Lacrosse primer - 4 reasons why this game is so big

In case you haven't noticed - and judging by most people I talk to, you haven't - Syracuse and Virginia will square off in the Dome on Friday night, at 6 p.m. It's kind of a big deal, and here's why.
 

1. In case you missed it, we hate you, UVA 
But you already know that, so ...

1b. It's always the best game of the year
OK, maybe not THE best game of the year, but pretty darn close every year. Going into the 2009 game, the series between SU and UVA was tied at 12-12 (it's now 14-12, UVA). Since 1994, the Cavs lead the overall goal count by just two goals (170-168). Every game since 2008, including the 2OT thriller in the '08 Final Four, has been decided by just one goal. Expect another tight game that comes down to the final seconds ... it's about as reliable as a 20-win season for Jim Boeheim.

2. The road to the national title goes through ...
OK, so both Virginia and Syracuse missed the championship game last year. But that was an outlier for sure. In nine of the last 12 seasons, either SU or UVA has played for the national title on Memorial Day. At least one of them was in the final four in every one of those seasons except 2007 (never happened). Whoever wins this game will be the favorite to win the title the rest of the way.



3. Syracuse has something to prove
The Orange is the No. 1 team in the country, but it's still coming off last year's first-round exit and last week's sloppy redemption over Army didn't fully erase the doubts. It's time for SU to assert itself as the clear best team in the nation.

4. Lacrosse crowds - they're real
Believe it or not, SU usually leads the nation in attendance. It never seems that way compared to football and basketball, but Orange fans are passionate and the best in the game. Somewhere between 16,000 and 20,000 fans should be at the game on Friday and ESPNU is televising it nationally.