sutomcat
No recent Cali or Iggy awards; Mr Irrelevant
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Welcome to National Baby Back Ribs Day!
National Baby Back Ribs Day, also known as Baby Back Ribs Day, National Barbecue Baby Back Ribs Day, and National BBQ Baby Back Ribs Day, is being observed today! It is observed annually on September 3rd.
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Georgia Tech vs Syracuse: Three Storylines to Watch On Saturday (SI; Caudell)
After getting a win vs Georgia State on Saturday, it is back to conference play for Georgia Tech. They are going on the road to face a new look Syracuse team who started their season 1-0 last week when they defeated Ohio. Former Georgia assistant coach Fran Brown is now the head coach for the Orange and had a solid debut last week. Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord looked good and star receiver/tight end Oronde Gadsden looked like he has recovered from his injury.
So what are the big storylines heading into Saturday's matchup?
1. Syracuse's passing attack vs Georgia Tech's defense
With all due respect to Georgia State and Florida State, this is going to be the best passing attack that Georgia Tech has seen so far this season. McCord is a talented passer and Syracuse has an underrated group of playmakers on offense. Trebor Pena and Zeed Haynes combined to catch 10 passes for nearly 150 yards and Gadsden is arguably the best pass catcher the Yellow Jackets have faced this year. How Tyler Santucci decides to approach this offense is going to be an interesting storyline this Saturday.
2. Can Georgia Tech dominate on the ground?
Georgia Tech has one of the best rushing attacks in the country and based off Syracuse's performance against Ohio, it could be a huge day for the Yellow Jackets offense. Ohio ran for 255 yards on 39 carries, including Anthony Tyus rushing for 203 yards on 16 carries. The Yellow Jackets have picked been fantastic on the ground to start the year and while last week might have been a blip on the radar for Syracuse, it could be a sign of how the game could unfold on Saturday.
3. Can Georgia Tech pressure Kyle McCord?
Through two games, the Yellow Jackets defense looks much improved from a year ago, but one thing they have not done is bring the quarterback down. Georgia Tech has one sack in two games so far and if they cannot pressure McCord on Saturday, he has the playmakers around him to hurt Georgia Tech's defense. Making McCord uncomfortable in the pocket is going to be a key to victory this week for the Yellow Jackets. Ohio only managed to get one sack last week vs Syracuse, but the Yellow Jackets are more talented than the Bobcats on the defensive line.
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![Kyle McCord (6, Blue) airs it out to Oronde Gadsden in the 2nd Quarter Kyle McCord (6, Blue) airs it out to Oronde Gadsden in the 2nd Quarter](/proxy.php?image=https%3A%2F%2Fnpr.brightspotcdn.com%2Fdims4%2Fdefault%2F73406fe%2F2147483647%2Fstrip%2Ftrue%2Fcrop%2F1080x1350%2B0%2B0%2Fresize%2F880x1100%21%2Fquality%2F90%2F%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%252F17%252F04%252Fb21095bb4269a6350f64bcefd966%252Fmccord-to-orande-2nd-quarter.jpeg&hash=5afb298d9a299ada0c2460a200ee7104)
@CuseFootball
Kyle McCord (6, Blue) airs it out to Oronde Gadsden in the 2nd Quarter
Kyle McCord lights up Ohio's defense in Syracuse football's first victory in the Fran Brown era (waer.org; Bloomstein)
Syracuse Football (1-0, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) opened up the 2024 campaign with a 38-22 victory over Ohio (0-1, 0-0 Mid-American Conference). Quarterback Kyle McCord introduced himself to Orange fans with career highs in both passing yards (354) and touchdowns (4).
Back in April, Fran Brown noted that he wants "to be able to line up and run power over and over again." But against the Bobcats it was clear getting McCord involved early was the game plan. The Orange had only 18 yards on the ground through the first two quarters.
Syracuse's only full drive in the first quarter went three and out and included two almost turnovers. When asked about it by reporters, McCord assured them he stayed calm.
“You have to just trust your preparation and know that it’ll be fine,” the Ohio State transfer said.
