Concerns

[RF2044]

The one argument that I don't buy is the "They ran a defense we didn't have time to prepare for". Yes, that may mess you up for a quarter or a half but that is why you have coaches up in the booth making adjustments. We adjusted (somewhat) by going to the screen, etc..

It doesn't explain the miscommunication between Tommy & the WRs throughout the game. Jitters, timing off, missed practices - that makes more sense.

You're right -- it doesn't explain the miscommunication.

But I think you are significantly underestimating the impact of making those adjustments without the team practicing to execute them -- Dino covered this in detail during his post-game press conference. There is a difference between the coaches identifying / making the correct technical adjustment, and the team executing adjustments that they didn't prepare to run during the course of the week, which was the result of not knowing what Liberty was going to do.

It won't be the case on a go-forward basis, because the staff will have film and will know what to expect.

 

[upperdeck]

if you dont have film or practice against a D then you can make adjustment but when most of your route tree is post snap you have to be on the same page on what you are seeing. this isnt as simple as run 10 yds and turn left. add in a kid that you never threw too last yr because he was mostly scout team guy.

Trust between QB and WR isnt easy to learn.. Why do some pro QBs throw to the same guy so often.. Because he knows where he will be and that matters when you are throwing before the break.

Eric threw to a couple guys like that,, the rest was post break throws and throws to less option routes.

 

[Timonen]

I think the media and fans say it much more than a few coaches. It sounds good and is a good air filler.

Eh, we’re digressing but there’s a ton of logic behind it. You don’t really understand your team from practices and scrimmages. You learn from seeing them full speed against a true opponent.

I coach little kid soccer and it’s the same thing every season. We practice what we should. Then the first game happens and highlights where the focus should be moving forward. All prep is infinity more grounded in reality after the first game which translates into more rapid improvement in the areas that matter most. That’s just common sense.

 

[Pyle]

Top 10 Things I'm more concerned about than TD's first start on the road in 90 degree heat with WRs who missed most of camp:

10. I only have enough creamer in the work fridge for 1 more cup of coffee
9. My friend is getting married on Sat(not me, just a friend)
8. My dog is getting old
7. I think I need to bite the bullet and buy a couple pair of work pants
.
.
.
David Letterman I am not but I think you get the idea.....

 

[PhatOrange]

The one argument that I don't buy is the "They ran a defense we didn't have time to prepare for". Yes, that may mess you up for a quarter or a half but that is why you have coaches up in the booth making adjustments. We adjusted (somewhat) by going to the screen, etc..

It doesn't explain the miscommunication between Tommy & the WRs throughout the game. Jitters, timing off, missed practices - that makes more sense.

I don't buy that either but if it was that much of a problem I would expect most of our opponents to now play the same defense as Liberty did.

 

[orangecuse]

The insecurity of this fan base never ceases to amaze me. Devito is going to be fine. SU will still win at least nine games. Teams have won national championships with far worse talents at QB and our defense and RBs can compete with all the top teams.

This defense is legit and will show that once again on Saturday. It will take time for this offense as it is a completely different animal with Tommy’s skill set in comparison to Eric’s. Good thing half the players on defense will play on Sundays.

If I had a dollar for every time an SU fan thought the sky was falling because of one rough performance (basketball or football) I’d be a rich man.

Since you're referencing coin, along with your sentiment, I'm sure you've taken your apparent confidence and placed your money where your mouth is?

 

[PhatOrange]

I'm more concerned with our wideouts and I really didn't like Tristin Jackson's on screen body language and apparent griping throughout the game. His outward frustration wreaked of a bad teammate so I really hope I was seeing things or he bottles that up.

I didn't really feel like we had a WR threat and Harris looked skinnier to me this season if that's possible. The kid on Liberty's squad would be our #1.

I do believe DeVito had jitters in his first start and suspect he'll calm down once the game slows down for him a little. Would be nice if we can have a consistent run game. Without Moe's 42 yarder, our RB's 3.5 yards per rush against Liberty doesn't have me feeling warm and fuzzy. Why can't we run better? LVille tore up ND last night running a zone scheme.

I just want to add to I'm still PO'd at that cheap shot from the DB against DeVito. That sht is uncalled for and targeting or not kid's should be ejected for it. The only intent there is to hurt somebody. Ridiculous. I would've been fine if one of our lineman smashed that kid.

 

[OrangeinBoston]

I'm more concerned with our wideouts and I really didn't like Tristin Jackson's on screen body language and apparent griping throughout the game. His outward frustration wreaked of a bad teammate so I really hope I was seeing things or he bottles that up.

I didn't really feel like we had a WR threat and Harris looked skinnier to me this season if that's possible. The kid on Liberty's squad would be our #1.

