Fran Brown’s Syracuse team has already shown it can win at a high level, but this season has turned into a test of survival at quarterback. The Orange are once again dealing with injuries under center, and that uncertainty hangs over everything Louisville is preparing for this weekend.
Steve Angeli opened the year as the starter, but his season has been a frustrating mix of injury and inefficiency. After a strong 2024 stretch that began with 10 touchdown passes and 329 yards per game before he was shut down in the fifth game, Angeli has not looked like the same player this fall.
Against FBS competition, he has completed 49% of his passes with one touchdown and five interceptions. He was eventually benched for Amari Odom, though Angeli is back in practice this week and Fran Brown expects him to play if he can get through the entire week.
Odom, a pocket passer with some athletic ability, got the start against UConn and responded with a 73% completion rate and more than 300 passing yards. He isn’t a designed-run quarterback, but he can extend plays, escape pressure and pick up a first down when needed.
Even so, it’s fair to wonder how that poise will hold up against Louisville’s athletes. If Angeli can’t answer the bell, Odom would be the more likely option.
If neither can go, Syracuse may be down to its fourth-string quarterback, Danny Lauter, the Georgetown transfer who was pressed into duty last week against Virginia after Malachi Nelson was injured. Lauter finished 2-for-6 and threw a touchdown on a pass that probably should have been intercepted.
However shaky the quarterback situation looks, Syracuse still has enough pieces to make its offense dangerous. The Orange want to throw it, but they also lean on a running game that has been productive behind a group of backs that share the load.
Tylik Hill leads that unit with 101 rushing yards per game. He brings good speed, but what really stands out is how well he reads interior runs and finds seams.
He’s also popped several explosive runs this year by staying patient until a lane opens.
Ahmad Miller and Shavane Anderson give Syracuse more options. Miller handles short-yardage work, though he has flashed chunk-play ability too.
Anderson, a true freshman and one of the best players in the history of New Jersey football, gives the Orange another back with a good mix of traits. He runs hard for a freshman and rounds out a three-man backfield that has done real damage.
Louisville will have to be sharp against the run again this week.
The passing game still has a clear focal point in Umari Hatcher. The 6-3, 190-pound veteran has been excellent and leads the ACC in touchdowns.
He’s also near the top of the conference in just about every other receiving category. Syracuse has clearly made him the centerpiece, and every quarterback has leaned on him as the primary target.
Justus Ross-Simmons is the next name to know. He’s another big outside receiver and Syracuse’s second-leading pass catcher.
The Orange don’t have a ton of speed at the position, but Ross-Simmons gives them a legitimate deep threat. Daunte Bacheiye has also emerged as a dependable vertical option, even though he’s listed as a tight end but has spent plenty of time out wide.
Calvil Russell, the five-star freshman, could also see his role grow as he works back from injury.
Up front, Syracuse presents a matchup Louisville should like. For the second straight week, the Cards’ edge rushers will see an offensive tackle who has had a rough season.
Kam Pringle is among the national leaders in pressures allowed, according to PFF. Louisville got after Xavier Chaplan eight times last week, and Chaplan is the left tackle for FSU.
With the Cards also adjusting to the more aggressive defensive plan they showed last weekend, those edge opportunities should be there again. Syracuse’s line has struggled to keep the pocket clean, but Pringle has been especially problematic.
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