SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Van Chew made a diving 4-yard touchdown catch in the left flat at the goal line on the first series of overtime, and Syracuse rallied past Wake Forest 36-29 on Thursday night in the season-opener for both teams.
The Demon Deacons got the ball one last time, but the Syracuse defense held for one of the few times on the night and forced a fourth-down incompletion from the 19 from Ted Stachitas to Chris Givens in the right corner of the end zone.
Kevyn Scott appeared to secure the victory for Syracuse when he made a diving interception over the middle at the Wake Forest 32 with just over 5 minutes remaining and the game tied at 29-all. But Ross Krautman, who had made a school-record 16 straight field goals, had his 32-yard attempt blocked by Kyle Wilber with just under 3 minutes to go in regulation.
It was a breakthrough of sorts for the Orange. Syracuse's last win over a Football Bowl Subdivision team in the Carrier Dome was a 31-13 upset of Rutgers in November 2009. Syracuse was 0-4 last season against FBS teams in the Dome and hasn't had a winning season overall at home since it went 4-1 in 2004.
Wake Forest, which lost starting quarterback Tanner Price to an injury early in the fourth quarter, couldn't mount a threat behind backup Ted Stachitas. Price was 18 of 31 for 289 yards and three touchdowns.
The Orange had rallied furiously after trailing 29-14 early in the fourth quarter.
After Jimmy Newman's 40-yard field goal gave Wake Forest a 15-point lead with 11:02 left, Syracuse's Antwon Bailey scored on a 53-yard run around the left side and quarterback Ryan Nassib hit fullback Adam Harris for a 2-yard score with 8:26 left.
Price hit Chris Givens on scores of 60 and 22 yards, and had a pretty 16-yarder on a third-and-goal play to Michael Camapanaro.
The defense was supposed to be the weak link for the Orange with a veteran offense returning. It was until the end, and so was the offense until it finally got untracked late against Wake's 3-4 spread.
Nassib was 12 of 20 for 85 yards passing through three quarters and finished 20 of 28 for 178 for the Orange.
The Syracuse defense, which lost its heart with the graduation of linebackers Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue, missed too many tackles and never mounted any kind of pressure on Price, and he repeatedly made them pay. Price had 12 completions of 13 yards or more.
Free safety Phillip Thomas was burned twice by Givens on long passes. Givens hauled in a 37-yard pass in the first quarter to help set up Jimmy Newman's 38-yard field goal, his 13th straight conversion. Givens then blew past Thomas again on the right side and caught a 60-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage after Syracuse had scored its first touchdown.
The Orange offense finally got going when Nassib hit tight end Nick Provo over the middle at the Wake Forest 15. Provo broke a tackle by linebacker Riley Haynes and rumbled into the end zone for a 7-6 lead with 9:29 left in the first half.
The Demon Deacons scored again on their final possession of the first half when the Orange were unable to stop a third-and-goal play from the 16 and just over 2 minutes to play.
Price ignored the bad snap on the previous play that had resulted in a 13-yard loss and hit Camapanaro in the right corner of the end zone behind a stumbling strong safety Shamarko Thomas, and Wake Forest went to the locker room with a 20-7 lead.
In the first half, Syracuse gained just 52 yards on 22 plays offensively, and its defense was torched for 258 yards on 45 plays
Syracuse closed to 20-14 on Bailey's 1-yard run with 5:33 left in the third. The Orange capitalized on a roughing-the-passer penalty against linebacker Joey Ehrmann on a third-down incompletion from the Wake Forest 11. Ehrmann's father probably had a nice view of the infraction — he played for Syracuse in the early 1970s and was signing books on Wednesday night at a local theater.
Undaunted, after converting a fourth-and-1, Price hit Campanaro over the middle for 18 yards. Givens then scored on a 22-yard catch-and-run on the next play, easily breaking a weak tackle attempt by Kevyn Scott in the left flat and scampering untouched down the sideline for a 26-14 lead with 20 seconds left in the third.
With eight returning starters on offense and a quarterback with one year as the starter under his belt for the Orange, that side of the ball was being counted on. Instead it sputtered mightily, gaining minus-5 yards in the opening quarter and did not get its initial first down until 11 minutes remained in the first half.
The Orange also were hampered by their enthusiasm, getting called for five penalties in the first quarter alone. A terrific punt by Shane Raupers was nullified when Dorian Graham slammed Campanaro a split second before he touched the ball. That gave the Deacons the ball near midfield and Newman kicked a 37-yard field goal early in the second for a 6-0 lead.