I do believe DeVito had jitters in his first start and suspect he'll calm down once the game slows down for him a little. Would be nice if we can have a consistent run game. Without Moe's 42 yarder, our RB's 3.5 yards per rush against Liberty doesn't have me feeling warm and fuzzy. Why can't we run better? LVille tore up ND last night running a zone scheme.

I just want to add to I'm still PO'd at that cheap shot from the DB against DeV'ito. That sht is uncalled for and targeting or not kid's should be ejected for it. Ridiculous.

Two things: The camera work on the broadcast was terrible. You couldn't really see what the WRs were doing. So, it's hard to know if the body language was inappropriate, or Jackson was justifiably frustrated.

Running game: Where is Jordan? We need something other than run it up the middle and hope it works. Jordan supposedly is lightning fast. If so, that would diversify the running attack.

 

[Sudano]

I think many of these worries are warranted and will be proven false eventually.

We all think that, but we don't exactly know when that eventually is. Is it for the MD game or sometime next year? No one knows. That's where the concern lies in the specific.

 

[SoBristol]

Yes - what was that mystery defense? That an opponent looked at Devito’s deep passing vs NC and tried to double that? Shocker.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Running game: Where is Jordan? We need something other than run it up the middle and hope it works. Jordan supposedly is lightning fast. If so, that would diversify the running attack.

Secret weapon who we may see this week. No idea what his conditioning was coming into camp but if we do run 2 back sets could negate his lack of familiarity with blocking schemes and get him on the field for tosses, sweeps, and screens. We sand bagged the first game badly play book and personnel wise IMO.

 

[Sudano]

I'm more concerned with our wideouts and I really didn't like Tristin Jackson's on screen body language and apparent griping throughout the game. His outward frustration wreaked of a bad teammate so I really hope I was seeing things or he bottles that up.

I didn't really feel like we had a WR threat and Harris looked skinnier to me this season if that's possible. The kid on Liberty's squad would be our #1.

I do believe DeVito had jitters in his first start and suspect he'll calm down once the game slows down for him a little. Would be nice if we can have a consistent run game. Without Moe's 42 yarder, our RB's 3.5 yards per rush against Liberty doesn't have me feeling warm and fuzzy. Why can't we run better? LVille tore up ND last night running a zone scheme.

I just want to add to I'm still PO'd at that cheap shot from the DB against DeVito. That sht is uncalled for and targeting or not kid's should be ejected for it. The only intent there is to hurt somebody. Ridiculous. I would've been fine if one of our lineman smashed that kid.

While I agree with you overall sentiment. We did just run one play against them. Devito never kept the ball despite the easy read and fact that their unblocked DE was crashing the run.
I've always disliked the slide for the college QB. Running QBs are so important to the college game to pick up critical 3rd downs. Learn how to have glancing tackles going forward so you're protected. The slide is basically saying crush me once to get me out of the game while I'm unprotected for a 15 yard penalty. Its a good trade off for many teams. Some people think the slide keeps QBs safe while I think the slide makes you're QB mor vulnerable to that one A-hole cheap shot.

 

[ImperialOrange]

The thread has evolved that way, but I didn't read the OP that way. Rather, the OP seemed to posit that TD was/is not very good and everyone's expectations are way too high for a single-skilled (deep ball) QB.

Could be but TD can throw the entire route tree, just needs to check down or throw balls away. Cam Dantley isn't walking through that door again...

Think it's a mentality thing and I love having confidence behind center. Just needs to learn that every ball can't go for 20+ yards and I have confidence he'll do that starting this week. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the an room this week, imagine he's being told sometimes the best throws are the ones you don't make. Get to the next down and try again type of thing

 

[gmoney44]

You are right about the one that was almost a pick six.
I wouldn't say every pass that went further then the line of scrimmage was bad, he had a few that hit the WRs right in the hands and then where dropped
His first pass to Hackett was on the money
I get he had a bad game but lets not take it extremes

Don’t sugar coat it, he played like Shyt and I bet he would be the first one to say it. He’ll learn from it and be better. I’m not concerned.

 

[Sudano]

Eh, we’re digressing but there’s a ton of logic behind it. You don’t really understand your team from practices and scrimmages. You learn from seeing them full speed against a true opponent.

I coach little kid soccer and it’s the same thing every season. We practice what we should. Then the first game happens and highlights where the focus should be moving forward. All prep is infinity more grounded in reality after the first game which translates into more rapid improvement in the areas that matter most. That’s just common sense.

