Central Conn. St. @ Syracuse preview

Following a disappointing finish to the 2016 season, Syracuse aims to get its current campaign off on the right foot Friday against visiting Central Connecticut State. The Orange sat at 4-4 last year before losing their final four contests amidst a total collapse by the defense.

Syracuse gave up 54, 35, 45 and 76 points in its final four games last season, losing those outings by an average of 28.8 points. On the other side of the field, Syracuse put up some big numbers in coach Dino Babers' first season behind now-junior quarterback Eric Dungey, and the duo are hoping to play at an even faster pace in 2017. "I mean, fast is never fast enough," Dungey said recently. "That's the one thing I've learned from Coach Babers, is no matter how fast we're going, we're not going fast enough." Central Connecticut State suffered seven double-digit losses as part of a 2-9 campaign last year.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra. LINE: None.

ABOUT CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE (2016: 2-9, 1-5 Northeast Conference): The coaches in the Northeast Conference predicted the Blue Devils to finish fourth in the league even though the team struggled mightily a season ago. Among the top returners for Central Connecticut State are senior wideout Joey Fields, who had a team-high 46 catches in 2016, and junior K.J. Smith, who reeled in 38 catches last year. In all, the Blue Devils return 18 starters - eight on each side of the ball - under fourth-year coach Pete Rossomando.

ABOUT SYRACUSE (2016: 4-8, 2-6 ACC): The Orange return 20 players who started at least six games last season - tops in the nation - and bring back players who accounted for nearly 95 percent of their offensive production in 2016. Dungey threw for 2,679 yards and 15 touchdowns last year and also scored six rushing scores, but he must stay healthy this season after missing significant time as both a freshman and as a sophomore. Linebackers Zaire Franklin and Parris Bennett combined for 211 tackles last year, but Syracuse was one of only seven teams nationally to give up more than 500 yards per game.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Syracuse ranked second in the ACC in passing (321.3 yards per game) in 2016.

2. Since 1978, Syracuse is 15-0 against FCS opponents.

3. The Orange are looking to win their season opener for the fourth straight season.

PREDICTION: Syracuse 49, Central Connecticut State 21