cocknfire - NOTE: A disclaimer, since it's almost inevitable that this will come up. I want Cam Newton to be eligible to play in the SEC Championship Game this weekend, and not just as an SEC fan. As a South Carolina fan, I want there to be no debate about the Gamecocks' accomplishment if they somehow manage to pull off an upset that I don't really expect. There was never any reason to believe that Cam Newton would be ineligible for the SEC Championship Game, and so it doesn't change my expectations in the least. That's not what this post is about.
There's always been a bit of an uneasy balance in a democracy between our need to protect ourselves from crime and the questions about charging a citizen with conspiracy. For those who haven't followed an esoteric and kind of archaic debate about conspiracy, a conspiracy charge is brought against someone who helps or plans to help break the law -- even if they don't get to the point of committing the crime. The last part is what can be controversial: Why should prosecutors be able to bring criminal charges against someone who hasn't yet broken the law, or is just thinking about breaking the law?
The answer, supporters say, is because some crimes are so harmful to society that you can't wait until the crime is committed or can't only prosecute those who carry it out. If a terrorist is planning to build and set off a bomb at a shopping mall, it's best not to wait until he's walking into the mall to arrest him. If a governor is preparing to sell off a U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder, you don't necessarily want to wait until the money is in hand and the senator is seated to issue indictments.
The NCAA essentially ruled today that there are no conspiracy charges when it comes to the Association's bylaws. You can dissect the statement anyway you want, you can point to Mike Slive's judicial (and overly judicious) reasoning if you want, but the NCAA today ruled that trying to sell your son to the highest bidder isn't that bad if you don't actually get any money in the end. Cecil Newton can still look for Dan Mullen to put a smile on his face as long as he never actually smirks.
Star-divide
If you're an Auburn fan, or you're one of those who debate the merits of the amateurism rules in the first place, this is really not that big a deal. In the latter case, I'm talking about those who don't see a small amount of spending money as sufficient reform to the NCAA's arcane scholarship rules. They want tens of thousands of dollars to go to some students, and don't really care that this would gut everything that makes college athletics unique. But I digress. In the former case, you will repeat a mantra that is tried, and for the moment true: There is no proof that Auburn did anything wrong; why should the Tigers be punished?
It could be a fair point, I suppose, but the NCAA has proven to readily ignore that idea in the past. First, the facts as the NCAA has presented them:
[T]he student-athlete's father and an owner of a scouting service worked together to actively market the student-athlete as a part of a pay-for-play scenario in return for Newton’s commitment to attend college and play football. ...
"Based on the information available to the reinstatement staff at this time, we do not have sufficient evidence that Cam Newton or anyone from Auburn was aware of this activity, which led to his reinstatement."
And I know I'm not the first one to say this, but it bears repeating as often as possible: If this remains the end of the fallout from the Newton recruitment, the Association has not created a massive new loophole in the rules. It has thrown the rulebook out completely.
Non-Auburn fans by and large have voiced that very concern in the wake of this decision. Meanwhile, at least one Auburncentric outlet is bring up Albert Means (how convenient) to say that the precedent here has already been set.
You see Memphis wasn’t involved in any illegal recruiting of Means and he nor his family got any extra benefits. Therefore he was able to play for the Tigers after sitting out a year because of the transfer. Even though money exchanged hands in the Means case, he was still able to play at Memphis.
Well, yes, that's a precedent -- if you ignore the whole "facts of the case" thing. First, there appears to have been no direct benefit to Means or his family in the recruitment of Means, nor any talk of direct benefit to Means or his family. Whether the prospect or his family is involved in the effort to receive benefits would, I think, be something of interest to the NCAA.
Second, Albert Means transferred to Memphis not just after the rules violations had occurred, but after they had been discovered. In other words, Albert Means did not decide to play at Memphis as part of the same recruitment that sparked the NCAA investigation.
Auburn was recruiting Cam Newton at the same time that Mississippi State was, which raises this nagging question: If Auburn really did nothing wrong here, did not pay or arrange to pay Cecil Newton anything, why did this happen?
Newton preferred Starkville because of his close relationship with Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen, who had been Newton's offensive coordinator at Florida. But Cecil thought his son should choose Auburn, which had an experienced offensive line (four starters were returning) and was only a two-hour drive from Atlanta. Newton let his father make the final decision, and a few days before Christmas, while sitting at the dinner table in his brother's house in Jacksonville, Cecil Sr. uttered two words that would radically alter the college football landscape: "It's Auburn."
This is an odd timeline of events. We now have a situation where no one disputes that Cecil Newton was involved in a pay-for-play scheme. He asked Mississippi State for money and, by all counts, they didn't pay. The official Auburn version of the story now says that Auburn didn't pay Newton, either. But if Cam wanted to go to Mississippi State, and neither Auburn nor Mississippi State paid the Newtons, then why did Cecil choose Auburn? Spite? It's not like he then had anything to gain by declining to allow Cam to follow his heart and play at State.
That question was always there, but it takes on greater urgency now that we know Cecil Newton was asking Mississippi State for money and no one is really contesting that.
