Don't Look Now But...

[qdawgg]

I think what Orange PA is Trying to say is that people looking at the schedule and the first two weeks who are now calling for 9 or 10 wins are getting ahead of themselves when you look at the quality of the opponent of the first two games. I think SU save for the 3rd quarter dominated WMU but some of that momentum was lost when Michigan promptly buried them 49-3 or whatever it was. I thought the Wagner game was a good sign after some of the close calls we have had ie Nova, Stony Brook etc but again I think its clear this SU team is better then those versions who struggled so burying a clearly inferior Wagner team while certainly positive doesn't in my mind foreshadow a highly successful season.

I am not insinuating that we shouldn't root for a 9 or 10 win season or that people can't be excited ( I sure as hell am) but I think people also need to pump the brakes a bit. Now its certainly not everyone but this does feel a bit like after CLemson last year when people were talking about bowl games and running the table and we preceded to lose out. I think if this team can get to 6-6 / 7-5 and really take that next step, it would be huge for a program that coming off back to back 4-8 seasons where we were completely noncompetitive in November. UNC and Pitt clearly have issues and Lville is far from the LVille of 2 years ago so the opportunities are there for the taking especially if Dungey stays healthy and these young guys come on as we think they will. But we also have our own issues at WR, LB and giving up chunk plays/scores on Defense. We will have a much better idea where we stand with those 3 areas after Saturday but the road is there for this team to get to a bowl which is the real goal here.

My thoughts exactly. The questions we have are pretty game breakers. I can see these things being improved or being issues all season long. It's way too early to know.

People are talking about how the teams on our schedule are in down years, that definitely seems to be true. But that doesn't instantly elevate our position over teams who have been routinely beating us. We still haven't proved anything, including this year just because of "output" against 2 OOC teams.

This game is huge for many reasons but I think most importantly is to show we have gotten far enough that we can beat ACC teams that don't seem to be as strong as normal. We haven't consistently shown we can win these types of games. Whether it's down years or teams with serious injuries themselves.

 

[PhatOrange]

I think what Orange PA is Trying to say is that people looking at the schedule and the first two weeks who are now calling for 9 or 10 wins are getting ahead of themselves when you look at the quality of the opponent of the first two games. I think SU save for the 3rd quarter dominated WMU but some of that momentum was lost when Michigan promptly buried them 49-3 or whatever it was. I thought the Wagner game was a good sign after some of the close calls we have had ie Nova, Stony Brook etc but again I think its clear this SU team is better then those versions who struggled so burying a clearly inferior Wagner team while certainly positive doesn't in my mind foreshadow a highly successful season.

I am not insinuating that we shouldn't root for a 9 or 10 win season or that people can't be excited ( I sure as hell am) but I think people also need to pump the brakes a bit. Now its certainly not everyone but this does feel a bit like after CLemson last year when people were talking about bowl games and running the table and we preceded to lose out. I think if this team can get to 6-6 / 7-5 and really take that next step, it would be huge for a program that coming off back to back 4-8 seasons where we were completely noncompetitive in November. UNC and Pitt clearly have issues and Lville is far from the LVille of 2 years ago so the opportunities are there for the taking especially if Dungey stays healthy and these young guys come on as we think they will. But we also have our own issues at WR, LB and giving up chunk plays/scores on Defense. We will have a much better idea where we stand with those 3 areas after Saturday but the road is there for this team to get to a bowl which is the real goal here.

Well said. Agree 1000%

 

[GoSU96]

I think what Orange PA is Trying to say is that people looking at the schedule and the first two weeks who are now calling for 9 or 10 wins are getting ahead of themselves when you look at the quality of the opponent of the first two games. I think SU save for the 3rd quarter dominated WMU but some of that momentum was lost when Michigan promptly buried them 49-3 or whatever it was. I thought the Wagner game was a good sign after some of the close calls we have had ie Nova, Stony Brook etc but again I think its clear this SU team is better then those versions who struggled so burying a clearly inferior Wagner team while certainly positive doesn't in my mind foreshadow a highly successful season.

I am not insinuating that we shouldn't root for a 9 or 10 win season or that people can't be excited ( I sure as hell am) but I think people also need to pump the brakes a bit. Now its certainly not everyone but this does feel a bit like after CLemson last year when people were talking about bowl games and running the table and we preceded to lose out. I think if this team can get to 6-6 / 7-5 and really take that next step, it would be huge for a program that coming off back to back 4-8 seasons where we were completely noncompetitive in November. UNC and Pitt clearly have issues and Lville is far from the LVille of 2 years ago so the opportunities are there for the taking especially if Dungey stays healthy and these young guys come on as we think they will. But we also have our own issues at WR, LB and giving up chunk plays/scores on Defense. We will have a much better idea where we stand with those 3 areas after Saturday but the road is there for this team to get to a bowl which is the real goal here.

