Syracuse vs. Boston College Prediction, Game Preview

Syracuse vs. Boston College prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins between the Orange and Eagles on Saturday in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Syracuse vs. Boston College Game Preview

When: Saturday, Oct. 22 – 12:30 p.m. ET
Where: Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA
TV Broadcast: ACC Extra

The Orange (3-4, 1-2 ACC) delivered first-year head coach Dino Babers a signature win early in his tenure, as they defeated Virginia Tech last Saturday for their first victory over a ranked opponent since 2012. The Orange offense recorded 561 yards and converted four of five fourth-down opportunities on Bud Foster’s defense.

Meanwhile, the Eagles (3-3, 0-3) were off last week, so they had extra time to think about their 56-10 home setback at the hands of Clemson. The Eagles have lost their last two ACC games (Virginia Tech and Clemson) by a combined score of 105-10.

When these two teams met last year in Syracuse, the Orange delivered Scott Shafer a final victory as his run as ‘Cuse head coach came to an end with a 20-17 win. Cole Murphy kicked a 35-yard field goal as time expired, and the Orange held BC to just nine first downs and 239 total yards.

What To Know About Syracuse

With the win over Virginia Tech, the Orange bounced back in a big way from their loss to Wake Forest. Dontae Strickland rushed for 69 yards and a score, but quarterback Eric Dungey was the real story. He passed for 311 yards and rushed for 106 more, throwing a touchdown and rushing for another as the offense found plenty of room to roam against the Virginia Tech defense. While the Hokies did generate 468 total yards, they converted only four third downs. The ‘Cuse played its best game of the year, so we’ll see if it can use the win as a springboard.

What to Know About Boston College

The Eagles had a week off following their 46-point setback to Clemson. Steve Addazio’s squad managed just 251 total yards, including a mere 96 through the air against the Tigers. Quarterback Patrick Towles has struggled with his accuracy, especially against tougher opponents, and needs to better protect the football. Defensively, the Eagles have shown that they can be physical and nasty. But it’s a unit that is too often relied upon to bail out an anemic offense.

Advantages

Offense: Syracuse. The Eagles are averaging 21.2 points per game, which ranks No. 113 in the country.

Defense: Boston College. The Eagles are giving up just 253.0 yards per game, which ranks No. 4 in the nation.

Special Teams: Syracuse. Returner Brisly Estime is electric and shined as a punt returner in the loss to Notre Dame a few weeks back.

Coaching: Syracuse. Babers is starting to see his vision slowly but surely come to fruition with this program.

Intangibles: Syracuse. Babers and Co. have the momentum after the breakthrough win last week against the Hokies.

Matchup To Watch

Towles vs. Himself

In last year’s meeting between these schools, Eagles quarterback Jeff Smith went just 1-of-13 passing for nine yards with two interceptions. Beyond underwhelming. This time around, Towles will have a chance to exceed those numbers. While he hasn’t thrown an interception since Spet. 17 against Virginia Tech, Towles is completing only 50.8 percent of his throws, and his struggles have been evident against tougher competition (Virginia Tech and Clemson). He needs to be able to move the football against a ‘Cuse defense that ranks No. 111 at 278.3 passing yards per game.

Betting Odds

Spread: Boston College -6
Over/Under: No over/under as of post