But let's go into a hypothetical situation for a moment: What if Cam Newton had gone to Mississippi State instead? Would anyone out there not be ruling their eyes if the same ruling was made? Does anyone seriously think that the same ruling would have been made? Or that Auburn fans wouldn't have been among those leading the siege on Indianapolis if it was made? Isn't the difference here, for those of us not blinded by fandom, less one of some sort of victory for the Newtons and Auburn and more of a loss for common sense?
What makes all of this more confusing is that it seems to be a return to the 2000s-era NCAA in the middle of an active period where the Association had sent a clear message that the "see no evil" period was over. But now there are questions about what the NCAA was doing if it's going to back of in this case. There is a question of proportionality when A.J. Green is suspended for four games for selling a jersey and Cam Newton misses not a game. Georgia did nothing wrong there, and was only punished by a 1-4 start that Green could have helped avoid.
And think about the questions that Enes Kanter's supporters must be asking about how far plausible deniability goes.
Kanter and his father acknowledged in August receiving the benefits, the NCAA said. On Oct. 25, UK officials agreed with the dollar amount but presumably argued that the money was part of the permitted actual and necessary expenses. The NCAA disagreed.
Would it have been better if Kanter had said he didn't know how much money his family had received? Heck, if he said he thought his family was only receiving permitted actual and necessary expenses, he ought to be able to play, right? And I would really like anyone from the NCAA who disagrees with that to answer this: Why not?
I don't know what the road looks like from here for this investigation. If nothing else is found, can you lower the boom on Mississippi State for continuing to recruit Newton after they heard about the pay-for-play scheme? How can you do that without also hammering Auburn? And how can you do that if Auburn knows nothing about this, which is now apparently enough for the NCAA? I don't see how the NCAA can levy sanctions against anyone if the facts don't change.
But do that, and no one faces any real consequences. If his own athletics department was apparently willing to turn on him, one wonders how much Kenny Rogers really loses from being disassociated. Cam Newton is all but certainly gone to the NFL after this year. Cecil Newton will surely get a slice of his sizable signing bonus. And Auburn will have a Heisman Trophy and maybe a crystal football, even if both come wrapped in questions that will never be answered.
And if there are no sanctions, there is no deterrent.
The NCAA investigation in this case has so far done us no good; it hasn't answered any of the questions or provided any clarity. Instead, it's just muddied the water, stacking question on top of question, and leaving the sport's fans to try to figure out what the rules are and how they are applied. It has made things immeasurably worse.
And our conference and our sport are poorer for it.
Showing posts with label NCAA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NCAA. Show all posts
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Syracuse Football: Syracuse Orangemen Crush Akron Zipps 29-3
They haven't skipped a single beat from last season and sent a surge of confidence through Syracuse fans that good things are on the way again this season (even though that was Akron out there). The Zips only had 166 yards of total offense, were 4-for-17 on 3rd down, managed just 55 yards rushing, and got a steady wave of Derrell Smith, Doug Hogue, Chandler Jones, Bud Tribbey, and Shamarko Thomas goodness.
*Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue ladies and gentlemen. They simply live up to the hype every time. Both all over the field all night and stood out as the best players on the defensive side of the ball. Again. Enjoy 'em this year folks before they play on Sundays next season.
*Who else is excited about what Chandler Jones is going to bring this season? He wasn't a stat machine in this one (2 tackles) but his presence was clearly felt all night on defense and he even blocked a kick.
One other play stands out. Jones was eyeing Akron QB Patrick Nicely on a pass play like a hawk, jumped up when Nicely pump-faked, landed, and still chased him down for the tackle. For a guy who goes 6-5, 250, he moves like a linebacker.
*I thought Ryan Nassib had a solid, solid debut as a starter. 17-for-27, 229 yards, 2 TD.
You could see how fired up he was to play in the first half, the guy was practically twitching out there, but settled in and you could tell that he had command of the offense and started to ooze confidence all game. What I really liked was how intent he was on getting rid of the ball quickly, even when the offensive line had its breakdowns.
We knew coming in he had arm strength and that arm strength was displayed in full on a number of throws. Not only did his throws have zip, but were put in the right spot almost every time. Think of Van Chew's 47-yard catch in the 2nd quarter. Chew had to fight off the defender, was on the way down, and simply reached up for the ball at the last possible second. When he did, the ball was right in the receiver diamond.
I'm not a fan of Nassib running the ball (we'll get to that) but when he had to scramble he did it effectively, even displaying a smart slide on the sideline when Akron's Mike Thomas had him targeted for a big hit.
I'm excited to see what he can do when more of the playbook opens up for him and the game plan isn't as simple and vanilla as it was for this game.
*Gotta give some love to Van Chew, who had 3 catches for 79 yards in this game. By the way, Chew had 6 catches for 66 yards for the entire 2009 season.
We noted the great 47-yard catch above. Chew also made a highlight reel TD right at the end of the first half on a terrific pump-and-go throw by Ryan Nassib.
