Rhode Island @ Syracuse preview

THE STORY: Syracuse fans piled out of the Carrier Dome last week before the Orange exploded for a 15-point comeback leading to an overtime win over Wake Forest. Those same fans might leave early again Saturday against Rhode Island but for an entirely different reason. The Orange, who defeated the Demon Deacons 36-29, carry a healthy advantage in the trenches over Rhode Island, which will be playing its opener. The Rams went 5-6 in 2010. Rhode Island quarterback Steve Probst was the only FCS player with 1,800 yards passing and 600 rushing last season and will try to take advantage of an Orange defense that is missing three regulars, including junior defensive end Chandler Jones.

TV: ESPN3 LINE: NA

ABOUT RHODE ISLAND (0-0): The Rams’ upset chances ride on the athleticism of Probst, a former Hofstra transfer who played against a number of SU defenders in high school. Probst has a similar skillset to Wake’s Tanner Price, who carved up the Orange for 289 yards and three touchdowns without an interception.

ABOUT SYRACUSE (1-0): Syracuse's offense didn’t click until after halftime when it steamrolled Wake for 29 points. Coach Doug Marrone feared quarterback Ryan Nassib wouldn’t have enough playmakers around him following offseason departures, including that of speedy receiver Marcus Sales. Nassib, though, spread the ball around to seven different targets against the Demon Deacons. That balance should create plenty of opportunities against a URI defense that lost nine seniors from last season.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Senior Antown Bailey recorded his second 100-yard rushing game last week and could be in store for another one with the Rams trying to replace both starting middle linebackers.

2. Rhode Island, although undersized, has two three-year starters on its offensive line. They’ll try to pave the way against an SU defense that allowed just 80 yards on 43 rushing attempts last week.

3. Syracuse is trying to start 2-0 for the first time since 1999.

PREDICTION: Syracuse 40, Rhode Island 21 – Nassib looked very comfortable in crunch time against Wake. He’ll look equally as poised in a much more tepid atmosphere against an FCS foe.