What are your team’s most critical early, mid-season and late-season games?
For this, early (games 1-4), mid-season (games 5-8) and late-season (games 9-12) is how I’d consider it. This is what I’d argue for Syracuse:
Early: California (Game 2) — Feels like a crucial toss-up game to start ACC play. I think this game could tell a lot early about both teams’ seasons and I think Syracuse needs to win this one to get back to a bowl game.
Mid-season: Louisville (Game 6) — This mid-season stretch has a bunch of key games on paper for the Orange, including home games against Louisville and SMU, plus road games at Virginia and UNC. I feel like Syracuse needs to win a home game around this point to stay in bowl contention, and this one against the Cardinals comes at a point that could sort of determine how good the Orange really are.
Late-season: Clemson (Game 9) — This game could be really important for both the Orange and Tigers. I don’t think Dabo Swinney will let the Tigers forget how Syracuse beat them in Death Valley last season, and the Orange have to be ready for a potentially recharged Clemson squad. I think this is a game both teams could view as “must-wins” to reach postseason play.
What do you think for your team?