I don't think he is # 1 WR material quite yet, but proved in this game that he can be a threat out there, has terrific athleticism, and can make a catch or two in duress.
*Delone Carter didn't quite have the all-star day he did last year vs Akron (30 carries, 174 yards, # TD) with 26 carries for 91 yards and TD in this one, but he did what he was asked to in this game and that is grind.
Doug Marrone wanted to run as vanilla a game plan as he could and exploit the power running game. Carter did that as best he could behind an offensive line that is still getting the gears going.
We all know what happened in the offseason. The fact that he was even out there for this game was big. I'm not sure Antown Bailey could have grinded and gotten 26 carries in like that had he been given the #1 job in the case of a Carter absence.
*I liked what I saw out of Aaron Weaver in his Syracuse debut. He made a nice play on the opening TD and provides Nassib with a big target (6-2, 220) who is hard to bring down. I think he is going to be one heck of a red zone threat and his previous game experience at Hofstra is going to pay off when Nassib needs a guy to lean on against more experienced defenses.
*I thought Alec Lemon had a nice game with 5 catches for 49 yards and the best thing about him is he fights to get open. But, like Chew, I'm not sure if he # 1 WR material. We'll see how it develops.
*Nick Provo had one big play, a catch for 33 yards, but don't let this game fool you. I think Provo is going to be targeted a heck of a lot more as we go along. He provides a terrific stop gap for Nassib if this developing core of WR's can't get open against some of the better defenses on the schedule.
*We saw some flashes as to why people have been so high on Bud Tribbey for so long. I'll never say "Art who?", but Syracuse is in good hands at the NT. Tribbey was dominant in the middle. He was making plays even with a blocker hanging off him half the time. Akron had nothing for him.
*The special teams certainly had some issues that need to be cleaned up (stop me if you have heard that one before), but props to Mike Holmes for the blocked FG return for a TD.
*Have to hand it to Akron LB Mike Thomas. What a beast he was in this game. 14 tackles, a forced fumble (which he recovered), and he broke up a pass. Dude was everywhere on the field making plays all night long.
*Syracuse was 10-19 on third down. Nice. Real nice.
*Syracuse had 20 first downs to Akron's 9.
*Syracuse had 202 yards rushing to Akron's 55.
*Total yards. 431-166. That is domination my friends.
*Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue ladies and gentlemen. They simply live up to the hype every time. Both all over the field all night and stood out as the best players on the defensive side of the ball. Again. Enjoy 'em this year folks before they play on Sundays next season.
*Who else is excited about what Chandler Jones is going to bring this season? He wasn't a stat machine in this one (2 tackles) but his presence was clearly felt all night on defense and he even blocked a kick.
One other play stands out. Jones was eyeing Akron QB Patrick Nicely on a pass play like a hawk, jumped up when Nicely pump-faked, landed, and still chased him down for the tackle. For a guy who goes 6-5, 250, he moves like a linebacker.
*I thought Ryan Nassib had a solid, solid debut as a starter. 17-for-27, 229 yards, 2 TD.
You could see how fired up he was to play in the first half, the guy was practically twitching out there, but settled in and you could tell that he had command of the offense and started to ooze confidence all game. What I really liked was how intent he was on getting rid of the ball quickly, even when the offensive line had its breakdowns.
We knew coming in he had arm strength and that arm strength was displayed in full on a number of throws. Not only did his throws have zip, but were put in the right spot almost every time. Think of Van Chew's 47-yard catch in the 2nd quarter. Chew had to fight off the defender, was on the way down, and simply reached up for the ball at the last possible second. When he did, the ball was right in the receiver diamond.
I'm not a fan of Nassib running the ball (we'll get to that) but when he had to scramble he did it effectively, even displaying a smart slide on the sideline when Akron's Mike Thomas had him targeted for a big hit.
I'm excited to see what he can do when more of the playbook opens up for him and the game plan isn't as simple and vanilla as it was for this game.
*Gotta give some love to Van Chew, who had 3 catches for 79 yards in this game. By the way, Chew had 6 catches for 66 yards for the entire 2009 season.
We noted the great 47-yard catch above. Chew also made a highlight reel TD right at the end of the first half on a terrific pump-and-go throw by Ryan Nassib.
I don't think he is # 1 WR material quite yet, but proved in this game that he can be a threat out there, has terrific athleticism, and can make a catch or two in duress.
*Delone Carter didn't quite have the all-star day he did last year vs Akron (30 carries, 174 yards, # TD) with 26 carries for 91 yards and TD in this one, but he did what he was asked to in this game and that is grind.
Doug Marrone wanted to run as vanilla a game plan as he could and exploit the power running game. Carter did that as best he could behind an offensive line that is still getting the gears going.
We all know what happened in the offseason. The fact that he was even out there for this game was big. I'm not sure Antown Bailey could have grinded and gotten 26 carries in like that had he been given the #1 job in the case of a Carter absence.
*I liked what I saw out of Aaron Weaver in his Syracuse debut. He made a nice play on the opening TD and provides Nassib with a big target (6-2, 220) who is hard to bring down. I think he is going to be one heck of a red zone threat and his previous game experience at Hofstra is going to pay off when Nassib needs a guy to lean on against more experienced defenses.
