Next Stop: Orlando!

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Orange football team held its final practice of the year in Syracuse today with a 90-minute workout inside the Ensley Athletic Center. On Monday, the 17th-ranked Orange (9-3) will head to Orlando, Fla. for the 2018 Camping World Bowl against No. 15 West Virginia (8-3).

A full slate of activities is planned for the team's stay in Central Florida. The Orange will have time early on to enjoy some of the area's attractions before locking in to make final preparations for the Mountaineers.

Syracuse's itinerary includes a shopping spree at Best Buy on Christmas Eve. In addition, the Orange will practice twice at Camping World Stadium, visit the theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort, and participate in the Camping World Bowl Day for Kids, a joint community-engagement activity with West Virginia.

Head coach Dino Babers said he's also got something unique planned for the players before they turn their attention fully to the Mountaineers.

"They've got a thing one night that we've geared up for them," Babers said. "They've got a special treat at the end of the week right before we go into lockdown for the game that I think they'll enjoy."

In West Virginia, Syracuse will be going up against a team that will be without three starters on offense. Quarterback Will Grier and left tackle Yodny Cajuste announced previously they would not suit up against the Orange. On Thursday, WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen said wide receiver Gary Jennings will miss the game because of an ankle injury.

Even with the Mountaineers missing some key players, Babers said WVU still presents a great challenge for a Syracuse team making its first bowl appearance since 2013.

"Even without those guys, I don't think the point spread has changed that much," Babers said. "They're explosive. They're going to be big and they're going to be fast. Playing Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas, and the way they played in those games, they're an outstanding football team."

Holgorsen said he will likely play two quarterbacks in Grier's absence. Redshirt freshman Jack Allison, a transfer from Miami, served as Grier's backup during the season. Allison only attempted 10 passes, but did throw a touchdown in the Mountaineers' 58-14 victory against Baylor. Freshman Trey Lowe III is WVU's other option under center.

Syracuse holds a 33-27 lead in the all-time series and has won three straight against West Virginia. The Orange are 1-0 in bowl games against the Mountaineers. Syracuse defeated WVU 38-14 in the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl.

Kickoff for the Camping World Bowl is set for 5:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28 on ESPN.

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Syracuse University Athletics

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