The 2026 Syracuse Football season is two days away and we've got a lot of questions as the Orange prepare to welcome New Hampshire on Saturday. What will we learn from this game? It might not be too telling, but we've got some things we'll be watching for.
Kevin: Running game
I think the Orange will keep things vanilla but last week UAlbany averaged over 7 yards per carry against UNH. This means Syracuse should be able to control the line of scrimmage and chew up yardage without having to show any new wrinkles before they face Cal. On defense, I'm watching to see how Vince Kehres has his defense attack the running game of his opponent. Can the Syracuse front seven get into the backfield and force the Wildcats into obvious passing situations?
Mike: Early receiving impressions
I'll take the other offensive category featuring a vastly different cast than last year. With both Justus Ross-Simmons and Tyshawn Russell not in the two-deep for Week 1, I'm intrigued to see who in the room takes first steps towards being a prominent target this season. Could Umari Hatcher finally return to 2023 form? Do any of the underclassmen start an early breakout? And will the tight ends be a factor in the pass game this season? The reps should be spread around here so let's see who shines.
#orange
Kevin: Running game
I think the Orange will keep things vanilla but last week UAlbany averaged over 7 yards per carry against UNH. This means Syracuse should be able to control the line of scrimmage and chew up yardage without having to show any new wrinkles before they face Cal. On defense, I'm watching to see how Vince Kehres has his defense attack the running game of his opponent. Can the Syracuse front seven get into the backfield and force the Wildcats into obvious passing situations?
Mike: Early receiving impressions
I'll take the other offensive category featuring a vastly different cast than last year. With both Justus Ross-Simmons and Tyshawn Russell not in the two-deep for Week 1, I'm intrigued to see who in the room takes first steps towards being a prominent target this season. Could Umari Hatcher finally return to 2023 form? Do any of the underclassmen start an early breakout? And will the tight ends be a factor in the pass game this season? The reps should be spread around here so let's see who shines.
#orange
1 hr. ago
