Syracuse Football: UNLV Game Preview & Poll Impact
Syracuse Football, fresh off a thrilling comeback victory against Colgate, will be looking to extend their winning streak as they host UNLV on Saturday. This game holds significant implications for the Orange, both in terms of building momentum and potentially impacting their ranking in the polls.
A Look at the Rebels
UNLV, coming off a 5-7 season, is looking to make some noise in the Mountain West Conference. They've started the season with a loss to a tough opponent, the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs. While the Rebels haven't shown their best yet, they have a solid core of experienced players on both sides of the ball. Here are some key players to watch for:
- Quarterback Doug Brumfield: The senior quarterback has been a key leader for UNLV, showing good mobility and an ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs.
- Running Back Aidan Robbins: Robbins is a powerful running back with a knack for finding the endzone. He's a player Syracuse's defense needs to contain.
- Wide Receiver Kyle Williams: Williams is a dangerous deep threat for the Rebels. Syracuse's secondary needs to be mindful of his speed and ability to make big plays.
Syracuse Strengths and Concerns
Syracuse's high-powered offense is a legitimate force in college football, with a stellar quarterback in Garrett Shrader and a dynamic receiving corps led by Oronde Gadsden II. However, there are some concerns:
- **Offensive Line: ** The Orange offensive line has struggled with consistency, which could be a factor against a strong UNLV defensive line.
- **Running Game: ** While Syracuse has a talented backfield, their running game has yet to be established, potentially leaving them reliant on Shrader's ability to make plays.
- **Turnovers: ** Syracuse committed multiple turnovers against Colgate. While the team recovered, minimizing turnovers will be crucial against a UNLV team capable of taking advantage of mistakes.
Poll Impact
A convincing win against UNLV could help Syracuse solidify their position in the national polls. A close or unexpected loss could hinder their progress and raise doubts about their potential. The Orange need to show consistency and dominance against weaker opponents to maintain their current momentum.
Key Takeaway
While UNLV might not be considered a top opponent, it is a game Syracuse can't afford to overlook. This is an opportunity to demonstrate their growth and continue their winning ways. A strong performance will send a message to the rest of the nation and set the stage for a crucial ACC showdown against Florida State next week.
