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Message: [QUOTE="Powellfan, post: 2963967, member: 4819"] A lot of energy spent discussing the big venue change, but not yet a lot of talk about the actual game. This is a big one, as a win would give the Orange a top 5 victory and an all important conference feather in their cap. I'll forgo going through all the different position battles and get to the point. My biggest concern this game is the SU close defense against the Duke attack. Both units are "unconventional" and it's hard to see who will have the upper hand on Sunday. After the Rutgers game I am a bit concerned that SU is unable to match-up its best defender (Mellen) against the opposing team's top threat because of deficiencies elsewhere. I don't know if Cunningham and Bomberry have the speed to match-up with Duke's shiftier attackmen in Robertson and Manown. Mellen will surely take one of them (my guess Robertson) but that means perhaps Duke's best attackman (Smith) will be guarded by I am guessing Cunningham. Will Bomberry have the wheels to keep up with Manown? Is this the game where Desko decides to shake things up and move Kennendy down low? On the other side of the field Duke has two very good defensemen who I imagine will be guarding Rhefuss and Solomon. That said the strength of the SU offense has been its dexterity and ability to beat the opposing team all over the field. The benefits of having no "go-to-guy" is that anyone can step up at any time. Duke could perhaps move their star defensemen up top (one or both) but I think the attack, while certainly not world beaters, would create big matchup problems if that were to happen. Also, while the Duke defense is quite good, the silver lining is the goalie has a sub 50 save percentage. SU offense will need to be more consistent as the Duke FOGO's are doing quite well this year - Smyth has an over 60 winning percentage. Syracuse can't count on the same amount of possessions they had against Hopkins and Rutgers and will need to make them count. Also Porter will need to play better than he did last week, I don't think it is a coincidence that the opposing goalie in Duke's one loss this year made 19 saves (hope he doesn't need to make that many!) Last thought, while I won't be there in person I think the idea of an outdoor game upstate is pretty cool, and the fans can make the atmosphere electric if a good amount show up. I love the Dome but there is something about being outside in a smaller venue that can really get the pulse pounding. Hope the Orange ride that feeling to a victory on Sunday! [/QUOTE]

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