In the midst of what could very well be the ACC’s toughest schedule, Syracuse (4-4, 2-2) enjoyed its highly-anticipated bye this past week. Up next for the Orange is a second trip in the last three weeks down to the Sunshine State, for a bout against Florida State (2-5, 2-4).
FSU has struggled this year and suffered some bad luck. A torn patella tendon did not just end Florida State quarterback Deondre Francois’ season in their first game; it perhaps ended the entire team’s season as well. The sophomore quarterback was last year’s ACC Rookie of the Year, and was set to lead a Seminoles team that came into the season ranked third in the country. Instead, 9 weeks after Francois’ injury, Florida State sits at 2-5 and is still yet to satisfy its home fans at Doak Campbell Stadium, going o-3 so far on home turf.
Despite the lack of wins; however, Syracuse head coach Dino Babers made it very clear that Florida State’s underwhelming record is not telling of the kind of team it truly is.
The Seminoles’ 0-3 home record should have Syracuse licking its chops, but the Orange still comes into Tallahassee as a 4.5-point underdog. Being counted out is no new feeling for Syracuse though, who has proven its doubters wrong all year.
SU is coming off a bye week, following the teams 27-19 loss in Miami to the undefeated and 10th-ranked Hurricanes.
The Orange have covered the spread in 5 of 7 games this season, while never failing to cover in the team’s four games as underdogs. When the strength of Syracuse’s schedule is considered, the feat becomes all the more impressive, with close losses away from home against LSU, NC State, and Miami. Fans of the Orange will also never forget the team’s momentous home win against Clemson.
Syracuse is 1-9 all-time against the Seminoles, with all 9 losses part of an ongoing streak. A win in Tallahassee would be the Orange’s first against Florida State since 1966. This Saturday’s ACC showdown will kick off at 12:20.