While it seems we are moving the ball better this year, lack of penalties is obviously having an effect as well. Last year, a false start or an illegal formation that would turn 1st and 10 into 1st and 15 would automatically get Riley over in front of the net to warm up the leg.
Baylor and Oregon should start at 1st and 20 every time anyway just to level the playing field. Syracuse has nowhere near the offensive capability of either of those teams that you mentioned and just can't afford to gift opponents yardage and field position.
The only penalty I would like to see committed with any regularity at this point is PI. Julian had the right idea when he got burnt deep on Saturday, Just need to make sure the receiver doesn't catch the ball...