Not that a university team is as similar to a pro team from one year to the next but last season the Syracuse Orange lost to Iowa in overtime. This year they lost 0-35. Yikes. That after being massacreed at home by Washington in last week's season opener.

This makes the decision as to which game to take in tougher. What game won't be a boring blow-out. To reiterate, then: which is the most likely home game to give the best experience?

Fri, Aug 31 - Washington: lost by blow-out.
Sat, Sep 15 - Illinois: No, a confusion of orange and Illinois is 1-1 with a shut-out win yesterday. Plus it may be on TV this early in the season. Chance of a win, sure, but I do not see it happening.
Sat, Oct 6 - West Virginia: yes, a hated rival but one that has scored 110 points in its first to wins. Blow-out by a bowl team.
Sat, Oct 13 - Rutgers. Ba-low out by a better bowl-bound team.
Sat, Oct 20 - Buffalo. They better win this one. This is the best chance. Blown out by Rutgers in game one, Buffalo smoked Temple who, it turns out, actually has a football program called the Owls.
Sat, Nov 10 - South Florida. If they have not won by now, why would I go? Maybe to check out the new coaching staff?
Sat, Nov 24 - Cincinnati. Ditto time ten.

More angst in more detail at Orange 44.