-11.5 is a lot but after reading this from collegefootballnews.com its hard to not like them.
3-1 YTD
Syracuse at Northwestern, 12:00 EST, ESPN2
Why to watch: If you?re looking for a sleeper out of the Big Ten, Northwestern just might be it. The Wildcats have a fleet of talent on offense, a young, third-year coach settling into the job, and a schedule that generate instant momentum. After fumbling opportunities to get to the postseason, head coach Pat Fitzgerald shook up the staff in an attempt to prevent a repeat performance. New offensive coordinator Mick McCall has installed a no-huddle offense that could get unheralded QB C.J. Bacher, the Big Ten?s leader in total offense last season, the notoriety he deserves. The more things change, the more they stay the same for Syracuse, which is trying to save Greg Robinson?s job and snap a string of four straight losing seasons. The consensus preseason choice to occupy the Big East basement, the Orange recently lost top receiver Mike Williams and starting DE Brandon Gilbeaux to academic issues.
Why Syracuse might win: The Northwestern secondary is a work-in-progress, and Orange QB Andrew Robinson will be looking to exploit it. He progressed well in his first season as a starter, finishing with 13 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. The expected returns of backs Delone Carter and Curtis Brinkley finally give defenses a reason to defend the run, opening things up for Robinson to find Donte Davis and Lavar Lobdell. Disruptive NT Arthur Jones is capable of wreaking havoc against a Wildcat offensive line breaking in three new starters.
Why Northwestern might win: The Orange doesn?t have the weapons on offense to keep up with a Wildcat offense loaded with playmakers and potential. With Bacher at the controls, Tyrell Sutton and Omar Conteh running the ball, and three of the top four receivers back, Northwestern can simply out gun Syracuse. The feeble Orange offensive line will have its hands full with the strength of the Wildcat defense, a rugged, physical defensive line that could quietly be among the best in the Big Ten.
Who to watch: With tackle John Gill sitting the game out, the headliner of the Wildcat D-line will be end Corey Wootton, a man-child who?ll face a Syracuse line that allowed 54 sacks a year ago. At 6-7 and 270 pounds, he has NFL size and potential if he can show more acceleration off the edge. Without Gill to attract attention on the inside, the ends must get more pressure than last season if the pass defense is going to have a chance.
What will happen: With the program confident and headed in a northern direction, Northwestern will use Syracuse to make a statement in front of a national TV audience. Of the 10 best players on the field, nine of them will be wearing purple, and it?ll show in a one-sided win for the Wildcats.
CFN Prediction: Northwestern 37... Syracuse 20 ... Line: Northwestern -12
Must See Rating: (5 90210 - 1 90210, at least what you?ll say among your friends) ? 2
3-1 YTD
Syracuse at Northwestern, 12:00 EST, ESPN2
Why to watch: If you?re looking for a sleeper out of the Big Ten, Northwestern just might be it. The Wildcats have a fleet of talent on offense, a young, third-year coach settling into the job, and a schedule that generate instant momentum. After fumbling opportunities to get to the postseason, head coach Pat Fitzgerald shook up the staff in an attempt to prevent a repeat performance. New offensive coordinator Mick McCall has installed a no-huddle offense that could get unheralded QB C.J. Bacher, the Big Ten?s leader in total offense last season, the notoriety he deserves. The more things change, the more they stay the same for Syracuse, which is trying to save Greg Robinson?s job and snap a string of four straight losing seasons. The consensus preseason choice to occupy the Big East basement, the Orange recently lost top receiver Mike Williams and starting DE Brandon Gilbeaux to academic issues.
Why Syracuse might win: The Northwestern secondary is a work-in-progress, and Orange QB Andrew Robinson will be looking to exploit it. He progressed well in his first season as a starter, finishing with 13 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. The expected returns of backs Delone Carter and Curtis Brinkley finally give defenses a reason to defend the run, opening things up for Robinson to find Donte Davis and Lavar Lobdell. Disruptive NT Arthur Jones is capable of wreaking havoc against a Wildcat offensive line breaking in three new starters.
Why Northwestern might win: The Orange doesn?t have the weapons on offense to keep up with a Wildcat offense loaded with playmakers and potential. With Bacher at the controls, Tyrell Sutton and Omar Conteh running the ball, and three of the top four receivers back, Northwestern can simply out gun Syracuse. The feeble Orange offensive line will have its hands full with the strength of the Wildcat defense, a rugged, physical defensive line that could quietly be among the best in the Big Ten.
Who to watch: With tackle John Gill sitting the game out, the headliner of the Wildcat D-line will be end Corey Wootton, a man-child who?ll face a Syracuse line that allowed 54 sacks a year ago. At 6-7 and 270 pounds, he has NFL size and potential if he can show more acceleration off the edge. Without Gill to attract attention on the inside, the ends must get more pressure than last season if the pass defense is going to have a chance.
What will happen: With the program confident and headed in a northern direction, Northwestern will use Syracuse to make a statement in front of a national TV audience. Of the 10 best players on the field, nine of them will be wearing purple, and it?ll show in a one-sided win for the Wildcats.
CFN Prediction: Northwestern 37... Syracuse 20 ... Line: Northwestern -12
Must See Rating: (5 90210 - 1 90210, at least what you?ll say among your friends) ? 2