Syracuse finished last season by gaining nearly 500 yards offensively in a 36-34 victory over Kansas State in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. The team trotted the trophy out at halftime, but on this night that triumph seemed a distant memory until the frantic finish.
Showing posts with label syracuse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label syracuse. Show all posts
Friday, September 2, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Syracuse vs. Wake Forset: Gametime Edition
Andrea Adelson - Nobody put much stock in a rebound from Syracuse last season, mostly because the program had been down for so long. The last bowl game came in 2004; the last bowl win in 2001.
But the Orange were one of the surprise teams of the 2010 season, making it back to a bowl game in Year 2 under coach Doug Marrone. As difficult as it was to turn around a losing program, perhaps an even bigger challenge awaits in Year 3: maintaining that momentum and moving forward.
William Perlman/The Star-Ledger/US PresswireLast season, Doug Marrone led Syracuse to its first bowl win since 2001.
Coaches always talk about the difficulty in sustaining success because so much is required of both players and coaches. All of a sudden, expectations are ratcheted up and everybody expects more wins and championships to follow. Syracuse was picked to finish fourth in the Big East preseason media poll, a clear indication of the respect that was earned with a 8-5 campaign in 2010.
So how do the Orange keep the momentum going that they built last season?
"We really don't talk a lot about last year," Marrone said. "But I do understand the question about what we're trying to do. Our goal is to be able to compete for a Big East championship. We've talked about that with our players. We want to be a consistent football team and one year doesn’t make you consistent. We haven't produced back-to-back winning seasons since 2001 or back-to-back bowl games since 1999. We haven't won a season opener two years in a row since 2000. There's a lot of things in terms of history because recently we have not been a good football team. This is what we're trying to change."
There was a time, of course, when Syracuse was a very good football team that competed for Big East championships. Marrone has his team pointed back in that direction. The offense has solid players in Antwon Bailey, Ryan Nassib, Van Chew, Alec Lemon and the entire offensive line. The defense is new this season, with six new starters, including both cornerbacks, both defensive tackles and true freshman Dyshawn Davis at linebacker.
Because of the youth, much of camp was spent teaching.
"When nobody’s looking is when you win games," defensive coordinator Scott Shafer said. "We watch video together and talk about what’s good, bad, unacceptable, acceptable and teach the kids what we’re looking for and the next day try to make real small improvements. If we can keep chipping away, we can be a competitive defense and give our offense a chance to get some drives and do things."
The opener provides a big test Thursday night. Wake Forest may have had a losing season last year, but it was not too long ago that the Demon Deacons were playing in the Orange Bowl as ACC champs. Syracuse does not have a great record against the ACC, going 1-12 against teams from that league since 1996. The strength of Wake Forest is in the backfield, where Josh Harris led the team with 720 yards rushing last season. He averaged 5.7 yards a carry -- the third-highest average in school history.
Syracuse has four new starters among its front seven and a new middle linebacker in Marquis Spruill, who started last season on the outside. So Wake most likely will try to pound Harris to perhaps expose some weaknesses in the Syracuse front. If Syracuse can contain him, the Orange will increase its chances of starting the season with another confidence-boosting win.
"It's not just the season opener," Marrone said. "It's every single game we play until we start winning and becoming consistent, history will be against us. Everyone says you want to get off to a fast start. You do because every game is meaningful. For us, every game's a dogfight."
But the Orange were one of the surprise teams of the 2010 season, making it back to a bowl game in Year 2 under coach Doug Marrone. As difficult as it was to turn around a losing program, perhaps an even bigger challenge awaits in Year 3: maintaining that momentum and moving forward.
William Perlman/The Star-Ledger/US PresswireLast season, Doug Marrone led Syracuse to its first bowl win since 2001.
Coaches always talk about the difficulty in sustaining success because so much is required of both players and coaches. All of a sudden, expectations are ratcheted up and everybody expects more wins and championships to follow. Syracuse was picked to finish fourth in the Big East preseason media poll, a clear indication of the respect that was earned with a 8-5 campaign in 2010.
So how do the Orange keep the momentum going that they built last season?
"We really don't talk a lot about last year," Marrone said. "But I do understand the question about what we're trying to do. Our goal is to be able to compete for a Big East championship. We've talked about that with our players. We want to be a consistent football team and one year doesn’t make you consistent. We haven't produced back-to-back winning seasons since 2001 or back-to-back bowl games since 1999. We haven't won a season opener two years in a row since 2000. There's a lot of things in terms of history because recently we have not been a good football team. This is what we're trying to change."
