Dear readers,

This is the season Syracuse head coach Dino Babers has preached about since he got the job 21 months ago. This is the season, he says, his offense justifies the hype. This is the season, he says, it takes off. Our 2017 football preview takes long looks at the faces of this movement: embattled signal-caller Eric Dungey, itinerant wide receiver/running back/return man Ervin Philips and the “cows” on the offensive line. We also introduce you to the reigning national champion’s heir apparent at quarterback and detail how exactly Syracuse plans on traveling its jet-setting road schedule. This guide provides everything you need to know to get ready for kickoff. Because, if you haven’t heard, this is the season.

Thanks for reading,

Sam Fortier, Sports Editor