Syracuse struggled to a 1-10 record last year, and they may get off to a rough start this year when they play at Ohio to start the season. The Bobcats were 2-1 last year in an abbreviated season and are looking to make noise in the MAC again this year.
Ohio will have a new coach as Frank Solich resigned for health reasons after many solid seasons. Offensive coordinator Tim Albin was named head coach. On the other hand, Dina Barbers is returning to Syracuse while in the hot seat.
Syracuse will start the season with two quarterbacks. Two-year starter Tommy DeVito will share duties with Mississippi State transfer Garret Shrader. DeVito was injured for part of last season, but he has passed for 3400 yards and 27 touchdowns over parts of the last two seasons. Last season, Syracuse averaged 17.8 points and gave up an average of 32.7. Returning is leading rusher Sean Tucker, who had 626 yards. Also returning is receiver Taj Harris, who had 733 yards last year.
In the three games it played, Ohio averaged 34.4 points and gave up 16.7. The Bobcats averaged 216 yards rushing, which was in the top 25. Demontre Tuggle led the Bobcats with 403 yards and six touchdowns in three games. Returning quarterback Kurtis Rourke passed for 386 yards but completed 69 percent of his passes. Eleven different players caught passes for Ohio last year, and there are two 100-yard receivers returning.
Ohio's defense is also sturdy, allowing 200 yards passing per game. The Bobcats had five interceptions in three games.