*I thought Alec Lemon had a nice game with 5 catches for 49 yards and the best thing about him is he fights to get open. But, like Chew, I'm not sure if he # 1 WR material. We'll see how it develops.
*Nick Provo had one big play, a catch for 33 yards, but don't let this game fool you. I think Provo is going to be targeted a heck of a lot more as we go along. He provides a terrific stop gap for Nassib if this developing core of WR's can't get open against some of the better defenses on the schedule.
*We saw some flashes as to why people have been so high on Bud Tribbey for so long. I'll never say "Art who?", but Syracuse is in good hands at the NT. Tribbey was dominant in the middle. He was making plays even with a blocker hanging off him half the time. Akron had nothing for him.
*The special teams certainly had some issues that need to be cleaned up (stop me if you have heard that one before), but props to Mike Holmes for the blocked FG return for a TD.
*Have to hand it to Akron LB Mike Thomas. What a beast he was in this game. 14 tackles, a forced fumble (which he recovered), and he broke up a pass. Dude was everywhere on the field making plays all night long.
*Syracuse was 10-19 on third down. Nice. Real nice.
*Syracuse had 20 first downs to Akron's 9.
*Syracuse had 202 yards rushing to Akron's 55.
*Total yards. 431-166. That is domination my friends.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Syracuse Orange vs Akron Zipps Football 2010 Preview & Perdictions
Two programs that are coming off of relatively disappointing seasons square off in the first week of play, as the Orange play host to the Zips to open the 2010 college football betting campaign.
The Orange are going tostart over once again on offense. For the third straight season, a new signal caller will start in the opening week of the year, as Ryan Nassib will be the man under center this season. Nassib thought he was going to be leading this team last year before Greg Paulus transferred in from Duke for a one year experiment as a QB. He earned a bit of playing time, going 36-of-68 for 422 yards with three scores and an INT.
Believe it or not, the strength of the Orange last year was a defense that ranked 37th in the land in total yards. Averaging 337.0 yards per game allowed was a marked improvement for a defense that historically gets torched. Ten starters are back from last year's club, and that could make life a living hell for an Akron offense that many feel will struggle again in the 2010 college football betting festivities.
This is the first of a series of cupcakes for Syracuse that should be building team confidence and character. Games against teams like Akron, Colgate, and Maine aren't going to prepare the Orange for the Big East slate, but at least it will get the home crowd a chance to see some prospective victories.
The Zips are coming off of a woeful 3-9 campaign in which they struggled the whole time. No one is expecting this team to come forth with a fantastic effort this year either, though having a returning QB Patrick Nicely will certainly help. Nicely completed just 54.1 percent of his passes for 1,349 yards and six TDs against six INTs last season.
The defense needs to improve, but thanks to the fact that the Orange struggle so much offensively, the unit could get some much needed confidence to start the year off. Allowing anywhere near last year's rushing average of 171.9 yards per game would be fatal to the Zips effort in their first game of the season.
These two teams have met twice before, with the 'Cuse winning at home 28-14 last season and losing 42-28 at home two years ago. Nicely went 16-of-25 for 191 yards and a TD in one of his best games of the season last year.
Syracuse is 11-2-1 ATS in its L/14 games against the MAC, while Akron is just 1-7 ATS in its L/8 games played on turf.
Head coach Doug Marrone finds his team favored by 7.5-points in this college football betting affair. The 'total' can be found at 43.5
The Orange are going to
Believe it or not, the strength of the Orange last year was a defense that ranked 37th in the land in total yards. Averaging 337.0 yards per game allowed was a marked improvement for a defense that historically gets torched. Ten starters are back from last year's club, and that could make life a living hell for an Akron offense that many feel will struggle again in the 2010 college football betting festivities.
This is the first of a series of cupcakes for Syracuse that should be building team confidence and character. Games against teams like Akron, Colgate, and Maine aren't going to prepare the Orange for the Big East slate, but at least it will get the home crowd a chance to see some prospective victories.
The Zips are coming off of a woeful 3-9 campaign in which they struggled the whole time. No one is expecting this team to come forth with a fantastic effort this year either, though having a returning QB Patrick Nicely will certainly help. Nicely completed just 54.1 percent of his passes for 1,349 yards and six TDs against six INTs last season.
The defense needs to improve, but thanks to the fact that the Orange struggle so much offensively, the unit could get some much needed confidence to start the year off. Allowing anywhere near last year's rushing average of 171.9 yards per game would be fatal to the Zips effort in their first game of the season.
These two teams have met twice before, with the 'Cuse winning at home 28-14 last season and losing 42-28 at home two years ago. Nicely went 16-of-25 for 191 yards and a TD in one of his best games of the season last year.
Syracuse is 11-2-1 ATS in its L/14 games against the MAC, while Akron is just 1-7 ATS in its L/8 games played on turf.
