Don't tell me it's a talent-deficiency problem...

[orangenirvana]

when we go toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the country with a fifth-string walk-on quarterback. A couple months from doing the same against LSU.

A team that is lacking talented players isn't capable of that. People seem to be glowing because we were relatively close to knocking off Clemson. And while I'm proud of the effort from the players, it just makes me that much more frustrated that this team is ranked in the 100's on both offense and defense and we've won a combined six games in two years.

People were riding high after the LSU loss, too - yet we followed it up by getting blown out by USF. Don't forget the horrid game management and puzzling decision-making that led to losses to Virginia and Pitt.

I'm willing to see how these final two games play out because I like Shafer and for the most part the kids play hard for him. But there are offensive wizards out there for the taking and we can't sit idly by while other schools take them because we're holding on to false hope that Shafer can be more than a 3-6 win coach.

This program is as healthy from a talent standpoint as it has been since the late 90's. And yet we're on the verge of back-to-back three win seasons and statistically we are Gergerian on both sides of the ball - Offense ranked #120 in yards per game, Defense ranked #106 in yards per game.

How are there people who are still okay with this?

 

[TheCusian]

when we go toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the country with a fifth-string walk-on quarterback. A couple months from doing the same against LSU. A team that is lacking talented players isn't capable of that. People seem to be glowing because we were relatively close to knocking off Clemson. And while I'm proud of the effort from the players, it just makes me that much more frustrated that this team is ranked in the 100's on both offense and defense and we've won a combined six games in two years. People were riding high after the LSU loss, too - yet we followed it up by getting blown out by USF. Don't forget the horrid game management and puzzling decision-making that led to losses to Virginia and Pitt. I'm willing to see how these final two games play out because I like Shafer and for the most part the kids play hard for him. But there are offensive wizards out there for the taking and we can't sit idly by while other schools take them because we're holding on to false hope that Shafer can be more than a 3-6 win coach. This program is as healthy from a talent standpoint as it has been since the late 90's. And yet we're on the verge of back-to-back three win seasons and statistically we are Gergerian on both sides of the ball - Offense ranked #120 in yards per game, Defense ranked #106 in yards per game. How are there people who are still okay with this?

1. I don't think even the most die hard Shafer supporter is "okay with this"... More likely that they see young players with talent competing inconsistently. (I'm in the camp that change should be made, but I see the argument)

2. I think the case for firing Shafer is stronger than the one to keep him. But people are allowed to be encouraged by the game Saturday either way. The OP reads like a "wait! I want to remind everyone that Shafer needs to be fired!" ... People haven't forgotten the awful stuff or the w-l record. And I'd bet that Coyle is looking at the big picture. Let it play out.

 

[xc84]

I don't think anyone really believes the level of talent on SU is near what Clemson has. However, I agree that Shafer has recruited some good talent in his 2.5 recruiting classes. No SU fan is "ok" with where the team is. That's a laughable statement.

 

[rrlbees]

SUs talent isn't close to Clemson no matter how the game went. You know lesser talent does sometimes rise to the occasion to play with a more talented team. Happens every single Saturday.

And yes we have talent. Much of it young talent. Young talent is often up and down.

 

[Millhouse]

when we go toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the country with a fifth-string walk-on quarterback. A couple months from doing the same against LSU.

A team that is lacking talented players isn't capable of that. People seem to be glowing because we were relatively close to knocking off Clemson. And while I'm proud of the effort from the players, it just makes me that much more frustrated that this team is ranked in the 100's on both offense and defense and we've won a combined six games in two years.

People were riding high after the LSU loss, too - yet we followed it up by getting blown out by USF. Don't forget the horrid game management and puzzling decision-making that led to losses to Virginia and Pitt.

I'm willing to see how these final two games play out because I like Shafer and for the most part the kids play hard for him. But there are offensive wizards out there for the taking and we can't sit idly by while other schools take them because we're holding on to false hope that Shafer can be more than a 3-6 win coach.

This program is as healthy from a talent standpoint as it has been since the late 90's. And yet we're on the verge of back-to-back three win seasons and statistically we are Gergerian on both sides of the ball - Offense ranked #120 in yards per game, Defense ranked #106 in yards per game.

How are there people who are still okay with this?

it's really hard to make sense of how the offense under lester is better against top 10 opponents.

 

[orangeinjersey]

when we go toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the country with a fifth-string walk-on quarterback. A couple months from doing the same against LSU.

A team that is lacking talented players isn't capable of that. People seem to be glowing because we were relatively close to knocking off Clemson. And while I'm proud of the effort from the players, it just makes me that much more frustrated that this team is ranked in the 100's on both offense and defense and we've won a combined six games in two years.

People were riding high after the LSU loss, too - yet we followed it up by getting blown out by USF. Don't forget the horrid game management and puzzling decision-making that led to losses to Virginia and Pitt.

I'm willing to see how these final two games play out because I like Shafer and for the most part the kids play hard for him. But there are offensive wizards out there for the taking and we can't sit idly by while other schools take them because we're holding on to false hope that Shafer can be more than a 3-6 win coach.