There was a time, of course, when Syracuse was a very good football team that competed for Big East championships. Marrone has his team pointed back in that direction. The offense has solid players in Antwon Bailey, Ryan Nassib, Van Chew, Alec Lemon and the entire offensive line. The defense is new this season, with six new starters, including both cornerbacks, both defensive tackles and true freshman Dyshawn Davis at linebacker.
Because of the youth, much of camp was spent teaching.
"When nobody’s looking is when you win games," defensive coordinator Scott Shafer said. "We watch video together and talk about what’s good, bad, unacceptable, acceptable and teach the kids what we’re looking for and the next day try to make real small improvements. If we can keep chipping away, we can be a competitive defense and give our offense a chance to get some drives and do things."
The opener provides a big test Thursday night. Wake Forest may have had a losing season last year, but it was not too long ago that the Demon Deacons were playing in the Orange Bowl as ACC champs. Syracuse does not have a great record against the ACC, going 1-12 against teams from that league since 1996. The strength of Wake Forest is in the backfield, where Josh Harris led the team with 720 yards rushing last season. He averaged 5.7 yards a carry -- the third-highest average in school history.
Syracuse has four new starters among its front seven and a new middle linebacker in Marquis Spruill, who started last season on the outside. So Wake most likely will try to pound Harris to perhaps expose some weaknesses in the Syracuse front. If Syracuse can contain him, the Orange will increase its chances of starting the season with another confidence-boosting win.
"It's not just the season opener," Marrone said. "It's every single game we play until we start winning and becoming consistent, history will be against us. Everyone says you want to get off to a fast start. You do because every game is meaningful. For us, every game's a dogfight."
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Syracue Football: Syracuse Orangemen vs Washington Huskies Preview
The Washington Huskies face off against the Syracuse Saturday September 11 at 7pm at Husky Stadium. This matchup is sure to be one of the more interesting ones rounding out Week 2 of the season, and the college football odds show the Huskies -13 over the Orange. If you are going to wager on this game, then be sure to do it at BetUS where our readers can earn up to a $500 match bonus on their initial deposits.
The teams last met in 2007, with Washington getting the win 42-12.
Syracuse spent last season in a rebuilding mode and will look to have those changes pay off this season. Many of those changes were in the “intangibles” since Coach Marrone felt an attitude change was needed as the team had picked up many bad habits which undermined its performance.
Last season, the Orangemen went 4-8, including a 1-6 in conference record. This year a blend of veterans will be complimented by new recruits, and the offense will shift to old school formations and use a more pass oriented approach.
That approach worked well as the Orange’s sophomore QB Ryan Nassib added two touchdowns and 229 yards with a 17-for-27 passing effort against Akron, beating the Zips 29-3 and wining in its first home opener since 2003. Nassib appears to have stepped up from his backup role to lead the attack connecting with Aaron Weaver for a 23-yard score on the game’s first series and then finding Van Chew for a 26-yard touchdown five seconds before halftime for a 17-3 lead.
The rushing attack was led by 5th year senior RB Delone Carter who had 1-yard TD run in the fourth quarter and rushed for 91 yards against Akron. Carter rushed for over 1,000 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2009 and will continue to be one of the Orange’s main offensive weapons easing some of the pressure off Nassib.
The O-line still has some concerns with some of the line positions being held by inexperienced players. Justin Pugh was a redshirt last season, and will be given a starter role based on high hopes and ability. Michael Hay is a JUCO transfer. Both need to perform out of the gate for the offense to work. Senior Ryan Bartholomew provided some veteran leadership at center, after transitioning over from guard. He has great upper body strength and should fill the role perfectly this coming season.
Pressure will be the game plan for the defense and it appeared to do its job against Akron, as linebackers Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue led a solid pass rush.
This team is not a high scoring offense, and will rely on the defense to hold the score close.
Meanwhile, the Washington Huskies head into the 2010 with plenty of promise despite coming off a disappointing 23-17 loss to BYU, as Washington’s Jake Locker passed for 266 yards, but missed passes on two fourth-down conversion attempts in the final period that could have put the Huskies ahead after allowing the Cougars to take the lead late in the third.
The Huskies will try to put the loss behind them as they prepare to host the Orange, a team Locker has had success against, winning his first career start as a redshirt freshman in 2007 with a 42-12 win at Syracuse.
