The FCS-level Rhode Island Rams will venture into the Carrier Dome to face the Syracuse Orange for the opening game of the season. Do the Rams pose a threat to the Orange, or will ‘Cuse make easy work of the visiting team? We analyze below in the Syracuse vs. Rhode Island prediction and game preview. 

Syracuse vs. Rhode Island Prediction & Preview

Why You Need To Care

Syracuse won’t get many chances to flex its muscles versus an inferior opponent this season. Hosting Rhode Island, a second-rate FCS program, will allow the Orange to build confidence and a little momentum before the schedule toughens and reality sets in for an ACC squad still lacking an ACC roster.

Why Rhode Island Will Win

The Rams return as many starters, 18, as any CAA program, and Jim Fleming is back for his second season as the head coach. While there’s a long way to go in Kingston, Rhode Island figures to be more competitive and more consistent in 2015.

Why Syracuse Will Win

To be successful, Rhode Island needs to run the ball with Markey Clark and Harold Cooper. But it won’t easy finding running room against an underrated Orange front seven spearheaded by DE Ron Thompson and up-and-coming linebackers Marqez Hodge and Zaire Franklin.

Player Who Matters

If the Orange is to exceed modest forecasts this fall, it’ll need athletic QB Terrel Hunt to reach his potential … and remain healthy for all 12 games. Hunt is making his return to field after missing most of last season with a fractured fibula.

What’s Going To Happen?

Syracuse needed overtime to defeat Villanova in last year’s opener. But Rhode Island isn’t Villanova. The Orange will snap its five-game losing streak by freeing up backs Devante McFarland and George Morris II and rarely allowing the Rams past midfield.

Syracuse vs. Rhode Island Score Prediction

And with that, the Syracuse vs. Rhode Island prediction is …

Syracuse 45, Rhode Island 3

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