Jury still out on Syracuse football's surprising rise to No. 14

Picked to finish last in the ACC preseason poll, Syracuse entered the 2022 season without high expectations. At the season's midway point, however, the unbeaten Orange are No. 14 in the AP Top 25 and second in the ACC Atlantic division.

How did the Orange (6-0) fly so far under the radar? For one, Syracuse finished second to last in the Atlantic division in 2021 and 2019 and last in the ACC in the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

Syracuse’s six opponents own a combined record of 18-22, with its stiffest competition coming at home against Purdue and No. 23 NC State—which lost starting quarterback Devin O’Leary the week prior. Plus, the Orange own one win over a top-25 opponent and one over the top team in the receiving votes category (Purdue). 

You may not know, however, that Syracuse boasts a No. 8 total defense and No. 6 scoring defense. Plus, it has one of the top RBs in the conference in sophomore Sean Tucker, who has 644 yards rushing and six touchdowns. 

Syracuse’s status could be determined on the field Saturday at No. 5 Clemson. If it wins or plays well and loses, few can doubt Syracuse.

Orange head coach Dino Babers said his team looks forward to putting their unblemished record to the test against a “fine” Clemson team.

“It is going to be fun,” he said. 

Babers wants Syracuse players to embrace the team's first 6-0 start since 1987. 

"You should cherish it," he said. "You should understand this moment and not just let it go past you."