They have infused a lot of talent into the roster in a short time. Locker for one is bursting with talent, but no team can rely on one man, and the offensive line didn’t help him much.
Despite Lockers best scrambling the line still allowed a sack rate of 7.1 percent a season ago and one in their loss to the Cougars to start 2010..
The ground attack continues to be led by RB Chris Polk who became the first Husky freshman to surpass 1,000 yards rushing. Polk ran for 92 yards on 16 carries for the Huskies in Saturday’s loss, and should see more carries against the Orange.
The Huskies may have the best receiving group in the conference. Junior Jermaine Kearse, Devin Aguilar, and James Johnson combined for over 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, but Kearse had the lone touchdown reception in their season opener.
The Washington defense did its job for the most part against BYU, and I suspect an even better showing against Syracuse. Take the Huskies -14 as they crush the Orangemen.
The teams last met in 2007, with Washington getting the win 42-12.
Syracuse spent last season in a rebuilding mode and will look to have those changes pay off this season. Many of those changes were in the “intangibles” since Coach Marrone felt an attitude change was needed as the team had picked up many bad habits which undermined its performance.
Last season, the Orangemen went 4-8, including a 1-6 in conference record. This year a blend of veterans will be complimented by new recruits, and the offense will shift to old school formations and use a more pass oriented approach.
That approach worked well as the Orange’s sophomore QB Ryan Nassib added two touchdowns and 229 yards with a 17-for-27 passing effort against Akron, beating the Zips 29-3 and wining in its first home opener since 2003. Nassib appears to have stepped up from his backup role to lead the attack connecting with Aaron Weaver for a 23-yard score on the game’s first series and then finding Van Chew for a 26-yard touchdown five seconds before halftime for a 17-3 lead.
The rushing attack was led by 5th year senior RB Delone Carter who had 1-yard TD run in the fourth quarter and rushed for 91 yards against Akron. Carter rushed for over 1,000 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2009 and will continue to be one of the Orange’s main offensive weapons easing some of the pressure off Nassib.
The O-line still has some concerns with some of the line positions being held by inexperienced players. Justin Pugh was a redshirt last season, and will be given a starter role based on high hopes and ability. Michael Hay is a JUCO transfer. Both need to perform out of the gate for the offense to work. Senior Ryan Bartholomew provided some veteran leadership at center, after transitioning over from guard. He has great upper body strength and should fill the role perfectly this coming season.
Pressure will be the game plan for the defense and it appeared to do its job against Akron, as linebackers Derrell Smith and Doug Hogue led a solid pass rush.
This team is not a high scoring offense, and will rely on the defense to hold the score close.
Meanwhile, the Washington Huskies head into the 2010 with plenty of promise despite coming off a disappointing 23-17 loss to BYU, as Washington’s Jake Locker passed for 266 yards, but missed passes on two fourth-down conversion attempts in the final period that could have put the Huskies ahead after allowing the Cougars to take the lead late in the third.
The Huskies will try to put the loss behind them as they prepare to host the Orange, a team Locker has had success against, winning his first career start as a redshirt freshman in 2007 with a 42-12 win at Syracuse.
They have infused a lot of talent into the roster in a short time. Locker for one is bursting with talent, but no team can rely on one man, and the offensive line didn’t help him much.
Despite Lockers best scrambling the line still allowed a sack rate of 7.1 percent a season ago and one in their loss to the Cougars to start 2010..
The ground attack continues to be led by RB Chris Polk who became the first Husky freshman to surpass 1,000 yards rushing. Polk ran for 92 yards on 16 carries for the Huskies in Saturday’s loss, and should see more carries against the Orange.
The Huskies may have the best receiving group in the conference. Junior Jermaine Kearse, Devin Aguilar, and James Johnson combined for over 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, but Kearse had the lone touchdown reception in their season opener.
The Washington defense did its job for the most part against BYU, and I suspect an even better showing against Syracuse. Take the Huskies -14 as they crush the Orangemen.
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.
