In a season highlighted by serving a Jim Boeheim serving a nine-game suspension for NCAA infractions, the Orange finished the regular season at 19-13 to secure a No. 10 seed. Syracuse took down No. 7-seeded Dayton, 70-51, in the first round.

That upset was seen and raised by No. 15-seeded Middle Tennessee. The Blue Raiders, who went 24-9 in the regular season, took down Tom Izzo and his heavily favored, No. 2-seeded Michigan State Spartans, 90-81. 

Here’s a look at the Campus Insiders Syracuse vs. Middle Tennessee picks.

Syracuse vs. Middle Tennessee Picks

Jordan Cornette

Middle Tennessee, because Reggie Upshaw is the perfect antidote to Syracuse zone.

Ray Crawford

Syracuse defense rises to the occasion, and the clock strikes midnight on Cinderella.

Pete Fiutak

Both teams are playing with house money, but Syracuse is playing loosely. Middle Tennessee won by being aggressive, but the Orange’s zone defnese will take over.

Robert Judin

Syracuse’s zone defense held opponents to 30.4 percent from downtown during the regular season, but this isn’t the regular season. This is March Madness, and the Blue Raiders harnessed that madness to knock down 11-of-19 threes against Michigan State. Reggie Upshaw will lead the way and help Middle Tennessee send ‘Cuse home for the rest of the tournament.

More NCAA Tournament: Syracuse vs. Middle Tennessee Preview, Prediction