McCord started off the second quarter hot. The quarterback threw for 63 yards during the Orange's second drive of the game. Tight End Oronde Gadsden caught a 28 yard pass to open up the scoring for Syracuse. SU got the ball with 49 seconds left in the first half, one timeout and 75 yards to go for a touchdown. Of the first five plays, four were passed in the direction of Gadsden and three connected for 47 yards.
On third and two from Ohio’s 28 yard line Jackson Meeks caught a short pass for a first down to extend the drive. After a spike to stop the clock, McCord delivered a spiral to Trebor Pena on a fade from the slot with just five seconds left on the clock. SU ended the first half up 17-9 and McCord finished the first half 18-24 with 211 yards through the air and 2 scores.
Out of the break, success continued for the Orange's quarterback. Running back LeQuint Allen hauled in a pass and charged in the endzone midway through in the third quarter.
Towards the end of the third frame, Pena caught his second of three scores of the day, extending SU’s lead 31-16. McCord hit eight different targets, and he used the whole field. His main targets were deep balls to Jackson Meeks and Yazeed Haynes, over the middle to Gadsen and Pena and in the flats to the running backs.
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Syracuse's rush defense struggles in season-opener vs. Ohio (DO; Stepansky)
Syracuse used its offseason to revamp its defense. A season ago, SU’s unit ranked seventh out of 14 teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing yards allowed per game, giving up 148.2 on average.
On Dec. 3, 2023, Syracuse hired former Texas A&M defensive coordinator Elijah Robinson. With Robinson sporting a 4-2-5 defense, he also brought Fadil Diggs on the edge and New Mexico State transfer Dion “Tank” Wilson Jr. on the interior.
While these changes were made to enhance a middling rushing defense, SU’s season-opener against the Bobcats showed it was a potential glaring weakness. Syracuse (1-0, 0-0 ACC) took down Ohio (0-1, 0-0 Mid-American Conference) 38-22 through a sharp passing game from Kyle McCord, Trebor Peña and Co. But SU’s defense allowed 255 rushing yards on the ground in the process, highlighted by Anthony Tyus III’s 203 yards and two touchdowns.
According to Pro Football Focus, SU’s rushing defense graded at 52.5 while its tackling currently ranks fourth-worst in the country at 38.0.
“We weren’t hitting and that’s what we do,” Syracuse head coach Fran Brown said postgame. “That’s what we’re buying into. That’s supposed to be our DNA. And we weren’t hitting them. We were diving instead of using our pads.”
Ohio’s rushing total would’ve been the second-highest against SU in 2023, falling behind only a 318-yard showing for Virginia Tech on Oct. 26. Tyus’ final line is the most rushing yards SU’s allowed to an individual opponent since Louisville’s Javian Hawkins had 233 in 2019.
The Bobcats’ offense didn’t enter the season-opener as rushing savants. In 2023, Ohio ranked seventh out of 12 teams in the MAC in rushing yards per game, totaling 144.4. Additionally, the Bobcats lost their top-three rushers.
But with fresh faces in Parker Navarro at quarterback and the running back tandem of Rickey Hunt Jr. and Tyus, Ohio quickly solidified its ground game. On the opening drive, the Bobcats ran the ball eight times, bulldozing down to the Syracuse 20-yard line before a field goal opened the scoring.
On the next drive, Ohio did more of the same, with Tyus carrying the load. The Northwestern transfer rushed for 57 yards on his first drive and helped push the Bobcats down for another field goal. At the end of the first quarter, McCord had yet to complete a pass and Ohio held the ball for 13:58 out of 15 minutes.
Brown says that throughout the game, he was “snapping on the d-line.” He felt they were a lot better than they were playing and weren’t doing what they practiced, limiting the rest of the team.
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Syracuse football PFF grades vs. Ohio: Marlowe Wax leads defense despite injury exit, followed by true freshman (PS; $; Leiker)
Syracuse football fans don’t need to see specific numbers to know just how big of a loss Marlowe Wax is for the defense and entire team.
Wax left Saturday’s 38-22 win over Ohio in its third quarter with an injury to his right lower leg.
He returned to the sideline after a trip to the locker room wearing a boot and using crutches. SU coach Fran Brown said postgame Wax’s injury could cause him to miss “a few weeks.”
