A rematch for the superior shade of Orange
After speculating who the Syracuse Orange would face in this fall’s ACC/SEC challenge, we appear to have an answer. As first reported by CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein and later confirmed by ESPN, SU will head to Tennessee to take on the Vols:
NEWS: The 2024 ACC/SEC Challenge is set, per a source.
Arkansas @ Miami
Cal @ Mizzou
FSU @ LSU
GT @ OU
UK @ Clemson
ND @ UGA
Ole Miss @ Louisville
SC @ BC
Cuse @ Tenn
Wake @ A&M
Alabama @ UNC
Auburn @ Duke
Pitt @ Miss St
Texas @ NC St
Vandy @ VT
UVA @ UFhttps://t.co/MHnP7ckwh4— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 12, 2024
The games will be split between December 3rd and 4th, with the Orange getting the earlier Tuesday slot.
Syracuse.com’s Mike Waters predicted this outcome a few weeks ago, but it’s not what many of us were expecting. After all, these two teams just faced each other last season in the Maui Invitational, with the then-#7 Volunteers riding a strong second half to a 73-56 victory over SU.
It will be a different look for both of these squads when they meet again. Tennessee will be without 21 PPG scorer Dalton Knecht, who is a projected Top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Syracuse will also have a different leading scorer this season with Judah Mintz committed to the Draft as well.
Red Autry’s second season leading the Orange features a roster of five returning players, four transfers, and two freshmen recruits. J.J. Starling and Chris Bell should retain their starting roles, while former Colorado center Eddie Lampkin and Top-10 National Prospect Donnie Freeman are also expected to be heavy contributors.
SU has a 3-4 all-time record against the Vols, including 1-2 in Knoxville.
Updated non-conference schedule:
- November 12: Colgate, JMA Wireless Dome
- November 21-22: Legends Classic – TBD between Texas, Texas Tech and Saint Joseph’s, Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)
- November 27: Cornell, JMA Wireless Dome
- December 3: at Tennessee, Thompson-Boling Arena
- December 14: Georgetown, JMA Wireless Dome
- December 21: Maryland, Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY)
- TBD: Albany, JMA Wireless Dome
The Orange have three remaining openings on their fall calendar.