Can Syracuse’s Defensive Problems Derail Their Strong Finish to the Season?
As the Syracuse Orange approach their final road game of the 2024 season, they are riding high after a solid performance in recent weeks. The team, led by standout quarterback Kyle McCord, has managed to stay competitive in a challenging ACC landscape, and with bowl eligibility already secured, postseason aspirations are within reach. However, as they face off against tough opponents to close out the season, a glaring issue looms large: their defense.
While Syracuse’s offense has shown resilience and has been bolstered by McCord’s remarkable passing performance, the team’s defensive struggles threaten to undermine their momentum. Despite their strong showing in some games, the Orange defense has been far from consistent, allowing opponents to exploit weaknesses in crucial moments. As they prepare for a series of difficult matchups against well-coached teams, the defensive lapses that have occurred throughout the season could cost them dearly.
The Problem With Syracuse’s Defense
Throughout the 2024 season, Syracuse’s defense has demonstrated flashes of promise but has too often faltered under pressure. One of the most concerning aspects has been the inability to stop the run, which has allowed several teams to control the tempo of the game. Against stronger offenses, the lack of a consistent defensive front has left the Orange vulnerable, especially when it comes to maintaining pressure on the quarterback and limiting big plays.
Additionally, Syracuse has had issues in pass coverage, particularly in key third-down situations, where defensive breakdowns have allowed opponents to sustain drives and shift momentum. While the defensive line has been solid at times, the overall inconsistency in the secondary has led to missed tackles, blown coverages, and long-yardage plays that have kept teams alive in games they otherwise should have been out of.
These weaknesses were evident in Syracuse’s close losses earlier in the season, where defensive failures in the second half allowed opponents to take control and capitalize on Syracuse’s inability to stop critical plays. The question now becomes: with tougher teams on the horizon, can the Orange defense tighten up in time to prevent their defensive issues from derailing a promising season?
The Impact of McCord and the Offense
While the defense has its issues, there’s no doubt that Syracuse has one of the most potent offenses in the conference, led by quarterback Kyle McCord. McCord’s ability to move the ball downfield with precision has been a game-changer, keeping Syracuse competitive in nearly every contest. His recent performance, which saw him set a new career-high in passing yards, has given the Orange an edge, and his connection with his receivers has been a major source of success this year.
However, even the best offenses can only do so much when they are continually forced to play catch-up due to defensive breakdowns. The offense, no matter how effective, can only maintain that high level of performance if the defense gives them a chance to control the clock and establish rhythm. If the defense continues to struggle, Syracuse may find themselves in a position where McCord and the offense are unable to carry the team to victory against stronger competition.
A Tough Road Ahead
Syracuse’s remaining schedule is filled with formidable opponents. As they prepare for their final road game against California, followed by games at home against strong ACC teams, the Orange will face a crucial test. While the Golden Bears have had a rocky season, their defense ranks highly in several key categories, including sacks and rushing yards allowed, making them a tough matchup for Syracuse’s offense. More importantly, their recent win over Wake Forest shows they can compete with solid teams, meaning they could be primed for an upset in their final home game against the Orange.
As the Orange return home for their final two regular-season games, they will face ACC opponents with strong defensive units, making it imperative for Syracuse to sharpen its defensive play. While McCord and the offense will likely continue to produce, the defense must step up to give them the breathing room they need to finish strong.
The Stakes Are High
With bowl eligibility already secured, Syracuse is in a position to build on what could be a successful season. However, if the defensive issues persist, they may miss out on an even more significant opportunity—securing a spot in a higher-tier bowl game or potentially upsetting one of the top teams in the ACC.
The stakes are particularly high for head coach Fran Brown, who has been praised for his offensive strategy but must now focus on fixing the defense if he hopes to see his team reach its full potential. As the competition grows fiercer with every passing week, Brown must rally his defense, instill discipline, and make sure his team can execute under pressure.
Conclusion: Can Syracuse Overcome Their Defensive Woes?
As Syracuse marches toward the end of the 2024 season, there is no denying that their offensive success has propelled them into a promising position. However, the glaring defensive issues that have plagued the team all season long could ultimately be their downfall. The team’s ability to finish strong will depend on how well they address their defensive inconsistencies and whether they can find a way to limit the impact of high-powered offenses in their final games.
The upcoming stretch of games will be crucial for the Orange’s postseason aspirations. While they have certainly earned their place in bowl contention, their defense will need to improve if they hope to build on their recent success. If they can’t solve their defensive woes, Syracuse may very well find that their promising season ends sooner than expected, despite their offensive firepower. Time will tell if this team has what it takes to go the distance or if their defensive issues will cost them a chance at greatness.
