite quarterback but was up to doing the things that nobody else wanted to. He was tough and had the respect of the locker room but couldn’t find himself on an NFL roster.
Under-the-Radar Players:
Jack Stonehouse P - Jack is the younger cousin of Titans punter, Ryan Stonehouse. Jack averaged 44.6 yards per punt last season and has one of the strongest legs in the ACC. He is one of the best punters in CFB, let alone the ACC.
Dan Villari TE/QB - Villari is one of the most unorthodox CFB players in the country. He is a human wrecking ball on the field but also has the grace to settle in the pocket and deliver. His role in the new offense is going to be interesting to watch.
Win Total Prediction:
The Syracuse Orange 2024 win total is listed as 7.5. I am super confident that Coach Brown and Kyle McCord will thrive at Syracuse, but they do have a difficult schedule. This team has everything that aligns with being a “dark-horse” and could throw a wrench in the ACC title race. I believe they will get hooked at the number, but will get their eighth win in the bowl game. I am eager to watch this squad as they are going to be one of the, if not, the toughest team in the ACC. Coach Brown is going to have his guys fired up for the start of the season and it wouldn’t surprise me if they start their season 3-1 or even 4-0, potentially getting their first ACC win against an underrated Georgia Tech squad and/or against newcomer Stanford.
