Tennessee is set to face Syracuse in the Aflac Kickoff Game, marking the season opener for both teams. The matchup is notable as both programs are associated with the nickname “Orange.”
Syracuse University, which started its football program in 1889 and competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference, has produced several prominent players throughout its history. Among them is Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Jim Brown, who is often cited as one of the best college football players of all time. Other notable alumni include Ernie Davis, Larry Csonka, John Mackey, Joe Morris, Dwight Freeney, and Donovan McNabb.
Fran Brown returns for his second year as head coach at Syracuse after guiding the team to a 10–3 record last season. He previously worked under coaches Matt Rhule and Kirby Smart before taking over at Syracuse.
Tennessee will look to evaluate its passing game during this opener. Quarterback Joey Aguilar has had limited practice with starting receivers Mike Matthews, Chris Brazzell, and Braylon Staley. Last season, Tennessee’s offense struggled with explosive passing plays.
Sportsbooks have set the point spread at either 13.5 or 14 points in favor of Tennessee with an over/under total of 50.5 points.
Syracuse enters the contest with questions surrounding its roster after key departures through graduation and transfers. Kyle McCord is no longer quarterbacking for Syracuse following his record-setting ACC campaign last year; Steve Angeli will start behind a reworked offensive line that returns only one starter.
Key defensive matchups include Syracuse’s receivers against Tennessee’s secondary. Texas transfer Johntay Cook II is expected to play a significant role in the slot position for Syracuse alongside Darrell Gill Jr., who finished last season strong for the Orange.
For Tennessee on offense, establishing a run game will be critical against a Syracuse defense that struggled against rushing attacks last year. The Volunteers are expected to rely on multiple running backs and may attempt to exploit matchups against young defenders in Syracuse’s secondary.
This meeting serves as an early test for both programs’ new personnel and strategies entering the season.
