Football

Beat writer predictions: Pinstripe Bowl

Syracuse takes on West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl Saturday at 3:15 p.m. The Daily Orange’s three football beat writers make their predictions:

Michael Cohen (@michael_cohen13)

West Virginia 31, Syracuse 23

With a month to prepare, Geno Smith will finally get a win over Syracuse. Snow big deal.

Ryne Gery



 

Syracuse 31, West Virginia 28

West Virginia’s Geno Smith was once the favorite for the Heisman Trophy and leads an explosive offense, but the Mountaineers only went 7-5. Why? Its defense allowed 38.1 points per game. On a cold and rainy day, Syracuse slows down Smith and WVU and comes out on top behind its balanced offensive attack.

Chris Iseman (@chris_iseman)

Syracuse 42, West Virginia 35

Both teams have explosive offenses, but in the snowy weather conditions, the team with the most successful rushing attack will win. Syracuse leaned on its running game in the second half of the season and went 5-1. Against a lackluster West Virginia offense, that running game should run through the Mountaineer’s unit and open up the field for Ryan Nassib to pass when he can.





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