The Flames get a big test for their opener this year as they welcome the #22 ranked Syracuse Orange as the first-ever P5 program to come into Williams Stadium, and I had a chance to talk to Stephen Bailey, Syracuse writer for Syracuse.com You can follow him on Twitter @stephen_bailey1
Fan the Flames: Syracuse is coming off one of the best seasons in recent memory for football and comes into this matchup ranked for the first time since 2001 when Paul Pasqualoni was head coach. What is the mood and mindset like around Syracuse in Dino Babers' 4th season?
Stephen Bailey: Syracuse enters 2019 extremely confident. Coming off the school’s first 10-win season since 2001, the Orange returns talent and experience at most position groups. It also faces its softest schedule since joining the ACC. Internally, this is a group that was almost entirely recruited by Babers. The whole coaching staff from a year ago is back. Continuity in scheme and culture has been established.
FTF: The Orange lost probably one of the best quarterbacks in their recent history with the graduation of Eric Dungey. What is the feeling around his replacement Tommy Devito?
SB: It’s funny. It really doesn’t feel like a quarterback transition is going on. Part of that is because DeVito stepped in last year and pushed Dungey for his starting job. As a redshirt freshman, DeVito flashed his top-end arm talent in victories over North Carolina (2OT) and Florida State. I think those shared winning experiences are what has led the team to embrace him so easily. There’s no shortage of confidence in that regard. It will be interesting to see how Syracuse utilizes DeVito’s arm and the versatility it returns at running back and tight end as the season goes on.
FTF: This is the first trip for the Orange to Lynchburg and the first G5 road game for Syracuse since 2016. What is the attitude of the team heading into this game? Is there confidence bordering on overconfidence or is it a more businesslike approach?
SB: Babers has made it clear that he respects Hugh Freeze as a coach and that he does not want his team to take the game lightly. The hardest part for the Orange is preparing for an opponent that doesn’t have any game film. Add on to that the unclear status of Malik Willis and I think SU’s players are heeding their coach’s warning. While a bit of overconfidence is possible, I think this Syracuse team is just too good and too hungry to get trapped on Saturday.
FTF: Syracuse finished with 10 wins last year, the most wins since 2001. The next season the Orange finished 4-8 and did not garner another winning season until 2010. What will Syracuse need to do to prevent another letdown similar to that?
SB: Basically, keep DeVito upright. With loaded position groups at running back, defensive line, secondary and special teams, the floor for this team is probably around five or six wins barring catastrophe. While the team may have overachieved last year, there’s no denying the progress Babers has made in building a stronger, faster and deeper roster. Another 10-win season would be exceeding expectations, but not be a crazy margin.
FTF: Syracuse travels to Maryland the next week after leaving Lynchburg. How important is it for them to not be caught "looking ahead" to that game or the week 3 showdown in the Carrier Dome with defending CFP National Champion Clemson?
SB: I think that’s a Week 2 storyline. Babers and his staff have been preaching the one-game-at-a-time mindset at every opportunity. But players know what the Clemson game means – there’s no shaking that. I don’t think Syracuse is looking two weeks down the line to the extent that the team will come out flat in Lynchburg. In College Park? Now that’s a scenario I could see unfolding.
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