If just how big a loss he would be needs to be driven home, though, Wax graded out at a team-high 81.8% defensive grade from Pro Football Focus.
His run defense, tackling and pass rush grades were also the highest on the team.
Wax, now in his fourth season, is one of the hearts of Syracuse’s defense. He’s also one of its top players, finishing last year as the team’s leading tackler with 110 tackles total.
Before he left the game, Wax had the second-most tackles against Ohio. He finished with six, still good for top five on the team.
Behind Wax in defensive grade was true freshman Marcellus Barnes Jr., who rotated in at cornerback.
Barnes earned a 75.8% overall defensive grade. His highest category was pass coverage, where he received an 81.2%, but his run defense and tackling brought his overall grade down.
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The lesson going forward for Syracuse football after win vs. Ohio? ‘We better stop the run’ (PS; $; Axe)
After a rough first quarter, things were all too well for the Syracuse football offense in a 38-22 win over Ohio on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Quarterback Kyle McCord threw for a career-high 354 yards with four touchdowns, connected for big catches with several targets and running back LeQuint Allen Jr. did LeQuint Allen things with 98 yards rushing and a nifty one-handed touchdown catch.
As for the Orange defense, it never seemed to settle in against Ohio short of a couple critical red zone stops.
Syracuse gave up 255 yards rushing to the Bobcats. Ohio running back Anthony Tyus III, a transfer from Northwestern, rushed for 203 yards on 16 carries, an average of 12.7 yards per carry.
Yikes.
Georgia Tech looms next on the schedule for Syracuse on Saturday at the JMA Dome (12 p.m., ACC Network).
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Syracuse Football: Takeaways From the Week 1 Win vs. Ohio (itlh; Nederveld)
Syracuse football started the Fran Brown era with a 38-22 win over a feisty Ohio team.
The Orange offense was rolling, with senior quarterback Kyle McCord in particular having a fantastic game. But this was far from a perfect win for Syracuse on Saturday afternoon at the JMA Wireless Dome.
My key takeaways from Syracuse football's season-opening victory versus Ohio.
The run defense needs improvements
The Syracuse run defense was the biggest question mark going into the 2024 season. There was a scheme change with Elijah Robinson going from a 3-3-5 to a 4-2-5. The front four in particular had trouble setting the edge and got pushed off the line of scrimmage way too often by an inexperienced Ohio Bobcats offensive line. Past that, linebackers and safeties missed tackles and took poor angles way too often.
This led to Ohio running for 255 yards and two touchdowns on 39 carries. In particular, Anthony Tyus III for the Bobcats had a fantastic game with 16 carries, 203 yards, and both touchdowns. The former Northwestern Wildcat looks like a Power Four-level player, but that doesn't hide the fact that Syracuse needs to improve this part of the game. Georgia Tech, the week-two opponent for the Orange, just ran for 190 yards and three touchdowns against a much better Florida State front a week ago and Syracuse plays great running backs in Bhayshul Tuten, Jaydn Ott and Damien Martinez later on in the year.
Kyle McCord is the real deal
After DJ Uiagalelei had a rough debut against Georgia Tech, I was worried about McCord to an extent. Especially after he nearly threw two interceptions in his first three plays. But he settled in and turned one of the best Syracuse passing performances in a long time. He went 27-39 for 354 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. The last time a Syracuse quarterback threw for as many yards and touchdowns in the same game was when Zack Mahoney threw for 440 yards and five touchdowns in the 76-61 shootout against Pittsburgh in 2016.
McCord was at his best throwing deep balls to the sideline. He found Trebor Pena in the left corner of the end zone at the end of the first half and also found Georgia transfers Jackson Meeks and Yazeed Haynes on streaks. But McCord can make every throw on the field and he showed that with some tight window throws in the seams and by the sidelines.
Penalties are still a problem
On paper, Syracuse had fewer penalties than in years past. Syracuse football only committed six penalties for 47 yards while in 2023, Dino Babers' team averaged 7.3 penalties and 61.6 yards per game. I noticed that there weren't any procedural penalties - false starts, offsides, etc., but stupid penalties were still a problem and led to the game being closer than it should have been.