Head coach Doug Marrone finds his team favored by 7.5-points in this college football betting affair. The 'total' can be found at 43.5
Syracuse Orangemen Football 2010 "Preview"Team Report Special
Syracuse coach Doug Marrone said the excitement of starting another year made it hard for him to sleep recently.
“I know I’m excited,” he said while releasing his depth chart for the season-opener at Akron. “But I don’t want my players to be like that. I want them to make sure they are sleeping.”
Prince-Tyson Gulley, the true freshman running back, is one of several new players to earn a spot in the starting lineup for the opener. Gulley is penciled in as the kick returner for the Orange, who open their 2010 campaign at Akron’s InfoCision Stadium.
In addition to playing a key role in his first game, the 5-foot-9, 176-pounder will be performing in his hometown. Gulley attended Garfield High School in Akron, blocks away from where he’ll play in his first collegiate game.
“It’s definitely exciting for me,” Gulley said. “That’ll be great. I’ve already talked to a lot of my family members about that.”
Gulley isn’t the only Orange freshman who’ll see the field.
Linebacker Marquis Spruill will start on defense, along with veterans Doug Hogue and Derrell Smith. Spruill, who played at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia last fall, is the only freshman to earn a start on the offense or defense. Two other newcomers, kicker Ross Krautman and center Macky MacPherson, will play on special teams—Krautman will handle kickoffs and MacPherson will be the snapper on field goals and extra points.
There were a few surprises on the depth chart.
The biggest was that junior wide receiver Marcus Sales, who started five games in 2009 and had the second-most receptions (28) and most receiving yards (324) and touchdowns (three) among returning players, was not listed among six wideouts.
Marrone said Sales is still on the team, and he remains in competition for a receiver position, but he didn’t explain why Sales wasn’t on the depth chart against Akron. Several times during preseason camp Marrone said Sales needed to become more consistent in his play.
The top three wide receivers are sophomore Alec Lemon, junior Van Chew and senior Aaron Weaver, a transfer from Hofstra. After that are freshman Steven Rene, junior Dorian Graham, a converted defensive back, and sophomore walk-on Cody Morgan. Another Hofstra transfer, senior Jose Cruz, was named the starter at tight end over senior Nick Provo. Coincidentally, Cruz was an Akron Zip for three years, playing two seasons (2007-08) before transferring to Hofstra in 2009. When that school dropped football, Cruz came to Syracuse.
On the offensive line, sophomore Zack Chibane takes the starting spot from redshirt senior Adam Rosner. Marrone said Chibane, who was moved back to guard after spending time at center, played well down the stretch of preseason camp. Rosner also was slowed by a leg injury.
At strong safety, sophomore Shamarko Thomas will start the season behind senior Max Suter. Thomas, a big hitter who started at safety, linebacker and cornerback last season, was slowed by a hamstring pull for most of preseason camp.
• Coach Doug Marrone said he’s not worried about having six true freshmen in backup roles on offense and defense—including WR Steven Rene, C Macky MacPherson, LT Sean Hickey, LBs Malcolm Cater and Brice Hawkes, and CB Jeremi Wilkes.
Series History: Syracuse is tied with Akron 1-1 (last meeting, 2009, 28-14 Syracuse).
Scouting The Offense: The tandem of redshirt senior Delone Carter and junior Antwon Bailey provides the Orange with an experienced ground game. Carter averaged 85.1 yards per game (236 carries for 1,021 yards and 11 touchdowns) while Bailey gained 28.4 yards per game (67 carries for 312 yards and one touchdown). They also provide a threat in the passing game. Bailey caught 27 passes for 200 yards and Carter had 11 receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown. Toss in true freshman Prince-Tyson Gulley and the Orange’s strength on offense will be the running game.
Scouting The Defense: The Orange defense features 12 returning starters—five who have started for multiple seasons—including LBs Derrell Smith and Ryan Gillum, and DBs Da’Mon Merkerson, Max Suter, Mike Holmes and Kevyn Scott (287 tackles). Those who started in 2009 include DE Mikhail Marinovich, Andrew Lewis, Chandler Jones, Doug Hogue, Shamarko Thomas and Phillip Thomas. This group accounted for 73 percent of Syracuse’s 2009 tackles (517 of 704 tackles).
Quote To Note: “The goal of our football team is to go to a bowl. We haven’t done that since 2004. To have a winning season, which we haven’t done since 2001. I take each game and my thoughts and our process is geared toward winning this football game. So we’re not even near where our goal is; we know we have to win seven to go to a bowl, but right now we’re just trying to win one and that is the one we play this week. I don’t look to or expect to, think about the schedule, what is good, what is bad, what advantages we have. I just look at what we need to do to get this team ready to beat Akron. That is my honest opinion.”—Syracuse coach Doug Marrone.
Keys To The Game: The Orange has the makings of a strong defense but the offense, with a new QB, needs to perform well. They will be more run-oriented this season with the departure of QB Greg Paulus but a stable of solid RBs means Syracuse should be able to move the ball.