Big East Football Preview: Syracuse Orangemen
Returning 8 offensive starters, 10 defensive, kicker, punter, and both return men While the Orange return 18 starters, they will be forced to replace quarterback Greg Paulus. Sophomore Ryan Nassib doesn’t have much experience, but is the heavy favorite to beat out redshirt freshman Charley Loeb for the starting job . Running back is a major strength for the offense though as senior Delone Carter is quietly an extremely productive back. Behind Carter will be junior Antwon Bailey and sophomores Averin Collier and Mike Jones. The Orange do have junior Marcus Sales back at receiver, and are hoping he can help ease Nassib’s transition into the starting job. Junior Van Chew and sophomore Alec Lemon are others at receiver who will need to contribute. At tight end juniors Nick Provo and Cody Catalina will try to fight off sophomore Carl Cutler for the starting job. The other strength of the offense is the return of the entire starting line along with a pair of key reserves who each made a handful of starts, and that should help Nassib and the passing game.
The defense returns ten starters, but the bigger news may be having to replace star Arthur Jones, who was one of the top defensive tackles in the country. Senior tackle Andrew Lewis is back and spot left open by Jones may end up going to senior Bud Tribbey, junior Oliver Haney, or sophomore Jarel Lowery. At end, sophomore Chandler Jones is back. Jones is the brother of Arthur Jones, and despite low sack numbers he made a huge impact as a redshirt freshman by racking up quarterback hurries. Junior Mikhail Marinovich and senior Jared Kimmel are also back and both have significant starting experience. At linebacker, senior Derrell Smith is back in the middle with senior Doug Hogue, who is comming off a strong season, and sophomore EJ Carter on the outside. Sophomores Shane Kimmel, Ryan Gillim, David Stevens, and Dan Vaughan will compete for backupjobs . At corner junior Kevyn Scott and senior Da’Mon Merkerson are both back and senior Nico Scott made a bunch of starts as the third corner. Senior Mike Holmes is back at free safety with a strong hold on his job, while senior strong safety Max Suter is back as is sophomore Shamarko Thomas, who did make a few starts last year. Senior Randy McKinnon and sophomore Dorian Graham add depth at safety.
The Orange will have the benefit of a very strong special teams group led by sophomore kicker Ryan Lichtenstein and star senior punter Rob Long. Junior Mike Jones made an impact at kick returner, while Donte Davis is back at punt returner and the Orange also bring back Max Suter who has had success as a return man on this level.
Three biggest issues:
1.)Quarterback
2.)Receiver
3.)Defensive tackle
Quarterback is the biggest issue because not only do they have to replace Greg Paulus, who was solid last year, but the only legit option to replace him has almost no experience. Receiver is an issue because not only does Mike Williams need to be replaced, but the unit will be breaking in a new quarterback. Replacing Arthur Jones at defensive tackle will be tough, but none of the options to take his spot are very strong options, meaning this could be the weakest link in the defense.
This Orange team will be the best Syracuse team in the last few years with all the starters back. They could finish last, but I project them ahead of Louisville. I fully expect another losing record, but they do have the potential to end up 6-6, finish in the top six in the league, and end up in a bowl depending on how well the question at quarterback is answered.
The defense returns ten starters, but the bigger news may be having to replace star Arthur Jones, who was one of the top defensive tackles in the country. Senior tackle Andrew Lewis is back and spot left open by Jones may end up going to senior Bud Tribbey, junior Oliver Haney, or sophomore Jarel Lowery. At end, sophomore Chandler Jones is back. Jones is the brother of Arthur Jones, and despite low sack numbers he made a huge impact as a redshirt freshman by racking up quarterback hurries. Junior Mikhail Marinovich and senior Jared Kimmel are also back and both have significant starting experience. At linebacker, senior Derrell Smith is back in the middle with senior Doug Hogue, who is comming off a strong season, and sophomore EJ Carter on the outside. Sophomores Shane Kimmel, Ryan Gillim, David Stevens, and Dan Vaughan will compete for backup
The Orange will have the benefit of a very strong special teams group led by sophomore kicker Ryan Lichtenstein and star senior punter Rob Long. Junior Mike Jones made an impact at kick returner, while Donte Davis is back at punt returner and the Orange also bring back Max Suter who has had success as a return man on this level.
Three biggest issues:
1.)Quarterback
2.)Receiver
3.)Defensive tackle
Quarterback is the biggest issue because not only do they have to replace Greg Paulus, who was solid last year, but the only legit option to replace him has almost no experience. Receiver is an issue because not only does Mike Williams need to be replaced, but the unit will be breaking in a new quarterback. Replacing Arthur Jones at defensive tackle will be tough, but none of the options to take his spot are very strong options, meaning this could be the weakest link in the defense.
