What Is 2019 Syracuse Orange football team

Overview

The 2019 Syracuse Orange football team represented Syracuse University during the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in the Atlantic Division, the team was led by head coach Dino Babers in his fourth year at the helm.

The Orange played their home games at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, New York, a venue known for its loud fan atmosphere and indoor playing surface. Despite high expectations early in the season, the team struggled with consistency and finished with a losing record.

• Record: The team finished the season with a 5–7 overall record, including a 3–5 mark in ACC conference play, falling short of bowl eligibility for the second time in three years.
• Head Coach: Dino Babers entered his fourth season in 2019, continuing to implement his fast-paced, up-tempo offensive system known as "ACES" (All Coaches Evaluating Speed).
• Stadium: The JMA Wireless Dome, formerly known as the Carrier Dome, hosted all home games and has a seating capacity of over 49,000.
• Offensive Leader: Quarterback Tommy DeVito started 10 games, throwing for 2,112 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions on a 55.4% completion rate.
• Defensive Standout: Defensive tackle Chris Slayton recorded 47 tackles and 5.5 sacks, leading the defensive line in a unit that ranked 87th nationally in total defense.

Season Performance

The 2019 campaign began with promise, as Syracuse opened with a 31–24 victory over Liberty, but momentum quickly faded as injuries and turnovers plagued the team.

• Early Win: The victory over Liberty on August 31 marked the first time since 2013 that Syracuse started 1–0 under Babers.
• ACC Challenges: The team lost key conference matchups to Clemson (49–28), NC State (29–26), and Florida State (35–31), highlighting struggles against ranked opponents.
• Home Record: Syracuse went 3–4 at home, including a narrow 30–27 loss to Maryland in a game that saw multiple lead changes.
• Rivalry Game: In the annual Battle for the Bragging Rights against Pittsburgh, the Orange lost 17–13, failing to reclaim the trophy for a second straight year.
• Injury Impact: Starting running back Moe Neal missed multiple games due to injury, limiting the ground game’s effectiveness, which averaged just 101.2 rushing yards per game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 season compared to recent years in key statistical categories:

The 2019 season marked a decline from the team’s 10-win 2017 campaign and fell below the 7-win bowl-eligible threshold achieved in 2018. While passing efficiency remained steady, the drop in rushing production and defensive lapses contributed to a losing record.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a transitional year for Syracuse football, reflecting both the potential and limitations of Dino Babers’ system amid player turnover and injury setbacks.

• Program Direction: The season underscored the need for greater depth and consistency to compete regularly in the ACC.
• Recruiting Impact: A losing record made it harder to attract top-tier recruits, especially in a competitive Northeast recruiting region.
• Quarterback Development: Tommy DeVito’s mixed performance highlighted the challenges of sustaining a high-powered offense without reliable receivers.
• Defensive Rebuilding: The unit allowed 31.4 points per game, signaling the need for schematic and personnel improvements.
• Fan Engagement: Attendance dipped slightly compared to 2017, reflecting waning enthusiasm during non-bowl seasons.
• Coaching Pressure: Babers faced increased scrutiny, though he retained support from athletic director John Wildhack heading into 2020.

Ultimately, the 2019 season served as a cautionary chapter in Syracuse’s rebuilding effort, emphasizing the fine line between competitiveness and mediocrity in modern college football.