Players To Watch:
RB Antwon Bailey—The junior has carried the ball exactly 100 times in his Orange career, gaining 539 yards and scoring three touchdowns. He was the hero of the team’s 2008 upset at Notre Dame, rushing for 126 yards and a TD on 16 carries. Bailey has also caught 27 passes for 200 yards. His 47 receiving yards were a big factor in last season’s 31-13 victory over Rutgers. He has also returned seven kickoffs for 145 yards. That’s pretty solid production for a No. 2 RB. Now he wants more.
LB Derrell Smith—The 6-foot-1, 232-pound MLB and a 2009 All-Big East second teamer was one of 87 players named to the 2010 Rotary Lombardi Award watch list as one of the nation’s top LBs or linemen. Smith also has been named to watch lists for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player, the Butkus Award and is a candidate for the Lowe’s Senior Class Award that honors a player for excellence on and off the field.
Roster Report:
• Sophomore RB Averin Collier, who is ineligible this season because of academics, will rejoin the team.
• Transcript issues surrounding three freshmen players—LB Malcolm Cater, DE Jason Bromley and DB Keon Lyn—are expected to be cleared up soon, coach Doug Marrone said. The three have been unable to practice since the weekend of Aug. 21 because their high school paperwork hadn’t been cleared by the NCAA. A grace period that had allowed them to practice the first two weeks of camp expired. Bromley and Lyn, who has been out battling mononucleosis anyhow, weren’t on the depth chart.
“I know I’m excited,” he said while releasing his depth chart for the season-opener at Akron. “But I don’t want my players to be like that. I want them to make sure they are sleeping.”
Prince-Tyson Gulley, the true freshman running back, is one of several new players to earn a spot in the starting lineup for the opener. Gulley is penciled in as the kick returner for the Orange, who open their 2010 campaign at Akron’s InfoCision Stadium.
In addition to playing a key role in his first game, the 5-foot-9, 176-pounder will be performing in his hometown. Gulley attended Garfield High School in Akron, blocks away from where he’ll play in his first collegiate game.
“It’s definitely exciting for me,” Gulley said. “That’ll be great. I’ve already talked to a lot of my family members about that.”
Gulley isn’t the only Orange freshman who’ll see the field.
Linebacker Marquis Spruill will start on defense, along with veterans Doug Hogue and Derrell Smith. Spruill, who played at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia last fall, is the only freshman to earn a start on the offense or defense. Two other newcomers, kicker Ross Krautman and center Macky MacPherson, will play on special teams—Krautman will handle kickoffs and MacPherson will be the snapper on field goals and extra points.
There were a few surprises on the depth chart.
The biggest was that junior wide receiver Marcus Sales, who started five games in 2009 and had the second-most receptions (28) and most receiving yards (324) and touchdowns (three) among returning players, was not listed among six wideouts.
Marrone said Sales is still on the team, and he remains in competition for a receiver position, but he didn’t explain why Sales wasn’t on the depth chart against Akron. Several times during preseason camp Marrone said Sales needed to become more consistent in his play.
The top three wide receivers are sophomore Alec Lemon, junior Van Chew and senior Aaron Weaver, a transfer from Hofstra. After that are freshman Steven Rene, junior Dorian Graham, a converted defensive back, and sophomore walk-on Cody Morgan. Another Hofstra transfer, senior Jose Cruz, was named the starter at tight end over senior Nick Provo. Coincidentally, Cruz was an Akron Zip for three years, playing two seasons (2007-08) before transferring to Hofstra in 2009. When that school dropped football, Cruz came to Syracuse.
On the offensive line, sophomore Zack Chibane takes the starting spot from redshirt senior Adam Rosner. Marrone said Chibane, who was moved back to guard after spending time at center, played well down the stretch of preseason camp. Rosner also was slowed by a leg injury.
At strong safety, sophomore Shamarko Thomas will start the season behind senior Max Suter. Thomas, a big hitter who started at safety, linebacker and cornerback last season, was slowed by a hamstring pull for most of preseason camp.
NOTES, QUOTES
• Syracuse players elected three captains for 2010: redshirt senior C Ryan Bartholomew will lead the offense, redshirt senior LB Derrell Smith is the defensive captain, and senior P Rob Long leads special teams. Long was also voted a captain last season.• Coach Doug Marrone said he’s not worried about having six true freshmen in backup roles on offense and defense—including WR Steven Rene, C Macky MacPherson, LT Sean Hickey, LBs Malcolm Cater and Brice Hawkes, and CB Jeremi Wilkes.
Series History: Syracuse is tied with Akron 1-1 (last meeting, 2009, 28-14 Syracuse).
Scouting The Offense: The tandem of redshirt senior Delone Carter and junior Antwon Bailey provides the Orange with an experienced ground game. Carter averaged 85.1 yards per game (236 carries for 1,021 yards and 11 touchdowns) while Bailey gained 28.4 yards per game (67 carries for 312 yards and one touchdown). They also provide a threat in the passing game. Bailey caught 27 passes for 200 yards and Carter had 11 receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown. Toss in true freshman Prince-Tyson Gulley and the Orange’s strength on offense will be the running game.