This Orange team will be the best Syracuse team in the last few years with all the starters back. They could finish last, but I project them ahead of Louisville. I fully expect another losing record, but they do have the potential to end up 6-6, finish in the top six in the league, and end up in a bowl depending on how well the question at quarterback is answered.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Syracuse Orangeman Has Serious Obstacles To Win West Region
Syracuse choked away its stranglehold on the No. 1 regular season ranking after holding it for just two games.
Now, the Orange find themselves the No. 1 seed in the West Regional of the NCAA Tournament and Thursday at Energy Solutions Arena will have a similar bullseye on their back when they play Butler, a fift-seed that beat UTEP and Murray State to earn a ticket to Salt Lake.
This time, the Orange would like to stay No. 1 the rest of the year.
"The pressure of the No. 1 seed is there," said Wes Johnson, Syracuse's Naismith Award finalist. "But we don't try to look too far into that, it's really just going out and playing our basketball."
Their basketball is trapping zone defense, of which coach Jim Boeheim is college basketball's grand master, and fast breaks. Syracuse breezed through the opening rounds, beating Vermont by 23 and Gonzaga by 22.
The challenge of the zone, however, is one that appeals to Butler. The Bulldogs shot a combined 51 three-pointers in their first two games and made 20 of them.
"When I hear the name Butler, I think they got a lot of great shooters on their team," said Johnson, who scored 31 points against Gonzaga on March 18.
The problem is, zone defenses typically create opportunities for teams loaded with sharpshooters, something Boeheim
is cognizant of, but also one he thinks can be overcome by an especially good zone -- like he hopes his Orange will play Thursday.
"Any defense can be beat," he said. "The best defensive teams in the country get beat all the time. We try to do some different things in our zone. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't."
The Orange are one of two Big East teams remaining in the tournament -- the other is West Virginia -- after eight qualified. A potential obstacle for the Orange, one that could contribute to a premature exit, is the absence of 6-foot, 9-inch center Arinze Onuaku. He will miss his third tournament game Thursday with a quadriceps injury, Boeheim announced.
"He's doing better, but he's not practicing," Boeheim said. "Will not play. "
Onuaku averaged 10 points and five rebounds per game this season. Without him, forward Rick Jackson is playing center, leaving the Orange with Johnson and reserve Kris Joseph as the remaining capable forwards.
"That's the position that would concern me in terms of foul trouble," Boeheim said.
Offensively, the Orange are led by Johnson's 16.5 points per game, but guard Andy Rautins averages scored 24 points with five 3-pointers against Gonzaga, but also dropped 10 assists in each of the first two games.
"We have so many weapons offensively, I think that takes care of itself," Rautins said. He said, "I think our main key is going to be to work on defense."
Now, the Orange find themselves the No. 1 seed in the West Regional of the NCAA Tournament and Thursday at Energy Solutions Arena will have a similar bullseye on their back when they play Butler, a fift-seed that beat UTEP and Murray State to earn a ticket to Salt Lake.
This time, the Orange would like to stay No. 1 the rest of the year.
"The pressure of the No. 1 seed is there," said Wes Johnson, Syracuse's Naismith Award finalist. "But we don't try to look too far into that, it's really just going out and playing our basketball."
Their basketball is trapping zone defense, of which coach Jim Boeheim is college basketball's grand master, and fast breaks. Syracuse breezed through the opening rounds, beating Vermont by 23 and Gonzaga by 22.
The challenge of the zone, however, is one that appeals to Butler. The Bulldogs shot a combined 51 three-pointers in their first two games and made 20 of them.
"When I hear the name Butler, I think they got a lot of great shooters on their team," said Johnson, who scored 31 points against Gonzaga on March 18.
The problem is, zone defenses typically create opportunities for teams loaded with sharpshooters, something Boeheim
is cognizant of, but also one he thinks can be overcome by an especially good zone -- like he hopes his Orange will play Thursday.
"Any defense can be beat," he said. "The best defensive teams in the country get beat all the time. We try to do some different things in our zone. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't."
The Orange are one of two Big East teams remaining in the tournament -- the other is West Virginia -- after eight qualified. A potential obstacle for the Orange, one that could contribute to a premature exit, is the absence of 6-foot, 9-inch center Arinze Onuaku. He will miss his third tournament game Thursday with a quadriceps injury, Boeheim announced.
"He's doing better, but he's not practicing," Boeheim said. "Will not play. "
Onuaku averaged 10 points and five rebounds per game this season. Without him, forward Rick Jackson is playing center, leaving the Orange with Johnson and reserve Kris Joseph as the remaining capable forwards.
