Following two losses by a combined 78 points, Syracuse will host Western Michigan in the Carrier Dome on Saturday at noon. While the Orange limp into the Week 4 matchup having scored a combined 26 points in their last eight quarters of play, Western Michigan comes to Syracuse following a 57-10 win over Georgia State.

Here’s what to know about the Broncos.

All-time series: Syracuse leads 1-0

Last time they played: Syracuse defeated Western Michigan 55-42 in its 2018 season opener in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Orange jumped out to a 24-point lead in the second quarter and then-backup Tommy DeVito entered the game for Syracuse. The Orange offense stalled in that third frame while the Broncos offense racked up 336 yards and 28 points. 

Late in the third quarter, Eric Dungey returned to quarterback and finished the game with 200 yards rushing as the Orange hung on to their lead and escaped the season opener unscathed.

The Western Michigan report: The Broncos are coached by former Syracuse offensive coordinator Tim Lester, who’s entering his second season at the helm of Western Michigan.

Similar to Syracuse, Western Michigan lacks a quality Power Five victory through two games. The Broncos’ lone loss came in a 51-17 drubbing at Michigan State.

In Western Michigan’s most recent win, the Broncos rushed for 450 yards on Georgia State, including 192 yards and three touchdowns from senior running back Levante Bellamy.

The Broncos running back is one of several key players in the Western Michigan offense that returns from last year. Quarterback Jon Wassink, who threw for 379 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions in last year’s game is also back, along with D’Wayne Eskridge. Last year, Eskridge dominated Syracuse with 240 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Normally, that’d be a daunting sight for Syracuse entering Saturday’s matchup. But through three games this year, Eskridge has played most of his snaps at defensive back, not receiver and has caught just one pass in 2019.

Opponents have gained nearly equal yards on the ground and through the air against Western Michigan. Having played three games against struggling offenses, it’s tough to evaluate the Broncos defense too closely. Though it’s worth noting they allowed 51 points to a Michigan State offense that’s become a national college football punchline.

How Syracuse beats Western Michigan: The arrival of Syracuse’s offense. Last week, Syracuse’s defense did its job against No. 1 Clemson but its efforts received no help. At points last week, Syracuse’s offense appeared to have life, particularly on a drive which featured to back-to-back passes to Moe Neal out of an empty backfield set. Look for the Orange to establish their run game for the first time since Week 1 and find consistency keeping drives moving if the game’s going to end in an SU victory.

Stat to know: 100%.

Western Michigan’s offense has gone for it on fourth down five times this season and converted all of them. A key to Syracuse winning on Saturday will be getting up early and not allowing second-chance opportunities. With a struggling offense, it’ll be crucial for the Orange to get off the field early.

Player to watch: D’Wayne Eskridge, No. 7

As previously mentioned, Eskridge carved up the Syracuse defense a season ago for 240 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In Tim Lester’s return the Carrier Dome, it’s fair to assume he’ll want to try some different things in hopes of pulling off an upset. Was Lester holding Eskridge out of the offense for the first few weeks all part of a master plan? Watch out on Saturday and see what side of the ball No. 7’s playing. His explosive speed could be a game changer either way.

Published on September 18, 2019 at 11:40 pm

Contact Josh: jlschafe@syr.edu | @Schafer_44