Syracuse football vs. Virginia Tech predictions: See our picks

As Syracuse prepares to face Virginia Tech in an intriguing matchup, both teams come into this game with their own narratives and motivations. The Orange, coming off a mixed season, are looking to build momentum and establish a winning culture. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech, with a storied history but recent struggles, aims to reclaim its status as a competitive force in the ACC.

**Syracuse Overview**

Syracuse has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on offense. Quarterback Garrett Shrader has been a dual-threat, capable of making plays with his arm and legs. The Orange will rely heavily on their ground game, led by running back Sean Tucker, whose ability to break tackles and find the end zone can be a game-changer. The offensive line will need to perform well to establish the run and protect Shrader against a strong Virginia Tech pass rush.

Defensively, Syracuse has been inconsistent. They’ve had moments of strong play but have struggled with giving up big plays. The secondary will need to tighten up against a Virginia Tech passing attack that can exploit weaknesses if given time. Creating turnovers will be crucial for the Orange to gain momentum and control the game.

**Virginia Tech Overview**

Virginia Tech, under head coach Brent Pry, is looking to build a new identity after a challenging previous season. The Hokies’ offense will be anchored by quarterback Grant Wells, who has shown potential but needs to minimize mistakes. The running game, featuring a committee approach, will be key to keeping the offense balanced and taking pressure off Wells.

Defensively, Virginia Tech has traditionally been known for its stout defense, and this season is no different. The Hokies boast a talented front seven that can disrupt the run game and put pressure on the quarterback. The secondary has had its ups and downs but has the potential to create turnovers, which could be pivotal against a Syracuse team that can struggle with consistency.

**Key Matchups**

1. **Syracuse Offensive Line vs. Virginia Tech Defensive Line**: The battle in the trenches will be crucial. Syracuse’s ability to establish the run and protect Shrader against a fierce pass rush will dictate much of the game.

2. **Quarterbacks**: Shrader and Wells will need to rise to the occasion. Whichever quarterback can manage the game better and make key plays, especially in critical moments, will give their team a significant advantage.

3. **Turnovers**: Both teams have struggled with ball security at times. The team that can protect the football and capitalize on turnovers will likely come out on top.

**Predictions**

This game is likely to be a close battle, with both teams having strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited. If Syracuse can establish their run game and Shrader can play efficiently, they could pull off a victory at home. However, if Virginia Tech’s defense can assert dominance and create turnovers, they could leave Syracuse with a win.

Ultimately, this matchup could come down to the performance of the quarterbacks and the effectiveness of each team’s run game. Expect a competitive game, but I lean slightly towards Syracuse due to home-field advantage and their explosive offensive potential. The prediction: Syracuse 27, Virginia Tech 24.