ORLANDO – The second Camping World Bowl takes place this Friday night (Dec. 28).
Ever since its move to Orlando in 2001, the Tangerine Bowl, as it was known at that time, has gone through two separate name changes before arriving at “Camping World Bowl” just last year.
This year’s matchup puts together the No. 20 team in the country, Syracuse (9-3, 6-2 ACC), facing off against the No. 16 team in the country, West Virginia (8-3, 6-3 Big 12). Making their first bowl appearance since 2013, the Orange have won five of their last six. The Mountaineers, on the other hand, have lost two straight and three of their last six.
The two teams enter the game with similar statistics in points per game. The Mountaineers have averaged 42.3 points per game, while the Orange have averaged 40.75. West Virginia’s defense has also allowed 26.6 points per game, while Syracuse allowed 27.75.
The Orange will rely on the arm of quarterback Eric Dungey, an All-ACC Third Team selection. Dungey currently holds or shares 18 records at Syracuse, including the single-season school record for touchdowns responsible for with 32. His 15 rushing touchdowns this year also leads all FBS quarterbacks.
The Mountaineers, on the other hand, will be without star quarterback Will Grier, who announced prior to the game he would not participate and instead focus on preparation for the NFL Draft. Responsible for replacing the production of Grier and his 37 passing touchdowns will be redshirt sophomore quarterback Jack Allison and freshman quarterback Trey Lowe III, who will be trading off snaps.
West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen has “been happy with both of them,” at practices this week and is looking forward to what they can do tomorrow night.
Syracuse head coach Dino Babers believes that his team winning this game comes down to the little things.
“You have to win the turnover battle, and make sure you don’t make mistakes in the kicking game,” said Babers. “It is going to come down to guys playing hard and wanting to be here.”
Kickoff at Camping World Stadium is set for 5:15 p.m, EST.