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Ohio football falls to Syracuse, 38-22 (athensmessenger.com)
The Ohio football program (0-1) opened the 2024 season against the Syracuse Orange (1-0) at the JMA Wireless Dome. After taking an early lead, the Bobcats were unable to catch Syracuse, falling 38-22.
Graduate student quarterback Parker Navarro (Tempe, Ariz.) made his second collegiate start, going 18-for-30 on 181 passing yards. On the ground, Navarro recorded 16 carries on 33 yards. Graduate student running back Anthony Tyus III (Portage, Mich.) scored both of Ohio’s touchdowns, finishing the game with 203 rushing yards and 16 attempts.
Defensively, junior safety Austin Brawley (Massilon, Ohio) led the Bobcats with 12 total tackles, including nine solo stops. Graduate student linebacker Blake Leake (Culpeper, Va.) was right behind him with seven tackles. Senior cornerback Tank Pearson (Oxford, Miss.) snagged the first interception of the season for Ohio and finished the day with four tackles.
Sophomore kicker Gianni Spetic (Chardon, Ohio) opened the season strong, going 3-for-3 on field goals and 1-1 on PATs. Spetic also recorded 389 yards on six kickoffs.
The Bobcats made the most of the opening drive, scoring the first points of the game with Spetic’s 43-yard field goal with 8:33 remaining in the first quarter. After forcing the Orange to punt on the ensuing drive, Spetic extended Ohio’s lead to 6-0 with a 37-yard field goal to close the quarter.
Syracuse opened the second quarter with the first touchdown of the game, taking a one-point lead with 12:28 left in the half after a successful PAT. Next, the Orange wrapped up a 17-play, 73-yard drive with a 26-yard field goal, putting the score at 10-6.
Spetic’s third field goal cut the deficit to 10-9 with 49 seconds remaining in the half, but Syracuse squeezed in a second touchdown with 5 seconds remaining, leaving the Bobcats trailing 17-9.
Ohio answered in the third quarter, ending a 2:22 minute drive with a 13-yard rushing touchdown from Tyus. With Spetic’s first PAT of the day, the Orange’s lead was cut to one point once again. Syracuse bounced back quickly, scoring touchdowns on back-to-back drives to extend their lead to 31-16 with 3:34 remaining in the third quarter.
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Your first impressions of Syracuse football under Fran Brown: ‘I expect bigger things this week’ (mailbag) (PS; $; Axe)
Axe me your questions and I’ll tell you no lies.
The mailbag was overflowing with inquires, opinions, coaching strategy and more from readers and Syracuse Sports Insiders.
Let’s get to responding.
Hey Brent. Alright, I’ve had time to think about this and digest it. During the first quarter I legitimately was concerned that I was having some sort of heart event. I questioned the dome dog I had in my hand and the beer in the other and how I was treating my body.
By the third quarter, all my symptoms dissipated. My point is that if I as an invested fan was that nervous, it’s understandable that this team is going to need time to settle those jitters as well. The fact that this is an entirely new team/culture in more ways than not. Hopefully this was enough adversity, mostly self-inflicted, but adversity nonetheless to grow this week and be ready for Georgia Tech.
-Bryan (Syracuse Sports Insider)
Bryan, Fran Brown certainly agrees with you that his team needed to taste a little adversity in its first game against Ohio as he noted in his postgame comments.
That said, the Orange defense giving up 255 rushing yards to Ohio is certainly eyebrow-raising.
Call me crazy, but I think it could end up being a blessing in disguise as opposed to SU feasting on a cupcake in its first game and filling up on empty calories.
If that doesn’t wake Syracuse up to better prepare for Georgia Tech’s ground-and-pound approach, I don’t know what will.
Hey Brent,
This edition of Orange football is not an 8-4 team. I think we will see many changes and improvements. They will struggle to achieve a 6-6 record. Rocky Long and Tony White had a vastly superior defensive scheme. This defense won’t stop anybody’s offense. Losing Marlowe Wax will be very significant. If they continue to lose players every week as in previous years they will not have the depth to sustain a strong, physical defense. They have to get their emotions under control. The roughing the kicker and late hit out of bounds will be killers against more disciplined teams.
All in all I think Fran Brown is a positive step forward. But the program may take a step backward before it moves forward.
