ESPN ACC position rankings: Linebacker

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Under-the-radar group: Syracuse Orange

It’s hard to look at Syracuse’s defensive numbers last year and assume the Orange were very good on that side of the ball. They weren’t. They were young and inexperienced, and the up-tempo style of Dino Babers’ offense put immense pressure on the D to step up. But amid the growing pains were a pair of linebackers as consistent as any in the ACC: Zaire Franklin and Paris Bennett. Each topped 100 tackles, while Franklin recorded 10 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. They’re the steadying force for the Orange, and the foundation for what should be an improved unit overall in 2017.

 

[HtownOrange]

Under-the-radar group: Syracuse Orange

It’s hard to look at Syracuse’s defensive numbers last year and assume the Orange were very good on that side of the ball. They weren’t. They were young and inexperienced, and the up-tempo style of Dino Babers’ offense put immense pressure on the D to step up. But amid the growing pains were a pair of linebackers as consistent as any in the ACC: Zaire Franklin and Paris Bennett. Each topped 100 tackles, while Franklin recorded 10 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles. They’re the steadying force for the Orange, and the foundation for what should be an improved unit overall in 2017.

High praise from ESPN. At least what amounts to high praise from them.

From my perspective, it appears that ESPN is "hedging their bets" that Syracuse is better than last year's record indicates. They seem to be taking HCDB seriously and expect that Syracuse will probably make some noise, not predicting the Clemson, FSU, Louisville sweep, but make noise. Similar to beating VATech, this team can make things happen and will.

 

[kcsu]

We will be a very dangerous underdog in many games.

 

[orangenauburn]

Yet their experts will list is 13th or 14th in the league.

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

Yet their experts will list is 13th or 14th in the league.

Why wouldn't they? Our hopes are built on more mature players, a JUCO transfer at TE, and a healthy QB. There's way too many variables at play to definitively say we're finally going to turn the corner.

 

[orangenauburn]

Why wouldn't they? Our hopes are built on more mature players, a JUCO transfer at TE, and a healthy QB. There's way too many variables at play to definitively say we're finally going to turn the corner.

Understood but we are not 13 or 14. More in the 10 - 11 range

Not good but not as bad as perceived

 

[LeMoyneCuse]

Understood but we are not 13 or 14. More in the 10 - 11 range

Not good but not as bad as perceived

I mean, how do you know? How do I know? How do they know? Arbitrary rankings in the pre-season are just that.

 

[orangenauburn]

I mean, how do you know? How do I know? How do they know? Arbitrary rankings in the pre-season are just that.

Powerball

6 11 24 29 39 3

 

[HtownOrange]

I mean, how do you know? How do I know? How do they know? Arbitrary rankings in the pre-season are just that.

Powerball 6 11 24 29 39 3

Fortune cookies

 

[OrangeDW]

High praise from ESPN. At least what amounts to high praise from them.

From my perspective, it appears that ESPN is "hedging their bets" that Syracuse is better than last year's record indicates. They seem to be taking HCDB seriously and expect that Syracuse will probably make some noise, not predicting the Clemson, FSU, Louisville sweep, but make noise. Similar to beating VATech, this team can make things happen and will.

In terms of perception, it sure beats that 2010-13 stretch of years when we were actually middle of the pack and going to bowls, but they still treated us like a scrub program that came in last every year.