· Did not play with good fortune on our side against Pitt on Saturday …
· Ismael had one of the best games I’ve seen from a Syracuse wideout the last 20 years. He was the best WR on the field on Saturday and that is not meant as a slight toward Boyd, who is an All-American in my book. But for one game, #8 was slightly better than #23.
· We do really really need another WR to step up as a solid option. We need to make Ben Lewis (who I like and appreciate) our 3rd or 4th best option. Time for Custis or Enoicy to step forward.
· I think it might be time for J.Thomas to play on defense. Hodge just is not impacting the game in any fashion. Total non-factor unfortunately.
· Defensively, my eyes tell me we are VERY GOOD on first down, quite poor on second and long, and damn-near awful on third down. We force way too many 2nd & 12s or 2nd & 14s to stay on the field so long.
· I’d love to see Strickland play a little more, perhaps as a traditional running back?
· I am pro-Shafer/Lester/Bullough at present, but in the future, I want to see us go for the jugular when it applies. Up 7-3 and driving, beginning of 2nd quarter. We have to score a touchdown there to go up 14-3. That deficit would really changes things for Pitt. Call a trick play, whatever it takes.
· Not sure why people are so nonchalant about the Pitt series? Longstanding series, similar academic profile, proximity, lots of close games, good bit of recruiting cross over. I don’t mean this to be pessimistic, but we’re Syracuse, not Notre Dame. Why should this game not be a huge focus for players and fans alike? One of these teams is usually good and the other stinks. So, let’s get over the hump and talk sh-it when we do so. I think we beat then next year IMHO. And when we do, I am going to be sky high because they've been a real nemesis.
o 3 fumbles forced, none recovered.
o Pitt nails FG off the left upright.
o Our best offensive and defensive players get hurt on their first plays of the second half.
o Not related, but FSU losing (in grand fashion) at GT hinders our odds to go in an shock them (long got longer).
o Pitt nails FG off the left upright.
o Our best offensive and defensive players get hurt on their first plays of the second half.
o Not related, but FSU losing (in grand fashion) at GT hinders our odds to go in an shock them (long got longer).
· Ismael had one of the best games I’ve seen from a Syracuse wideout the last 20 years. He was the best WR on the field on Saturday and that is not meant as a slight toward Boyd, who is an All-American in my book. But for one game, #8 was slightly better than #23.
o Ismael’s drop on our final drive was a real killer, however. Changed the complexion of the game. He’ll win us more than a few before it is all said and done.
· We do really really need another WR to step up as a solid option. We need to make Ben Lewis (who I like and appreciate) our 3rd or 4th best option. Time for Custis or Enoicy to step forward.
· I think it might be time for J.Thomas to play on defense. Hodge just is not impacting the game in any fashion. Total non-factor unfortunately.
· Defensively, my eyes tell me we are VERY GOOD on first down, quite poor on second and long, and damn-near awful on third down. We force way too many 2nd & 12s or 2nd & 14s to stay on the field so long.
o I did think our secondary played an average to solid game on Saturday. Progress.
· I’d love to see Strickland play a little more, perhaps as a traditional running back?
· I am pro-Shafer/Lester/Bullough at present, but in the future, I want to see us go for the jugular when it applies. Up 7-3 and driving, beginning of 2nd quarter. We have to score a touchdown there to go up 14-3. That deficit would really changes things for Pitt. Call a trick play, whatever it takes.
o We had the same issue against UVa the prior week (up 7, kicked field goal, did not score again until OT). Easier said than done, but I don’t think we even attempted put the ball in the end zone in either instance.
· Not sure why people are so nonchalant about the Pitt series? Longstanding series, similar academic profile, proximity, lots of close games, good bit of recruiting cross over. I don’t mean this to be pessimistic, but we’re Syracuse, not Notre Dame. Why should this game not be a huge focus for players and fans alike? One of these teams is usually good and the other stinks. So, let’s get over the hump and talk sh-it when we do so. I think we beat then next year IMHO. And when we do, I am going to be sky high because they've been a real nemesis.