"That's the position that would concern me in terms of foul trouble," Boeheim said.
Offensively, the Orange are led by Johnson's 16.5 points per game, but guard Andy Rautins averages scored 24 points with five 3-pointers against Gonzaga, but also dropped 10 assists in each of the first two games.
"We have so many weapons offensively, I think that takes care of itself," Rautins said. He said, "I think our main key is going to be to work on defense."
Monday, March 15, 2010
Syracuse Orangeman In The Final Four?
It surprised many observers that Syracuse was the No.1 seed that was sent out West (after two games in Buffalo), but the Orange lost its last regular-season game and its only conference tournament game. Geography aside, Syracuse appears to have an easier path to the Final Four than other No. 1 seeds. Among the most intriguing first-round match-ups: No. 8 Gonzaga against No. 9 Florida State and No. 11 Minnesota against No. 6 Xavier.
Upset Special: No. 11 Minnesota over No. 6 Xavier: The Gophers reached the Big Ten tournament finals and are on a nice roll. With a 3-point shooter like Blake Hoffarber, Tubby Smith's team won't go away immediately.
Don't Overlook: No. 9 Florida State. The Seminoles aren't flashy but they play grinding defense that can frustrate opponents, and center Solomon Alabe is a force inside.
Keep An Eye On: Seventh-seeded Brigham Young. The Cougars didn't get a lot of national attention but played in a strong Mountain West Conference. They will force Florida to work hard on the defensive end.
Seeded Too Low: No. 12 UTEP. The Miners are one of those teams that can put points on the board and they're strong inside, meaning they have the potential to cause some mayhem.
Bet You Didn't Know: This is the first time Syracuse, one of college basketball's traditional powers, has been a No. 1 seed since 1980.
EAST REGION
If there's a surprise here, it's that the No. 1 team assigned to this region is Kentucky, not Syracuse, which was shipped west. There's little doubt the Wildcats have the most talent in the region, but two of their top players - point guard John Wall (Raleigh) and forward DeMarcus Cousins - are freshmen. West Virginia made a case for being a top seed, too, after winning the Big East tournament this weekend. Kentucky's second-round matchup would be against one of two under-achieving teams - Texas or Wake Forest.
Upset Special: No. 11 Washington was a desperate team in winning the Pac 10 championship. That could carry over into its first-round game against sixth-seed Marquette.
Don't Overlook: Wofford, which is playing in its first NCAA tournament. The last time Wisconsin - the Terriers' first-round opponent - played a Southern Conference team in the tournament, the Badgers lost to Davidson.
Keep An Eye On: Clemson, which has made the past two NCAA tournaments, has also lost two straight. Look for the Tigers to at least make it to the second round by beating Missouri.
Seeded Too Low: Temple. The fifth-seed Owls were the class of the Atlantic 10 and could have been a slot or two higher. Would be tough regional semifinal matchup for Kentucky.
Bet You Didn't Know: Wofford forward Noah Dahlman works on the grounds crew at Carolina Panthers training camp in the summer. David Scott
SOUTH REGION
If you're a fan of top-seed Duke, you've got to feel pretty good about the Blue Devils' advancing to the regional final. If Duke gets Purdue in the regional semis, it will face a Boilermakers team without its top player, Robbie Hummel, who's out with a knee injury. Second-seed Villanova has superior guard play and could give Duke's Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith problems.
Upset Special: Siena over Purdue.
Don't overlook: St. Mary's.
Keep An Eye On: Notre Dame. The Irish are back in form with star forward Luke Harangody back in the lineup. Harangody missed several games with a bone bruise in his leg.
Bet You Didn't Know: Ryan Rossiter, Siena's all-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference forward, is the younger brother of Davidson's Steve Rossiter. David Scott
MIDWEST REGION
Kansas is the overall No. 1 seed of the tournament but there is no cakewalk to the Final Four in this region. Among the obstacles awaiting the Jayhawks in their quest for their second NCAA title in the last three seasons are Ohio State, which made a case for a No. 1 seed, and Georgetown, which made it to the final of the Big East tournament after knocking off another NCAA top seed, Syracuse.
Upset Special: San Diego State has been much overlooked but has been solid all season and just the type of team to give Tennessee problems.
Don't Overlook: The Ohio State Buckeyes have one loss since Jan. 23 and that was to Purdue. Junior forward Evan Turner is a beast (19.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg).