This program is as healthy from a talent standpoint as it has been since the late 90's. And yet we're on the verge of back-to-back three win seasons and statistically we are Gergerian on both sides of the ball - Offense ranked #120 in yards per game, Defense ranked #106 in yards per game.

How are there people who are still okay with this?

man of character

 

[Dcuse]

I don't understand posts like this. If ever there was a week to COMMEND the coaching staff, it was this week. You're out of your mind if you think our offense is comparable to Clemson's defense talent wise. Lester did a great job keeping them off balance resulting in more big plays than Clemson has given up ALL YEAR.

 

[Louie and Bouie]

Really? If you didn't see the talent difference out on the field than you need to move your seats closer to the field or get a newer television. They were bigger, faster and stronger at pretty much every position.

The talent gap between us and the upper echelon teams is real.

 

[elimunelson]

SUs talent isn't close to Clemson no matter how the game went. You know lesser talent does sometimes rise to the occasion to play with a more talented team. Happens every single Saturday.

And yes we have talent. Much of it young talent. Young talent is often up and down.

I agree with this. The key is the delta btw up and down and how the coach tries to minimize that delta. That is where I question SS. But I 100% agree that our talent vs their talent is night and day. The speed/size on the outside was incredible to see.

 

[Bayside44]

it's really hard to make sense of how the offense under lester is better against top 10 opponents.

He had a QB in those games can do one or two things well so they just focus on that.

 

[CusefanATL]

when we go toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the country with a fifth-string walk-on quarterback. A couple months from doing the same against LSU.

A team that is lacking talented players isn't capable of that. People seem to be glowing because we were relatively close to knocking off Clemson. And while I'm proud of the effort from the players, it just makes me that much more frustrated that this team is ranked in the 100's on both offense and defense and we've won a combined six games in two years.

People were riding high after the LSU loss, too - yet we followed it up by getting blown out by USF. Don't forget the horrid game management and puzzling decision-making that led to losses to Virginia and Pitt.

I'm willing to see how these final two games play out because I like Shafer and for the most part the kids play hard for him. But there are offensive wizards out there for the taking and we can't sit idly by while other schools take them because we're holding on to false hope that Shafer can be more than a 3-6 win coach.

This program is as healthy from a talent standpoint as it has been since the late 90's. And yet we're on the verge of back-to-back three win seasons and statistically we are Gergerian on both sides of the ball - Offense ranked #120 in yards per game, Defense ranked #106 in yards per game.

How are there people who are still okay with this?

Clemson came in and threw 50x including what, 20 wr screens? Why did they do that?

To get their athletes 1 on 1 with our athletes. And then methodically marched down the field everytime.

We had some big plays that led to turnovers and/or fg's but the team who had better players won that game.

 

[Millhouse]

the offense did a good job saturday and the yards per game ranking fell. i'm concerned that they're so bad in yards per game but 5.85 yards per play is good against Clemson, having short fields is a good thing. only ND and FSU have been better in yards per play against them (and not that much better)

 

[PhatOrange]

when we go toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the country with a fifth-string walk-on quarterback. A couple months from doing the same against LSU.

you could probably also say the same for the staff then. Don't tell me it's a coaching-deficiency problem...they went toe to toe with…

syracuse played admirably, hit hard, never quit and hung in there. It's the same theme all season. BUT 320 yards of offense. 550+ defense.

There is some talent (which most people can see) but it’s young and there’s not a lot of quality depth. It’s also not as big as Clemson. If you couldn’t see size differences in WR’s, DB’s, and LB’s then I’m not sure you were watching. Anyhow, young means inconsistent.

 

[Orijinal]

when we go toe-to-toe with the #1 team in the country with a fifth-string walk-on quarterback. A couple months from doing the same against LSU.

A team that is lacking talented players isn't capable of that. People seem to be glowing because we were relatively close to knocking off Clemson. And while I'm proud of the effort from the players, it just makes me that much more frustrated that this team is ranked in the 100's on both offense and defense and we've won a combined six games in two years.

People were riding high after the LSU loss, too - yet we followed it up by getting blown out by USF. Don't forget the horrid game management and puzzling decision-making that led to losses to Virginia and Pitt.

I'm willing to see how these final two games play out because I like Shafer and for the most part the kids play hard for him. But there are offensive wizards out there for the taking and we can't sit idly by while other schools take them because we're holding on to false hope that Shafer can be more than a 3-6 win coach.

This program is as healthy from a talent standpoint as it has been since the late 90's. And yet we're on the verge of back-to-back three win seasons and statistically we are Gergerian on both sides of the ball - Offense ranked #120 in yards per game, Defense ranked #106 in yards per game.

How are there people who are still okay with this?

Maybe you THINK Syracuse doesn't have a talent deficiency because the coaching staff actually did a pretty good job against LSU and Clemson.

Geesh ...

 

[OrangePA]

Really? If you didn't see the talent difference out on the field than you need to move your seats closer to the field or get a newer television. They were bigger, faster and stronger at pretty much every position.

