Syracuse’s season has settled into a strange rhythm, with the quarterback spot changing hands and games routinely hanging around until the final possessions. That’s been the theme all year for the Orange, and it sets the stage again this Saturday night against Louisville.
There’s still no official word on who will start at quarterback for Syracuse, though reporting has suggested Malachi Nelson is expected to get the nod. Whoever takes the first snap, one thing seems likely once the Orange get near the goal line: Daunte Bacheyie is going to be a primary target.
Bacheyie, a sophomore wearing No. 19, is listed as a tight end, but Syracuse uses him much more like a wide receiver. He brings speed, athleticism and a huge wingspan to the position, and that combination has made him a frequent escape valve and a dangerous option downfield. More than anything, he has become a real problem for defenses in the red zone.
Last season, Bacheyie was mostly a rotational piece in the offense. He finished with just 5 catches for 42 yards.
This year has been a different story. After moving into a starting role, he has taken a major step forward and made the most of the chance in front of him.
The numbers tell the story plainly: Bacheyie already has 4 touchdowns this season. He has a knack for finding space in the end zone, and when the ball comes his way near the goal line, he has been cashing in.
That could matter again this week because Louisville’s offense is expected to bring pace and points. If Syracuse ends up in a game that turns into a shootout, the Orange may keep leaning on Bacheyie when they get close.
Saturday night also brings a bigger picture opportunity for Syracuse. The Orange are still looking for their first ACC win of the season, and all three of their losses have come in conference play. It will also be their first game back in the Dome in more than a month, a return home that Syracuse will hope helps finally swing things its way.
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McNamara said NIL opportunities matter for players such as Sadiq White Jr., and he made clear he is deeply involved in both roster decisions and the broader business management of the program alongside general manager Greg Fahey. He also pointed to the adjustment young players face in moving toward the pro game, where accountability and execution matter every night, a reminder that Syracuses next step will be measured by more than talent alone. [Read more 🡒]
Syracuse Is Counting On One Overlooked Transfer More Than Fans Realize
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Goodrick logged 11 scoreless minutes, but the bigger story is what Syracuse believes he can become after a full rehab and a healthier runway. He is part of a group of Siena transfers helping set the tone around the program, and the Orange are clearly counting on that familiarity and edge as much as any box-score contribution. [Read more 🡒]
Syracuse Heads Into Louisville With One More Offensive Problem
Syracuse is headed into its matchup with Louisville at the JMA Dome carrying another layer of uncertainty on offense, and it could end up asking its fourth quarterback of the season to steady things against a much more settled opponent. Louisville comes in with the edge on paper, largely because of the Oranges ongoing quarterback carousel and the broader offensive issues that have followed it through the year.
For Syracuse, the path to staying competitive may start with the defense, which will be tasked with slowing one of the ACCs more explosive attacks and giving the offense a chance to find its footing. The game is set for the ACC Network, with Jorge Sedano, Rodney McLeod and Annabelle Hasselbeck on the call, but the bigger question for the Orange remains whether they can finally find enough stability to keep pace. [Read more 🡒]