Last season was a magical year for Syracuse football. The preseason last place team in the Atlantic Division transformed into one of college football's most intriguing storylines after racing to a 4-0 start in September, then rebounded from consecutive losses with bounceback wins over North Carolina and NC State. It helped generate momentum, and the team rolled into November with bowl eligibility.
It was the first time Syracuse clinched a postseason game in six years, and it was the earliest qualifying time since the 2010 season in the Big East.
The team completely responded to its head coach, and Dino Babers became the darling name in college football.