ISD Game Predictions: Syracuse
It’s Friday again, and that means game prediction time! The Irish are hoping to end their regular season undefeated to roll into the ACC Championship Game with confidence in what will likely be a rematch against Clemson. Syracuse, well, they’re just not very good, but the have had an upset in Notre Dame Stadium on Senior Day previously. Can the Orange play the spoiler role again?
Mike Frank
I’m sure the Orange will show up for Saturday’s game with upset in their mind, but I think doubt is the root of all evil in football programs, and they will have a lot of doubt as the game kicks off. The Irish will have no doubt, and I expect them to play well. The spread is large, but I’m not sure Notre Dame will beat the spread in this game because I doubt the starters play long on Saturday.
Hopefully we get to see a lot of the 2nd and 3rd string on Saturday as that means the Irish took care of business early. I do expect we will see that. I think the ND defense swarms an outmanned Syracuse offense, and I don’t expect them to do much of anything on offense until the reserves start to play.
Notre Dame 45, Syracuse 13
John Brice
The first-ever conference championship game berth is secured for Notre Dame, in its first, and according to recent comments from athletics director Jack Swarbrick, only planned season as an ACC member.
Don't look for the No. 2 Fighting Irish to think they can rest easy; that comes in the two weeks' preparation before a presumed Clemson rematch.
This team's leadership, Brian Kelly on down, is simply too strong for any kind of lackadaisical approach.
And, hey, Syracuse isn't very good.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Irish defense notch a score in this game, and I also wouldn't be surprised to see all of checking our rosters at hand. This should absolutely be a letterman game for Notre Dame; a contest in which nearly everyone healthy gets a chance to compete.
Notre Dame 44, Syracuse 10
Christian McCollum
The Irish roll in the regular season finale against the overmatched Orange.
In an illustration of how far the program has come, some fans are left feeling a little empty by combination of the blowout win and a newly-installed bye next week.
But there isn't a whole lot to complain about as the Irish wrap up their regular season undefeated as they prepare for a rematch with Clemson in the ACC Championship Game on Dec. 19th and potentially a College Football Playoff berth.
Ian Book, Tommy Tremble, Ben Skowronek and Kyren Williams lead the way for the Notre Dame offense before giving way to backups and youngsters. Clark Lea's unit turns in an all-around dominant effort and the Orange don't get on the board until the second half, after the starters are pulled.
Notre Dame 45, Syracuse 14
Matt Freeman
Syracuse is terrible.
Ian Book and Notre Dame aren't terrible.
Book walks out of Notre Dame Stadium as the all-time leader in wins for a starting quarterback.
That's the story.
Notre Dame 44, Syracuse 6
Jamie Uyeyama
If this was a better opponent, this would have all the makings of a trap game. Syracuse is playing out the string. Notre Dame has already clinched a spot in the ACC Championship game. The main goal of the game will be to win and not have anyone injured.
I expect to see plenty of Notre Dame's backups in this game, especially after halftime. Syracuse isn't good enough on offense to do more than create the odd big play so I think we'll see plenty of rotation on defense up front on all levels, but I don't see a lot of points for the Orange. Only turnovers can keep Cuse in the game.
This will be a big day for C'Bo Flemister and Chris Tyree on offense. I think we'll see some plays from Joe Wilkins and Lawrence Keys as well. Notre Dame will be up comfortably by half and then coast to a victory on Senior Day.
Notre Dame 45, Syracuse 10