The talent gap between us and the upper echelon teams is real.

I'm not sure I have ever seen before a 6' 5" 220 pound safety.

Clemson was as impressive physically as any team I have seen.

 

[orangecuse]

SUs talent isn't close to Clemson no matter how the game went. You know lesser talent does sometimes rise to the occasion to play with a more talented team. Happens every single Saturday.

And yes we have talent. Much of it young talent. Young talent is often up and down.

Completely agree on the talent discrepancy, but not the youth argument. Clemson's stud QB I believe is a soph, many of Clemson's playmakers are young too, as are many other programs with better talent.

 

[orangenirvana]

Maybe you THINK Syracuse doesn't have a talent deficiency because the coaching staff actually did a pretty good job against LSU and Clemson.

It would be nice if the the coaches did "a pretty good job" against all of the teams on the schedule and not just the two we have little chance of beating.

Really? If you didn't see the talent difference out on the field than you need to move your seats closer to the field or get a newer television. They were bigger, faster and stronger at pretty much every position.

The talent gap between us and the upper echelon teams is real.

If you couldn’t see size differences in WR’s, DB’s, and LB’s then I’m not sure you were watching. Anyhow, young means inconsistent.

When did I say Syracuse and Clemson have the same talent level?

In no way, shape or form do I think Clemson's and Syracuse's talent are on the same level. I never expect that to be the case, and it certainly isn't now.

My point is that there are a few who have been conveniently playing the bare cupboard card during this entire losing streak as reason for so many losses the last two years. And while the talent level still needs to improve, it's not nearly the issue it was 5-10 years ago.

And youth is not the reason for back-to-back 3 loss seasons and horrible statistical rankings. Every program in the nation plays freshmen and sophomores.

 

[MadisonCuse]

My wife even remarked about how much more physically imposing Clemson is compared to the Syracuse roster. Their Wr's had like 6 inches and 30 pounds on our dbs.

 

[RMH44]

Maybe you THINK Syracuse doesn't have a talent deficiency because the coaching staff actually did a pretty good job against LSU and Clemson.

Geesh ...

Dabo even mentioned that SU schemed well against their defense. There was a lot of misdirection on the long runs.

 

[rrlbees]

It would be nice if the the coaches did "a pretty good job" against all of the teams on the schedule and not just the two we have little chance of beating. When did I say Syracuse and Clemson have the same talent level? In no way, shape or form do I think Clemson's and Syracuse's talent are on the same level. I never expect that to be the case, and it certainly isn't now. My point is that there are a few who have been conveniently playing the bare cupboard card during this entire losing streak as reason for so many losses the last two years. And while the talent level still needs to improve, it's not nearly the issue it was 5-10 years ago. And youth is not the reason for back-to-back 3 loss seasons and horrible statistical rankings. Every program in the nation plays freshmen and sophomores.

Every team might play freshman and sophomores but in aggregate I think we play more than most and when comparing to a Clemson, their young guys are far superior and not as susceptible to large fluctuations in ups and downs.

 

[upperdeck]

if we had a function oline things you could do more with what we have. it would be nice if one time all year we actually ran the ball down the field in 10-12 play drive, its nice we confuse the D once in awhile and break runs, but have we gone 4-5 runs in a row this year with positive yardage. we are like under 10% on plays need 2 yds if the RB gets the ball and most if the time we go backwards if the D even thinks a run is coming. thats what is killing the offense more than anything.. first down at the 3 is a crap shoot we have seen time after time.. you shouldn't have to hope the qb can fake out the DE to score at the goal line every time.

 

[GoSU96]

1. The OP didn't say SU's talent was close to Clemson, the point was comparing SU's current roster to recent SU rosters. 1-85 it is incrementally improving year after year.

2. Really hard to reconcile the level of play Sat with USF through Lville.

3. Whoever is coaching next year is going to have a good team to work with.

 

[Pyle]

1. The OP didn't say SU's talent was close to Clemson, the point was comparing SU's current roster to recent SU rosters. 1-85 it is incrementally improving year after year.

2. Really hard to reconcile the level of play Sat with USF through Lville.

3. Whoever is coaching next year is going to have a good team to work with.

It's really not that hard to reconcile #2. We've played pretty well at home and not so much on the road. I think youth has alot to do with that.

 

[PhatOrange]

It would be nice if the the coaches did "a pretty good job" against all of the teams on the schedule and not just the two we have little chance of beating.


When did I say Syracuse and Clemson have the same talent level?

And youth is not the reason for back-to-back 3 loss seasons and horrible statistical rankings. Every program in the nation plays freshmen and sophomores.

You didn’t but I compared it to Clemson because while someone like Cordy is a decent talent he’s a smurf compared to his Clemson counterpart. I agree the team's talent has improved. I can't say i've seen anybody playing the no talent card. more the youth card.

And yes, other teams play freshman and sophomores, but they don’t rely on them to carry the team.

 

[Ringostar57]

Two years in a row 10 points within Clemson. Kudos.