New Look Syracuse is Facing Tough Bobcat Team in Week 1

Umari Hatcher Syracuse Orange Wide Receiver — © Rich Barnes USA TODAY Sports

Game day has finally arrived for the Syracuse faithful and this season has fans hopeful that the Orange will have a better outcome than in 2023. However, Syracuse’s first opponent is no pushover, and the Ohio Bobcats come to town with an upset on their agenda. There will be no shortage of action once this game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. EST on Aug. 31.

Syracuse Embracing the New

First-year head coach Fran Brown brings a fresh championship attitude to Syracuse at a well-needed time. Add in a new face at quarterback in Kyle McCord along with returning wide receivers Damien Alford and Umari Hatcher, and the Orange are always one snap away from a big play. Syracuse needs to capitalize on their big play opportunities while limiting their mistakes to start this year in the winning column.

Syracuse Key Players

QB Kyle McCord: 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in 2023 (Ohio State University)

WR Umari Hatcher: 482 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns in 2023

Bobcats Lead with Defense

The Ohio Bobcats are no stranger to the big game and will show up with a defense that finished No. 4 in the nation last season, allowing only 279 yards per game. Led by fifth-year senior and first-team All-Mid American Conference linebacker Bryce Houston, the Bobcats went 10-3 last season and held opponents to 21 points or less in every victory. The Bobcats will lean on that top-ranked defense and challenge Syracuse to be perfect in their execution and capitalize on every play call.

Ohio Bobcats Football — © David Yeazell USA TODAY Sports

Ohio Key Players

LB Bryce Houston: 127 tackles, 3 interceptions and 1 forced fumble in 2023

Game Outcome

This will be a classic matchup of offense vs. defense. The Syracuse offense looks electric but will be challenged by a disciplined and proven defense. Syracuse is favored to win but is yet unproven with a new head coach and a new QB. Fans can only wait to see if McCord and the offense will click. Both teams counter one another's strengths well and the game will likely come down to whose special teams unit can make a play or two. This will be a hard-fought and close game but expect Syracuse to win in a nail-biter 28-24.