Scouting The Defense: The Orange defense features 12 returning starters—five who have started for multiple seasons—including LBs Derrell Smith and Ryan Gillum, and DBs Da’Mon Merkerson, Max Suter, Mike Holmes and Kevyn Scott (287 tackles). Those who started in 2009 include DE Mikhail Marinovich, Andrew Lewis, Chandler Jones, Doug Hogue, Shamarko Thomas and Phillip Thomas. This group accounted for 73 percent of Syracuse’s 2009 tackles (517 of 704 tackles).
Quote To Note: “The goal of our football team is to go to a bowl. We haven’t done that since 2004. To have a winning season, which we haven’t done since 2001. I take each game and my thoughts and our process is geared toward winning this football game. So we’re not even near where our goal is; we know we have to win seven to go to a bowl, but right now we’re just trying to win one and that is the one we play this week. I don’t look to or expect to, think about the schedule, what is good, what is bad, what advantages we have. I just look at what we need to do to get this team ready to beat Akron. That is my honest opinion.”—Syracuse coach Doug Marrone.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
This Week ‘S GAME: Syracuse at Akron, Sept. 4—In Syracuse’s 2009 victory, RB Delone Carter rushed for a career-best 170 yards on 30 carries and three touchdowns. LB Derrell Smith also set a career-high with nine solo tackles, including one forced fumble, two sacks and one tackle for loss. The Orange defense dominated in the second half, holding Akron to 50 yards, and the Zips were also held to zero yards rushing in the game, the fewest rushing yards allowed since Florida rushed for minus-17 in 1991.Keys To The Game: The Orange has the makings of a strong defense but the offense, with a new QB, needs to perform well. They will be more run-oriented this season with the departure of QB Greg Paulus but a stable of solid RBs means Syracuse should be able to move the ball.
Players To Watch:
RB Antwon Bailey—The junior has carried the ball exactly 100 times in his Orange career, gaining 539 yards and scoring three touchdowns. He was the hero of the team’s 2008 upset at Notre Dame, rushing for 126 yards and a TD on 16 carries. Bailey has also caught 27 passes for 200 yards. His 47 receiving yards were a big factor in last season’s 31-13 victory over Rutgers. He has also returned seven kickoffs for 145 yards. That’s pretty solid production for a No. 2 RB. Now he wants more.
LB Derrell Smith—The 6-foot-1, 232-pound MLB and a 2009 All-Big East second teamer was one of 87 players named to the 2010 Rotary Lombardi Award watch list as one of the nation’s top LBs or linemen. Smith also has been named to watch lists for the Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player, the Butkus Award and is a candidate for the Lowe’s Senior Class Award that honors a player for excellence on and off the field.
Roster Report:
• Sophomore RB Averin Collier, who is ineligible this season because of academics, will rejoin the team.
• Transcript issues surrounding three freshmen players—LB Malcolm Cater, DE Jason Bromley and DB Keon Lyn—are expected to be cleared up soon, coach Doug Marrone said. The three have been unable to practice since the weekend of Aug. 21 because their high school paperwork hadn’t been cleared by the NCAA. A grace period that had allowed them to practice the first two weeks of camp expired. Bromley and Lyn, who has been out battling mononucleosis anyhow, weren’t on the depth chart.
Monday, August 30, 2010
University Of Buffalo Bulls Preseason Preview
2009 Record: 5-7 (3-5 in MAC)
2009 Bowl: N/A
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Jeff Quinn (1st year at Buffalo, 1-1 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: Rhode Island (9/2), at Baylor (9/11), UCF (9/18), at UConn (9/25)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 24.1 points per game (8th in MAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 163 (4th in MAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 241 (6th in MAC)
Total Yards/Game: 404 (3rd in MAC)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 23.8 points per game (6th in MAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 131 (4th in MAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 210 (7th in MAC)
Total Yards/Game: 342 (3rd in MAC)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.58 per game (10th in MAC)
Penalties: 54 yards per game (10th in MAC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 9
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jerry Davis, Soph (8 of 15 for 145 yds, 1 TD)
Rushing: RB Ike Nduka, Sr (96 carries for 598 yds, 6 TD, 6.2 ypc, 74 ypg)
Rushing: RB Brandon Thermilus, Sr (124 carries for 560 yds, 4 TD, 4.5 ypc, 50 ypg)
Receiving: WR Terrell Jackson, Jr (25 rec, 250 yds, 2.3 rec/game)
Tackles: DB Davonte Shannon, Sr (97)
Sacks: DL Steven Means, Soph; LB Justin Winters, Jr (5)
Interceptions: DB Davonte Shannon, Sr (2)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Lindy's: Not Ranked
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: Not Ranked
Sporting News: #95
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
Athlon Sports: #102
2010 Pre-Season MAC Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #4 in MAC East
About a month after Jeff Quinn took over the reigns of the Buffalo Bulls, starting QB Zach Maynard left the program. Buffalo is coming off of a 5-7 year. Will they be able to right the ship this year or will this be a longer rebuilding process? We turned to the Buffalo blog Bull Run to get their take on the 2010 Buffalo Bulls.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
I am looking forward to seeing if Colby Way can make an immediate impact. There were rumors UB was going to try and go 3-4 this season but as evidenced by the spring game the Bulls still lack the personnel to make that move. Way is a good sized and fast linebacker who may fit the role of 'Elephant Back' during a transition.