Yep

 

[Phillymoose]

The almost surreal phenomenon of the team falling apart without Dungey under center, both offensively and defensively, is the x factor here. Every game is winnable with him playing and healthy, and every game losable without him. He means that much to us. I am not in the business of predicting his health (other than to occasionally mock those who declared his career over 2+ years ago), but I'll keep my fingers crossed.

One last factor. Our stud QB was not running wild/recklessly in the Wagner game. I believe the gameplan called for him to stay mostly out of harms way. We got a little lucky on the the first 2 TD's - ok A LOT lucky, but the way we won not only preserved him for FSU but I think also allowed us to keep it pretty vanilla. For better or worse, FSU is going to get the full force of our QB and playbook on Sat. - so we should also have that going for us... which is nice.

 

[OrangeTarheel]

Will agree with optimism but only because the offense seems to score sometimes in spite of itself. The Wagner game showed us options at WR behind Butler and Riley as well as a new option at RB. We are blessed with talent on offense.

I also get not buying in. So many years and years of offense that left you hoping for just one first down or screaming at too many penalties. Or Dungey getting injured and leaving us with a serious drop in leadership/talent.

Injuries will happen this year. If we lose Dungey does everyone feel as good about the season? He toned down his running game against Wagner, do you think he will do that against Florida State? How about Clemson? He needs to roam free and that exposes him to injury ... Is Devito ready to step in?

 

[CanadianSU]

Defence isn't a ten win team at this moment... however I like it

 

[djorange1989]

This is a bowl team with a healthy Dungey. The thing that worries me about FSU is that they looked like hot garbage before we played them last year. We lost. Yeah it was close and yeah Dungey was playing with a broken hoof and we still took it to the wire. But remember also that Francois didn’t play last year. We absolutely can beat them, long wait until Saturday! If we can get to 3-0 that means 4-0(U Conn is horrific) and that would be awesome

 

[jgeorge322]

can we lock dino into a new contract NOW

 

[bevosu]

Too many unknowns to boost my optimism. We really haven't beaten anyone yet.

I think we have a chance to beat a so so Fla State team, but unless we beat them convincingly I'll still curb my enthusiasm for where we are...but I love Dungey.

We've got to develop some dependable receivers and a respectable running game.

The potential weakness of some of our future opponents is a plus.

 

[SoBeCuse]

I fault no one for thinking we can get to X number of wins. You could be right. I don't know yet how good the D is or isn't. It's great to be 2-0 with a real shot of beating FSU. That's what I know.

Can we cover the athletes that FSU has in spades? Do we have the speed to get to the edge in run support? Can we get enough from the inside run game on O? We will know a lot more after Saturday.

Right. I’m feeling better about our chances but lots needs to happen to beat FSU. They are still figuring things out also. Dungey ain’t running for 200 against those athletes. This means we MUST run the ball somehow with our backs. Can we? Can we get some separation with our WRs? Stopping big plays on D and handling them 1-on-1 in space? Gotta fly to the ball as a team. Last year has no bearing on this year. Hoping Pierce can get his act together for this one.

 

[rocklloyd]

I think we need to play as fast as we ever played to throw them off. While we’ve been running a lot of plays, it does not feel like we’ve been trying to push tempo as hard as I think we can

 

[Finwad32]

Our offense is our offense, we'll score to some degree. The real trick IMO, this week, is how are we going to handle their offense.

If we can get pressure on Francoise with the Front 4 and contain the run, look out.
If we need to manufacture pressure with 5 or 6, the risk/reward is high.

 

[qdawgg]

Right. I’m feeling better about our chances but lots needs to happen to beat FSU. They are still figuring things out also. Dungey ain’t running for 200 against those athletes. This means we MUST run the ball somehow with our backs. Can we? Can we get some separation with our WRs? Stopping big plays on D and handling them 1-on-1 in space? Gotta fly to the ball as a team. Last year has no bearing on this year. Hoping Pierce can get his act together for this one.

That's what worries me about this game, teams always seem to figure things out when they play us, for years. Just when we think we're playing them at the right time. Also, if ED isn't able to run as easily and we struggle passing the ball, obviously the running game is going to suffer too.

FSU might find their offense while we struggle with ours. I hope not. We could crush them but I'm waiting to see before projecting anything.

 

[SmilinBob]

Our offense is our offense, we'll score to some degree. The real trick IMO, this week, is how are we going to handle their offense.

If we can get pressure on Francoise with the Front 4 and contain the run, look out.
If we need to manufacture pressure with 5 or 6, the risk/reward is high.

I agree...that's it in a nutshell unless the SU offense runs the ball (RB wise) at a 5 per clip and can hold onto the ball for a large part of the game. Is Francoise going to be able to pick apart the DB with SU rushing just the 4 and if he is, like you said, bring 5 or 6 and leave a big play opportunity out there with their speedsters. Akers worries me as well with blitzes/breaking one long and the cut backs good RB's seem to do vs SU far too often.

