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The Syracuse Orange (3-1) and the South Florida Bulls (1-3) meet in a battle of former Big East members. Check out the Syracuse vs. South Florida prediction and game preview.

Syracuse vs. South Florida Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 10
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: CBS Sports Network

Why You Need To Care

Syracuse and South Florida hook up for the first time since both were Big East members in 2012. And both are looking to transform moral victories in their last outing into actual ones at Raymond James Stadium. Prior to its lone bye of the regular season, the Orange challenged LSU before falling, 34-24. Meanwhile, the Bulls are coming of their best effort of the season, nearly dealing Memphis its first loss of 2015.

Why Syracuse Will Win

Conservative USF offense, meet the underrated Orange D. The Bulls failed to score more than 17 points in their last three games with FBS opponents, due largely to a predictable attack and a subpar O-line. Life gets no easier for Willie Taggart’s team, which now must contend with an underrated front seven, namely LB Parris Bennett and linemen Ron Thompson and Donnie Simmons, yielding three yards a carry.

Why South Florida Will Win

The Bulls have already overachieved versus unbeaten Florida State and Memphis. The reason? The defense, like Syracuse’s, is sneaky-good. South Florida held the Tigers well below their season average by winning the line of scrimmage. The Orange is light on depth and offensive punch this season.

Player Who Matters

Fingers are crossed in Upstate New York that QB Eric Dungey will travel with the team this week. The rookie was playing well off the bench when a helmet-to-helmet collision sidelined him on Sept. 19. While walk-on Zack Mahoney had some moments in the LSU game, Syracuse is a more competitive and unpredictable offense when Dungey is on the field.

What’s Going To Happen?

The Orange and the Bulls are similar teams with similar struggles. Syracuse, though is playing slightly better on defense. Plus, the anticipated return of Dungey will provide a much-needed spark to an offense that’s shown hints of potential when the line does its job.

Syracuse vs. South Florida Prediction

Final Score: Syracuse 24, South Florida 21, Line: South Florida -4, o/u: No Line
Must See Rating: 5: The Walk – 1: Pan … 1.5

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