Joe Russo-Syracuse, NY
Joe has seen enough and has it all figured out after one game, you guys.
I know last year was last year and this year is this year, but if last year’s MASH unit in Orange managed six wins, I’m not ready to declare this year’s team to have the same fate based on one game.
There is no question that losing Marlowe Wax is a significant blow. He’s the most irreplaceable player on the defense due to his production (SU’s leading tackler the past two seasons) and leadership.
You hate to see Syracuse lose a heart-and-soul player in the first game of the season in consecutive years after watching Oronde Gadsden II go down with a Lisfranc injury last season.
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Syracuse football week two depth chart vs Georgia Tech (247sports.com; McAllister)
Syracuse has started the Fran Brown era with a 38-22 win over Ohio. The Orange is now set to start conference play when it welcomes 2-0 Georgia Tech in to the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday for a noon kickoff.
The depth chart, listed below, includes some that many expected, a few surprises from pre-camp expectations, some true freshmen, several transfers and a lot of "ORs."
SYRACUSE FOOTBALL WEEK TWO DEPTH CHART
Note: Those with "OR" are listed in order of appearance from the Ohio game
OFFENSE
Position | Starter | Backup |
QB | Kyle McCord | Michael Johnson Jr. OR Carlos Del Rio-Wilson |
RB | LeQuint Allen | Will Nixon OR Yasin Willis |
TE | Oronde Gadsden | Dan Villari |
WR | Yazeed Haynes | Darrell Gill |
WR | Umari Hatcher | Jackson Meeks |
WR | Trebor Pena | Emanuel Ross |
LT | Da'Metrius Weatherspoon | Josh Miller OR Trevion Mack |
LG | Jakob Bradford | Codie Hornsby OR Lysander Moeolo |
C | J'Onre Reed | Josh Ilaoa |
RG | Mark Petry | Joe Cruz |
RT | Savion Washington | Enrique Cruz OR Trevion Mack |
DEFENSE
Position | Starter | Backup |
DE | Fadil Diggs | David Omopariola OR KingJoseph Edwards |
DT | Kevin Jobity OR | Maraad Watson OR Isaiah Hastings |
DT | Tank Wilson OR | Rashard Perry OR Elijah Fuentes-Cundiff |
DE | Denis Jaquez OR | Chase Simmons OR Jahide Lesaine |
MLB | Marlowe Wax | James Heard |
WLB | Derek McDonald | Anwar Sparrow |
CB | Clarence Lewis | Jayden Bellamy OR Ibn McDaniels |
SS | Alijah Clark | Braheem Long OR Cornell Perry |
Star | Justin Barron | Jaeden Gould |
FS | Duce Chestnut | Berry Buxton |
CB | Devin Grant OR | Marcellus Barnes |
SPECIAL TEAMS
Position | Starter | Backup |
PK | Brady Denaburg | Jackson Kennedy OR Jadyn Oh |
P | Jack Stonehouse | Jackson Kennedy |
LS | Tom Callahan | Ethan Stangle OR Jacob Zuhr |
KR | Malachi James OR Trebor Pena | LeQuint Allen OR Will Nixon |
PR | Trebor Pena | LeQuint Allen OR Yazeed Haynes |
H | Jack Stonehouse |
Syracuse Begins the Fran Brown-Era on the Offensive, Taking Down Ohio 38-22 (wktv.com; Cerio)
The "Loudhouse" lived up to its moniker on Saturday night. The Fran Brown-era began on the offensive, as Kyle McCord and company led the Orange to a 38-22 victory.
New Starting QB Kyle McCord throws for 4 TDs and 354 yards
First-year Head Coach Fran Brown must've felt like it was Christmas morning, finally getting to see his shiny new toys in action on the playing field.
Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord showed out, throwing for four touchdowns and 354 yards on 27-39 passing.
Trebor Pena corralled three scores, two through the air and one on the ground. Oronde Gadsen also had a score and went north of 100 yards for the game.
After a slow first quarter that ended with the Orange down 6-0, the offense started clicking in the second quarter. McCord's first career TD in an SU uniform connected with Oronde Gadsen down the left sideline to give the Orange the 7-6 advantage.
