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Syracuse men’s lacrosse outscored its first three opponents 55-17 en route to a 3-0 start. But this perfect start came to a screeching halt against then-No. 6 Maryland on Saturday. Under the tutelage of two-time national champion John Tillman, the Terrapins have been a thorn in SU’s side. Saturday was no different, with UMD notching an 11-7 win.

The Orange entered the matchup averaging 18.33 goals per game, but Maryland completely neutralized them in the second half, allowing just two goals. Syracuse led 5-4 at halftime before a 4-1 UMD third-quarter blitz gave it control.

To avoid its first losing streak of the season, SU faces Harvard for the first time since 2006. The Crimson scraped by then-No. 20 Providence 12-10 in their season opener before falling to Colgate 19-15 on Tuesday.

Here’s how our beat writers think No. 6 Syracuse (3-1, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) will fare Saturday against No. 15 Harvard (1-1, 0-0 Ivy League) in the JMA Wireless Dome:

Cooper Andrews (3-1)
“I went to Harvard, actually”
Syracuse 18, Harvard 11

As the reigning men’s lacrosse beat writer predictions champion, it’s totally OK that Zak is the current lead horse in the 2025 standings. The room around me isn’t on fire. This is fine.

Enough sulking. The Orange played at a disappointing level against the Terrapins this past weekend in College Park. But, if you’re Syracuse, this is fine. It’s only February. Nothing matters until May. In the meantime, I think SU is primed for a major bounce-back showing against Harvard — which couldn’t defend Colgate for the life of it on Tuesday.

Syracuse’s immense troubles when the pace of play is slowed down won’t be close to an issue on Saturday. The Crimson faceoff unit was absolutely dreadful through their first two games. Their tandem at the X, freshman Jackson Henehan and sophomore Owen Umansky, are 40% on faceoffs. This should be the best game of the year to this point for John Mullen, who’s totaled at least a 50% faceoff win rate in each of SU’s first four games.

If Mullen can hand the Orange possession after possession, their potent attack will thrive. Syracuse will also find plenty of success in transition, and get downhill dodgers like Michael Leo and Luke Rhoa on the scoresheet more consistently. Saturday’s outcome won’t please Crimson alumni whose entire personality stems from the fact they, “Went to Harvard, actually.”

Zak Wolf (4-0)
Orange > Crimson
Syracuse 17, Harvard 10

I hate to be the guy who says “I told you so,” but… I told you so. Syracuse’s game against Maryland went exactly how I thought it would. It was too obvious that Tillman would concoct a game plan to slow SU’s offense down. This weekend will be different for the Orange.

This is a classic get-right game for Syracuse. Coming off a lackluster offensive showing — where it scored just two goals in the second half — it’ll flex its muscle and regain the swagger it severely lacked against the Terrapins. Harvard is a solid team, led by potential Tewaaraton candidate Sam King, who recorded 73 points (38 goals, 35 assists) last season. However, the Crimson might not be able to get the ball to King enough due to their lackluster faceoff group.

Harvard was 64th among 73 Division I teams in faceoff percentage (43.1%) last season and didn’t solve that issue this offseason. In their win over Providence, the Crimson had four different players take a faceoff, combining to go 7-of-26. Harvard was also under 50% against Colgate. That’s a recipe for disaster against Mullen.

The Crimson also have a freshman goalie in Graham Stevens. In his collegiate debut, the five-star recruit saved over 50% of the Friars’ shots on goal, before letting in 19 goals against the Raiders. Considering Syracuse’s offense is better than Colgate’s spells trouble for Harvard.

I can’t trust a team with a non-existent faceoff unit and a youthful goalie. Give me the Orange in a comfortable fashion.

Nicholas Alumkal (3-1)
Back on Track
Syracuse 16, Harvard 7

Losing to Maryland this early in the season might be a blessing in disguise for Syracuse. It served as a necessary gut check for the Orange and highlighted a familiar weakness — struggling when the game’s played at a tortoise’s pace, much like in their season-ending loss to Denver last year. They must return to the drawing board before facing more fearsome competition later in the regular season and in the NCAA Tournament.

What’s more, SU’s shooting was woefully inaccurate on Saturday. Its .171 shooting percentage was its lowest since a 7-5 season-opening win over Vermont (.159) on Feb. 4, 2023. The errant shots were partly down to the Terrapins’ smothering defense. The windy and rainy conditions probably also played a role. But, SU’s attackmen and midfielders just had an off game in a big-time matchup.

That won’t happen again versus Harvard. Syracuse’s offense will return to its pinpoint accuracy and leave freshman goalie Stevens frequently picking the ball out of his own net. After a middling faceoff performance in College Park, Mullen will assert himself against the Crimson’s unproven faceoff unit. If Harvard gives the Orange a close one, it’ll start with King. But I see SU limiting the senior’s impact on the game and returning to winning ways.

Published on February 19, 2025 at 10:44 pm