 

[elimunelson]

can we lock dino into a new contract NOW

I've said it ad nauseum but a new contract won't prevent the REAL money from coming in and poaching him no matter what. He's either in and the money is what it is or he's Tom O'Brien looking for the next gig up the ladder. I think he's the former FWIW but a new contract and shiny new years won't prevent a bigger school from always offering more money.

I use the example of David Shaw. He could have an NFL job if he wanted to pursue it. He's happy at Stanford and i'm sure he isn't maximizing his earning power there. He's happy there and they are happy with him.

 

[CousCuse]

I've said it ad nauseum but a new contract won't prevent the REAL money from coming in and poaching him no matter what. He's either in and the money is what it is or he's Tom O'Brien looking for the next gig up the ladder. I think he's the former FWIW but a new contract and shiny new years won't prevent a bigger school from always offering more money.

I use the example of David Shaw. He could have an NFL job if he wanted to pursue it. He's happy at Stanford and i'm sure he isn't maximizing his earning power there. He's happy there and they are happy with him.

He makes 3.9 million on the books, plus all the silicon valley insider stock and real estate dealings that I.m sure they cut him in on.

 

[#FRANchise]

I've said it ad nauseum but a new contract won't prevent the REAL money from coming in and poaching him no matter what. He's either in and the money is what it is or he's Tom O'Brien looking for the next gig up the ladder. I think he's the former FWIW but a new contract and shiny new years won't prevent a bigger school from always offering more money.

I use the example of David Shaw. He could have an NFL job if he wanted to pursue it. He's happy at Stanford and i'm sure he isn't maximizing his earning power there. He's happy there and they are happy with him.

I'm not well versed in this, but couldn't a new contract also mean a large buyout clause? So even if he does get 10 wins and bail, at least we get some money from the poaching school?

 

[GoSU96]

I'm not well versed in this, but couldn't a new contract also mean a large buyout clause? So even if he does get 10 wins and bail, at least we get some money from the poaching school?

Who says there's not one now?

Dino has a good deal, all he has to do is coach.

 

[Cuse12]

Dino is 57 years old, and likely would be offered by schools who want some sort of rebuild so to speak. Dino understands at a P5 school that rebuild is strenuous and not as quick as in the G5, so is he ready to do this all over again? Or is he content with riding the wave he built here? Does he want to go somewhere he has to play 12 games in the elements which can effect his greatest srength, the up tempo offense?

I just find it hard to believe he would want to take on another rebuild at this point.

Now, if he is offered by a school like FSU who is already loaded with talent (ex. Taggert) then I have no clue. I just hope he stays for the long haul and this community starts getting behind the football program. If we are consistently good not occasionally great like Dino says, thats all that is needed for this town to show up.

Lastly, the job security here is much higher then at a school where winning 10 games is not good enough (Georgia, etc.) It is much more comfortable here I would say, then at other programs.

 

[TheCusian]

I think we need to play as fast as we ever played to throw them off. While we’ve been running a lot of plays, it does not feel like we’ve been trying to push tempo as hard as I think we can

This is right. Somehow it feels like we haven't hit the tempo we're capable of yet.

 

[SUskibum]

Right. I’m feeling better about our chances but lots needs to happen to beat FSU. They are still figuring things out also. Dungey ain’t running for 200 against those athletes. This means we MUST run the ball somehow with our backs. Can we? Can we get some separation with our WRs? Stopping big plays on D and handling them 1-on-1 in space? Gotta fly to the ball as a team. Last year has no bearing on this year. Hoping Pierce can get his act together for this one.

Dungey ran for 109 yards and a TD on a broken foot last year against “those athletes”

Also chipped in 278 and 2tds through the air (foot still broken)

In Tallahassee

 

[AirForceOrange]

I think there is more pressure on FSU to win this game then there is SU to win. Down here in FSU country, I have seen tweets, etc. that if FSU loses to SU then the fans should march to Doak Campbell and demand that Taggart be fired. He has only coached two games and the hot seat for him is a full on inferno already. So IMO either FSU will play very tight and cave under the pressure or they will be out to prove themselves and try to save their coach's job.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

I would still take 6-6 right now. I think the ceiling is 8 but will happily sign up for 6, hoping for 7.

 

[elimunelson]

I would still take 6-6 right now. I think the ceiling is 8 but will happily sign up for 6, hoping for 7.

This game will be the one where i decide that. If we win and smell 5-1 i think we can aim higher. If we lose this one, we'll be staring at 2-2 and what we really are. Next two games are almost as much about staying healthy as they are about the wins. If we can get through this gauntlet w Dungey upright we'll have a shot vs the weaker ACC teams.

 

[RF2044]

This game will be the one where i decide that. If we win and smell 5-1 i think we can aim higher. If we lose this one, we'll be staring at 2-2 and what we really are. Next two games are almost as much about staying healthy as they are about the wins. If we can get through this gauntlet w Dungey upright we'll have a shot vs the weaker ACC teams.

We play Uconn after FSU -- there's no way we'd start 2-2, even with a loss Saturday. Did you mean 3-2 [with Clemson being the next game]?