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
My gut say 5-7, I would consider anything north of that to be a success.
2009 Bowl: N/A
Final 2009 AP Ranking: Not Ranked
Head Coach: Jeff Quinn (1st year at Buffalo, 1-1 All-Time)
Non-Conference Schedule: Rhode Island (9/2), at Baylor (9/11), UCF (9/18), at UConn (9/25)
2009 Offensive Statistics
Scoring: 24.1 points per game (8th in MAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 163 (4th in MAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 241 (6th in MAC)
Total Yards/Game: 404 (3rd in MAC)
2009 Defensive Statistics
Scoring: 23.8 points per game (6th in MAC)
Rushing Yards/Game: 131 (4th in MAC)
Passing Yards/Game: 210 (7th in MAC)
Total Yards/Game: 342 (3rd in MAC)
2009 Misc Stats
Turnover Margin: -0.58 per game (10th in MAC)
Penalties: 54 yards per game (10th in MAC)
Returning Starters
Offense: 5
Defense: 9
Kicker/Punter: 2
Top Returning Statistical Leaders
Passing: QB Jerry Davis, Soph (8 of 15 for 145 yds, 1 TD)
Rushing: RB Ike Nduka, Sr (96 carries for 598 yds, 6 TD, 6.2 ypc, 74 ypg)
Rushing: RB Brandon Thermilus, Sr (124 carries for 560 yds, 4 TD, 4.5 ypc, 50 ypg)
Receiving: WR Terrell Jackson, Jr (25 rec, 250 yds, 2.3 rec/game)
Tackles: DB Davonte Shannon, Sr (97)
Sacks: DL Steven Means, Soph; LB Justin Winters, Jr (5)
Interceptions: DB Davonte Shannon, Sr (2)
2010 Pre-Season Rankings
Lindy's: Not Ranked
Mark Schlabach: Not Ranked
Rivals: Not Ranked
Scout: Not Ranked
Sporting News: #95
Sports Illustrated: Not Ranked
Athlon Sports: #102
2010 Pre-Season MAC Prediction:
Athlon Sports: #4 in MAC East
About a month after Jeff Quinn took over the reigns of the Buffalo Bulls, starting QB Zach Maynard left the program. Buffalo is coming off of a 5-7 year. Will they be able to right the ship this year or will this be a longer rebuilding process? We turned to the Buffalo blog Bull Run to get their take on the 2010 Buffalo Bulls.
What are the major strengths and biggest weaknesses of the team?
The biggest strength is the defensive backfield, it's a veteran unit that is as good as any in the conference and better than most. Davonte Shannon leads six returning backs and linebackers. Last season Shannon was at or near the topin most defensive categories and the team will need him to perform at that level, or better, this season if they want to compete.
The Biggest weakness is offensive inexperience, especially among the skill positions. The talent is there but there are only a hand full of snaps behind whoever wins the quarterback battle and the bulk of our receptions and yards (80%) are gone with the departure of Roosevelt, Hamlin, and Rack.
Looking at the schedule who will be the first major test and why?
Baylor is going to be a big test for the team, road game against a Big 12 team that is on the upswing. They bring an absolute beast at QB (Robert Griffin) and a respectable defense. At this point in the season UB will have just one game under its belt and that's against FCS member Rhode Island.
What team on the schedule do you fear the most?
Its going to be either Temple or Northern Illinois. The two teams are each the favorites to win their division this season and UB draws them both. Neither is exactly the best team we are going to play this year (UConn fits that role) but because they are conference games they mean that much more.
Who is the best player on your team that nobody talks about?
Josh Thomas does not get nearly the press that he should, Thomas is as good as any corner in the conference. He is experienced and a hard hitter. His physical approach to the game did not fit ideally under last years softer scheme but this season he should thrive with the new staff.
Who is the best offensive player on the team?
Right now I would have to say Offensive lineman Peter Bittner is the best offensive player we have. In addition to the experience and skill a solid leader.
Who is the most impactful defensive player on the team?
Davonte Shannon already held that role and that was before the team cut over to a more physical approach to covering receivers.
What player(s) needs to step up this year in order for the team to reach it's full capability?
Whoever emerges as our starting quarterback (Dennison/Davis) and at least two of UB's receivers (Lee, Rivers, or Jackson) need to grow up, and quick, if UB is going to be competitive this season.
Who is the top offensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
If he wins the job Dennison will easily be the biggest single factor in UB having any offensive success this season, and he is a red shirt freshman.
Who is the top defensive newcomer that can make an impact this year?
Gut feeling on the teams final record at the end of the regular season and what makes this a successful season in your eyes?
My gut say 5-7, I would consider anything north of that to be a success.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)