It was a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
McCord connected with Gadsen, Pena and Lequint Allen Jr. on the day for four scores, and looked every bit the part of someone worthy of the hype.
After the game, Fran Brown and McCord spoke about the QB's slow start.
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Syracuse Football: Winners and losers from week one in the ACC (which is wide open) (itlh; Adler)
Syracuse football and its Atlantic Coast Conference peers embarked on their first full weekend of action, and week one did provide several interesting outcomes.
Naturally, our beloved Orange beating Ohio, 38-22, at the JMA Wireless Dome this past Saturday is the focus of 'Cuse Nation. First-year head coach Fran Brown notched a win in his debut on the Hill, as the offense hummed along while the defense has some work to do.
Looking at the bigger picture, with the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 participants in the 2024 season, it's likely that at least two ACC schools will land bids to the event. It's super early in the current term, but based on some results thus far, the ACC race could prove more wide open in 2024 than in other recent years.
Let's take a spin around the ACC in week one, when Syracuse football triumphed over Ohio.
Winners
Miami
The Hurricanes had the biggest win this past Saturday. Miami, picked to finish at No. 3 in the ACC standings by the league's preseason media poll, put its No. 19 national ranking on the line when it traveled to in-state rival Florida. This non-conference, Sunshine State affair wasn't close. The 'Canes smoked the Gators at The Swamp, 41-17. To reiterate, it's so early in 2024, but perhaps Miami is the team to beat in the ACC.
Georgia Tech
The Yellow Jackets handled Georgia State at home to move to 2-0. In week zero, Georgia Tech stunned preseason ACC favorite Florida State in Dublin on a last-second field goal. When the major top-25 polls come out soon before week two, Georgia Tech should be ranked. The Yellow Jackets, averaging more than 200 rushing yards per game, visit Syracuse football this Saturday afternoon.
North Carolina
The Tar Heels scored a two-point win at Big Ten Conference school Minnesota after the Golden Gophers missed a field goal as time expired. Any road triumph versus a foe from a power-four conference is solid in my book.
California and SMU
I'm putting both of these squads in the winners category, because neither has lost to date, and both are new ACC members. SMU has beaten Nevada on the road and Houston Christian at home. Cal knocked off UC Davis at home.
Syracuse
Yeah, I'm a homer. I get it. But I've got the 'Cuse here, because it won in Brown's head-coaching debut. Plus, it was awesome to see senior quarterback Kyle McCord, a four-star transfer from Ohio State, shine in his first contest wearing an Orange uniform.
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Syracuse football: Game one grades versus Ohio (TNIAAM; Chiappone)
Although the game one rust manifested itself at certain points, the Syracuse Orange emerged from a scoreless first quarter en route to a 16-point season-opening win against the Ohio Bobcats — the first of the Fran Brown era.
The main theme from Saturday’s game: the offense (mostly) ran like a smooth engine, while the defense felt like it left something to be desired. Nonetheless, a win is a win and coach Brown’s tenure begins with a victory. How did everything all grade out among the positional groups?
Let’s get to the week one grades:
Quarterbacks: A
A very shaky first drive which saw the Orange go three and out remains the only really bad blemish on Kyle McCord’s performance. Can’t go the full A-plus because the aforementioned first drive included two pretty interceptable passes, but it’s hard to not like the rest. McCord reached personal highs with 354 passing yards and 4 touchdowns. Syracuse was pretty consistent offensively — the Orange’s last two drives in the fourth quarter marked the only time they didn’t put up any points. Even McCord’s lone pick was a wash, and that came after a holding penalty the previously play took away a big gain from Oronde Gadsden.Running Backs: B
Partly because McCord threw 39 times, Syracuse only ran the ball 25 times all game. LeQuint Allen (15 carries for 98 yards) led the way as expected. He wasn’t completely nuclear, but he still ran over six yards per carry and showed his value. The theory of having more running backs in the fold proved to be true with both Will Nixon and Yasin Willis each seeing some decent time on the field. Allen and Nixon also combined for 6 catches and 39 yards out of the backfield, showing the RBs can indeed be a part of the passing attack. Debated between B and B+, but went with B because the all-around performance was solidly good. Nothing more or less.Wide Receivers: A
Like McCord, the receiver collectively were probably the best positional group on the field against the Bobcats. Gadsden and Trebor Tena combined for nearly 200 yards of receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, while newcomers Zeed Haynes (four catches for 70 yards) and Jackson Meeks (two catches for 43 yards) each had standout plays in limited volume. At this point in the (albeit very) early part of the season, you have to like that there is depth and multiple guys who can make a big-time catch....
