Syracuse is off to its best start in decades, and a massive matchup with #5 Clemson looms next. But it’s time to reap some of the spoils of the Orange 6-0 start. The school is printing up “bowl eligible t-shirts,” which is pretty hysterical. But it’s proof of just how dark days had gotten that qualifying for a bowl game, any bowl game, was reason to print shirts.
Jerry Palm of CBS Sports has put out his latest bowl projections, and #14 Syracuse would be headed to the Sun Bowl against Oregon State on December 30. The Beavers are receiving votes in the Top 25 at 5-2, with wins including Boise State, Washington State and Stanford.
The other power programs this year in the ACC were slotted in more prestigious slots by Palm. Clemson was one of the 4 schools to make the projected CFB Playoff, while Wake Forest was placed in the Orange Bowl against Penn State. If you consider the Holiday Bowl bigger than the Sun Bowl, Miami was taken over SU there. The Sun Bowl is played two days later than the Holiday Bowl, but the Holiday has a rich tradition of exciting postseason games and a trip to San Diego instead of El Paso.
Either way, the fact SU is already bowl eligible is thrilling for CNY. The Dome has seen great crowds. The rankings have reflected an national respect for the Orange. And SU may have turned into a transfer portal destination. Times are good. Get your sun block for El Paso.