Know Your Notre Dame Football Enemy: The Syracuse Orange
By J.P. Scott
Notre Dame football will travel to Yankee Stadium to face the Orange in mid-November.
We are taking a look at all 12 teams on the 2018 Notre Dame football schedule with the intent of familiarizing you with what the Irish are up against.
Next up: The Syracuse Orange
2017 Synopsis
Dino Babers’ second season in Syracuse did not reflect improvement in terms of wins and losses, but the team did become a much tougher out in 2017. Babers has now fully installed his hyper-aggressive offense, meaning defenses are going to need to be fresh and aware for four quarters. The highlight of the 2017 campaign was a 27-24 win over Clemson.
Who did they lose?
Honestly — not a whole lot. Zaire Franklin’s departure does leave a gaping hole in the linebacking corps for the Orange.
The biggest loss offensively is leading receiver Steve Ishmael, who caught 105 passes for 1,347 yards and seven scores last season.
Who do they return?
Offensively, quarterback Eric Dungey is back. He accounted for most of Syracuse’s offense last season. Be that as it may, he’s not a perfect fit for Babers’ offense and may not be the starter by the time the Irish and Orange meet up in the Bronx.
Three starters return on the offensive line. Lining up next to them will be tight end Ravian Pierce. Remember that name, as he has the skills to be one of the very best in the nation — especially playing in the Syracuse offense.
Defensively, the Orange are loaded at both defensive line and secondary. Defensive tackle Chris Slaton is a monster run-stopper in the middle who will play on Sundays. The secondary is loaded with experience in the way of upperclassmen. That unit will be led by safety and possible two-way player Antwan Cordy — who can matchup up with anyone athletically.
Why should Notre Dame be worried?
The Irish need to understand the Dino Babers-led Orange fear no one. The offense is pedal-to-the-metal for four quarters, regardless of the score. Slowly but surely, Babers has added the athletes he needs to execute his system at a high level. Dungey’s running ability only makes it more dynamic and difficult to prepare for.
When Notre Dame has the ball, they’ll be looking to establish the run against a solid and underrated defensive line capable of changing the tone of the game.
Why should Notre Dame not be worried?
Syracuse’s biggest weakness in 2018 will very likely be at linebacker. That’s going to be a problem when they need to deal with Brandon Wimbush. Not only does Wimbush have an arsenal of skill players around him who can match up with the Orange defenders, he has the feet that will cause a young linebacking corp some problems.
Key Player for Syracuse
Chris Slayton — If Slayton is able to consistenly penetrate the line and disrupt what Notre Dame is doing in the backfield, this one could get dicey. The Orange are going to score points. Notre Dame needs to be able to keep pace until Syracuse wears down. Chris Slayton and the other defensive linemen have the ability to shut down possessions and force the Irish to play from behind early.
Next: Who Will Replace Josh Adams?
Key Player for Notre Dame
Sam Mustipher — He’ll likely be engaged with Slayton or at least close to him for most of the game. The Irish offensive line will look to Mustipher for leadership in engaging a talented front four. The Notre Dame offensive line needs to establish dominance early and that all starts with Mustipher.