With the 2023 college football season fast approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating the highly anticipated matchup between Syracuse Orange and Virginia Tech Hokies. Both teams are coming off successful campaigns in 2022, and they will be looking to build on that success in the upcoming season.
Syracuse: A Resurgent Powerhouse
Syracuse has emerged as a surprise challenger in the ACC Coastal Division in recent years. After finishing with a dismal 1-10 record in 2016, the Orange have rebounded under the guidance of Dino Babers. In 2022, Syracuse went 7-5 overall and 4-3 in conference play, finishing just one game behind division winner North Carolina.
The Orange’s success has been fueled by a high-powered offense that ranked first in the ACC and 14th nationally in scoring. Quarterback Garrett Shrader has been a key figure in Syracuse’s offensive resurgence, throwing for over 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2022. He will be joined by a talented group of wide receivers, led by All-ACC selection Taj Harris.
On the defensive side of the ball, Syracuse will need to improve after allowing the most yards per game in the ACC last season. However, the Orange have added several key transfers, including linebacker Stefon Thompson from Texas A&M and defensive back Jeremiah Wilson from Georgia Tech.
Virginia Tech: A Proud Tradition
Virginia Tech has a rich history of success, having won 24 ACC Championships and played in 29 bowl games. However, the Hokies have struggled to maintain their dominance in recent years. They went 5-7 in 2022, their worst record since 1992.
Brent Pry was hired as Virginia Tech’s head coach in 2022, and he is tasked with revitalizing the program. He has made several changes to the team, including installing a new offense and emphasizing physicality on defense.
Quarterback Grant Wells will be a key player for Virginia Tech in 2023. He showed promise as a freshman in 2022, throwing for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns. He will be protected by a veteran offensive line that returns four starters.
On defense, Virginia Tech will be led by linebacker Dax Hollifield, who was an All-ACC selection in 2022. The Hokies also added several talented recruits to their defense, including defensive tackle Josh Conerly and safety Jaden Mangham.
The Matchup: A Clash of Styles
The Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech matchup promises to be a clash of styles. Syracuse will look to use its high-powered offense to spread the field and put points on the board. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, will try to pound the ball on the ground and control the clock.
Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and the outcome of the game could come down to which team can execute its game plan better. Here is a closer look at some key factors to watch for:
Offense: Syracuse has the more explosive offense, but Virginia Tech has a more experienced quarterback.
Defense: Virginia Tech has the potential to be a better defense, but Syracuse has added some key transfers.
Special teams: Syracuse has a slight edge in special teams, as they return All-ACC punter James Williams.
Prediction
This is a difficult game to predict, as both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. However, Syracuse has shown more consistency in recent years, and they have a more proven quarterback in Shrader. I believe that the Orange will win this game, but it will be a close one.
Syracuse 27, Virginia Tech 24
Beyond the Game: The Rivalry
The Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech rivalry is one of the most heated in the ACC. The two teams have played 57 times since 1950, with Virginia Tech holding a 33-22-2 advantage.
The rivalry has been particularly intense in recent years, as both teams have been competitive in the ACC Coastal Division. The Orange have won the last two meetings, including a 24-21 victory in 2022.
The 2023 matchup will be the first time that the teams have played in Blacksburg since 2019. The game is sure to be a sellout, and the atmosphere will be electric.
Conclusion
The Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech matchup is one of the most anticipated games on the 2023 college football schedule. Both teams have the potential to be contenders in the ACC Coastal Division, and the game could have a significant impact on the race for the ACC Championship Game.