I have seen teams start to get it right during 1st game, 2nd game, 3rd game, 4th game...etc.
Each team has it's own identity. The most improvement doesn't always just happen between games 1 and 2. There are also many variables to the specific improvements depending on issue and opponent. That's why I like the idea of playing 2 weak opponents preferably at home to get the kinks out. Unfortunately we don't have that luxury this year.

 

[Sudano]

Don’t sugar coat it, he played like Shyt and I beat he would be the first one to say it. He’ll learn from it and be better. I’m not concerned.

Better yes. But good enough to beat Maryland on the road next game? That I'm not absolutely sure of.

 

[TheCusian]

The one argument that I don't buy is the "They ran a defense we didn't have time to prepare for". Yes, that may mess you up for a quarter or a half but that is why you have coaches up in the booth making adjustments. We adjusted (somewhat) by going to the screen, etc..

It doesn't explain the miscommunication between Tommy & the WRs throughout the game. Jitters, timing off, missed practices - that makes more sense.

I don’t think it’s any one thing - it’s a bunch of compounding things

 

[Sudano]

Secret weapon who we may see this week. No idea what his conditioning was coming into camp but if we do run 2 back sets could negate his lack of familiarity with blocking schemes and get him on the field for tosses, sweeps, and screens. We sand bagged the first game badly play book and personnel wise IMO.

If he was good enough last week he would have played. We don't hold out players as secret weapons.
Dino said it himself. We don't play personnel games. If they are good enough they will play.

 

[FRANKIEFAN]

No concerns as that game was on the road with Tommy and his receivers collectively showed no improvement with the big physical guys looking like massive losses. Dino will be opening up the playbook this week for him I'll judge him on this game. Not surprised Maryland moved to favorites.

The WRs IDK the lack of 'stars' was glaring lets see if they can step up but Riley looked like the same guy who fumbled vs MTSU, Taj too skinny for a bigger role, Trish not good enough to get on the field at his old school.

I'll judge the OL on how they do in a reversed situation when they aren't expected to dominate and they just need hang in there and not suck against 2 talented teams the next 2 weeks.

I sure as hope the D don't think they accomplished anything or read this forum that performance is just as meaningless as Marylands O hanging 79 on Howard.

 

[721Comstock]

While I agree with you overall sentiment. We did just run one play against them. Devito never kept the ball despite the easy read and fact that their unblocked DE was crashing the run.
I've always disliked the slide for the college QB. Running QBs are so important to the college game to pick up critical 3rd downs. Learn how to have glancing tackles going forward so you're protected. The slide is basically saying crush me once to get me out of the game while I'm unprotected for a 15 yard penalty. Its a good trade off for many teams. Some people think the slide keeps QBs safe while I think the slide makes you're QB mor vulnerable to that one A-hole cheap shot.

RB’s never slide.
They mostly seem able to avoid the killer big hits.

While none of us wants Tommy going Full Dungey, I certainly hope he'll take more of those gimmes in the RPO game when they are handed to him like that.

It’s not much of an option threat if he NEVER actually runs it himself.

I’m hoping that was by design the first week, so the Twerps will also sell out on him handing off to the RB every time, and he’ll be able to make some big plays.

 

[TheCusian]

I don't buy that either but if it was that much of a problem I would expect most of our opponents to now play the same defense as Liberty did.

Those that think they can, will try. But we got practices all week and I wouldn’t tempt Dino like that

 

[Sudano]

Top 10 Things I'm more concerned about than TD's first start on the road in 90 degree heat with WRs who missed most of camp:

10. I only have enough creamer in the work fridge for 1 more cup of coffee
9. My friend is getting married on Sat(not me, just a friend)
8. My dog is getting old
7. I think I need to bite the bullet and buy a couple pair of work pants
.
.
.
David Letterman I am not but I think you get the idea...

It wasn't 90 degrees and not all missed most of camp. 1 x missed most of camp and the other missed some of camp.

 

[gmoney44]

Better yes. But good enough to beat Maryland on the road next game? That I'm not absolutely sure of.

I’m not sure it’s enough either. I have watched Syracuse drop the game before the big game for so long, to include the McNabb era that I will believe it when I see it. I think Dino can reverse the curse but I’m still squeamish going into this one.

 

[rocklloyd]

Never realized how much I missed this banter over the last months. One can only spend so much time looking at recruiting board in off season.

 

[alphaorange]

I've gotten a kick out of the mystery defense excuse that's popped up.

I don't understand why this is so hard to comprehend, even after Babers explained it. Yes, the coaches make adjustments, as they should. The players. however, have to try to recognize situations and then react to them in a split second. Being told what to look for and what to do is completely different than being out there and doing it when you might never have seen it before. You assume these guys should automatically be able to do what they are told...on the fly...and with no experience. To me, that's just crazy.