Keep An Eye On : Maryland. The Terrapins lost to Georgia Tech in the ACC tournament semifinals but have a late-season win over Duke, one of the top four NCAA seeds.
Seeded Too Low : Michigan State, no question. The Spartans deserved better than a five seed, but a Sweet 16 matchup with Kansas would make it better.
Bet You Didn't Know : The nation's leading scorer, 6-4 guard Aubrey Coleman (25.6 points a game) plays for the Tom Penders-coached Houston Cougars.
Upset Special: No. 11 Minnesota over No. 6 Xavier: The Gophers reached the Big Ten tournament finals and are on a nice roll. With a 3-point shooter like Blake Hoffarber, Tubby Smith's team won't go away immediately.
Don't Overlook: No. 9 Florida State. The Seminoles aren't flashy but they play grinding defense that can frustrate opponents, and center Solomon Alabe is a force inside.
Keep An Eye On: Seventh-seeded Brigham Young. The Cougars didn't get a lot of national attention but played in a strong Mountain West Conference. They will force Florida to work hard on the defensive end.
Seeded Too Low: No. 12 UTEP. The Miners are one of those teams that can put points on the board and they're strong inside, meaning they have the potential to cause some mayhem.
Bet You Didn't Know: This is the first time Syracuse, one of college basketball's traditional powers, has been a No. 1 seed since 1980.
EAST REGION
If there's a surprise here, it's that the No. 1 team assigned to this region is Kentucky, not Syracuse, which was shipped west. There's little doubt the Wildcats have the most talent in the region, but two of their top players - point guard John Wall (Raleigh) and forward DeMarcus Cousins - are freshmen. West Virginia made a case for being a top seed, too, after winning the Big East tournament this weekend. Kentucky's second-round matchup would be against one of two under-achieving teams - Texas or Wake Forest.
Upset Special: No. 11 Washington was a desperate team in winning the Pac 10 championship. That could carry over into its first-round game against sixth-seed Marquette.
Don't Overlook: Wofford, which is playing in its first NCAA tournament. The last time Wisconsin - the Terriers' first-round opponent - played a Southern Conference team in the tournament, the Badgers lost to Davidson.
Keep An Eye On: Clemson, which has made the past two NCAA tournaments, has also lost two straight. Look for the Tigers to at least make it to the second round by beating Missouri.
Seeded Too Low: Temple. The fifth-seed Owls were the class of the Atlantic 10 and could have been a slot or two higher. Would be tough regional semifinal matchup for Kentucky.
Bet You Didn't Know: Wofford forward Noah Dahlman works on the grounds crew at Carolina Panthers training camp in the summer. David Scott
SOUTH REGION
If you're a fan of top-seed Duke, you've got to feel pretty good about the Blue Devils' advancing to the regional final. If Duke gets Purdue in the regional semis, it will face a Boilermakers team without its top player, Robbie Hummel, who's out with a knee injury. Second-seed Villanova has superior guard play and could give Duke's Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith problems.
Upset Special: Siena over Purdue.
Don't overlook: St. Mary's.
Keep An Eye On: Notre Dame. The Irish are back in form with star forward Luke Harangody back in the lineup. Harangody missed several games with a bone bruise in his leg.
Bet You Didn't Know: Ryan Rossiter, Siena's all-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference forward, is the younger brother of Davidson's Steve Rossiter. David Scott
MIDWEST REGION
Kansas is the overall No. 1 seed of the tournament but there is no cakewalk to the Final Four in this region. Among the obstacles awaiting the Jayhawks in their quest for their second NCAA title in the last three seasons are Ohio State, which made a case for a No. 1 seed, and Georgetown, which made it to the final of the Big East tournament after knocking off another NCAA top seed, Syracuse.
Upset Special: San Diego State has been much overlooked but has been solid all season and just the type of team to give Tennessee problems.
Don't Overlook: The Ohio State Buckeyes have one loss since Jan. 23 and that was to Purdue. Junior forward Evan Turner is a beast (19.9 ppg, 9.1 rpg).
Keep An Eye On : Maryland. The Terrapins lost to Georgia Tech in the ACC tournament semifinals but have a late-season win over Duke, one of the top four NCAA seeds.
Seeded Too Low : Michigan State, no question. The Spartans deserved better than a five seed, but a Sweet 16 matchup with Kansas would make it better.
Bet You Didn't Know : The nation's leading scorer, 6-4 guard Aubrey Coleman (25.6 points a game) plays for the Tom Penders-coached Houston Cougars.
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