Syracuse vs. Boston College Prediction, Game Preview

The Boston College Eagles (3-8) and the Syracuse Orange (3-8) are hoping to avoid lugging long losing streaks into the offseason when they meet in the Carrier Dome. Check out the Syracuse vs. Boston College prediction and game preview.

Syracuse vs. Boston College Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 28
Game Time: 12:30 ET
Venue: Carrier Dome, Syracuse, New York
Network: ESPN3

Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello

Why You Need To Care

Boston College and Syracuse meet in a renewal of the rare Northeast rivalry not involving Ivy League schools. Both programs are saddled with long losing streaks, eight for the Orange and seven for the Eagles, so a victory Saturday will make the offseason slightly more tolerable. Syracuse will be playing the finale without third-year head coach Scott Shafer, who was fired after compiling a record of 13-23 that didn’t meet the expectations of new AD Mark Coyle.

Why Boston College Will Win

Amazingly, the defense has never given an inch this season, despite getting zero help from the other side of the ball. Boston College, which has allowed one opponent to score more than 26 points this season, leads the country in run defense and total D. The Eagles generated five turnovers against Notre Dame last week, and the front seven is as physical as any unit this side of Tuscaloosa.

Why Syracuse Will Win

If you can’t score, you can’t win. And few programs are as feeble as Boston College, which averages less than 10 points against FBS opponents. A flimsy Orange defense gets a big break versus these Eagles. And the Syracuse attack is far more likely to generate a little pop from blue-collar QB Zack Mahoney and rookie RB Jordan Fredericks, who has a chance to be one of the cornerstones of the next staff’s offense.

Player Who Matters

Since neither offense figures to reach the offense much on Saturday, special teams, particularly the placekickers, will play a vital role in the outcome. Syracuse relies on sophomore Cole Murphy, who’s hit 14-of-20 field goal attempts. Meanwhile, BC has unsuccessfully employed a trio of kickers, most recently Colton Lichtenberg.

What’s Going To Happen?

Syracuse has been a different, far more competitive team in the Carrier Dome this season, while BC is 0-5 on the road. And even with the coaching change and general downward spiral, the Orange will cobble together enough points off turnovers and special teams to outlast the Eagles.