Syracuse football: three takeaways from the Orange’s 38-22 win over Ohio (TNIAAM; Chiappone)
After all the dust finally settled, the Syracuse Orange football team rallied in the second half behind a new-look offense to notch in a season-opening 38-22 win over the Ohio Bobcats.
There were certainly some hiccups (we’ll get to those momentarily), but a new era under head coach Fran Brown begins in the win column. A new coach, an overhauled roster and all the built up anticipation culminating into a game where there is plenty to discuss after game one.
Let’s get to the takeaways from the debut of the 2024 Orange:
A (mostly) great McCord debut
Heading into the opener, there was a mix of both excitement and anxiety around how the debut for new look quarterback Kyle McCord would play out.
Safe to say: the start was pretty scary, buy wow was the rest of it pretty encouraging, productive and different compared to what Syracuse fans were recently used to on offense.
Two forced throws/near picks soured the mood early on that first drive, but McCord finished with career-highs in passing yards (354) and touchdowns (4). He was 27/39 (69%) on the day with only one pick (a heave in the fourth quarter). Syracuse was 10/16 on third and fourth down. The one-minute drill at the end of the first half was impressive and something we haven’t seen from the Orange in... a while.
McCord was the headline transfer portal addition on the roster as part of coach Brown’s offseason roster makeover. The pressure was immense for him to look good, and he played great outside of one forgettable drive and about 2-3 errant throws in total for the game.
The passing offense is something Syracuse can hang its hat on after Saturday. The offensive line gave up some pressure, but mostly played fine. Protecting the QB will once again be one of the biggest x-factors of the season for the Orange.
Receiving playmakers old and new
Clearly, the offense was the star of the show versus the Bobcats. A QB needs the ingredients to cook, and the depth plus upside of Syracuse’s receiving depth stood out and then some.
That starts with two familiar faces coming back from injury-plagued campaigns in 2023: Oronde Gadsden and Trebor Pena. Gadsden (7 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD, 15.4 YPC) and Pena (6 catches, 78 yards, 3 TDs, 13 YPC) showed the upside both have as playmakers with a QB who is more of a passing threat. It certainly feels good to have both back in the lineup and being difference-makers out of the gate.
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Syracuse football: LB Marlowe Wax expected to be out for six weeks (TNIAAM; De Guzman)
Syracuse Orange football head coach Fran Brown confirmed on Monday during his weekly press conference that preseason All-ACC linebacker Marlowe Wax will be out for six weeks. Brown did not disclose the injury that Wax suffered. The linebacker was spotted on the sideline after his injury with a boot on his right foot and crutches.
Wax exited the game in the third quarter of Syracuse’s opening game of the season against Ohio. He pressured Bobcats QB Parker Navarro as he stepped up in the pocket and tackled him as he released the ball. Wax immediately started hopping and called for trainers. He was helped off the field, putting no pressure down on his right leg. The Orange went on to win 38-22.
Wax is entering his senior season with the Orange after earning All-ACC 2nd team honors last year. He led the team in tackles with 110, tackles for loss with 11.5 and forced fumbles with four in 2023. Wax was the highest graded defender against Ohio according to Pro Football Focus. He earned an 81.8 grade after recording six tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack.
The loss of Wax hits harder for Syracuse than most teams as the Orange run a 4-2-5 defense. The leading candidates to replace Wax at his position are the platoon duo of Anwar Sparrow and James Heard. Heard picked up an interception in the fourth quarter of the Ohio game.
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Syracuse DB Greg Delaine has broken hand, out for at least Georgia Tech game (PS; $; Carlson)
Syracuse defensive back Greg Delaine has a broken hand and will be out for at least the Georgia Tech game, SU head coach Fran Brown said on Monday.
Delaine did not suit up against Ohio and had a cast on his right hand.
“Delaine’s hand is broke so we’ve got to figure that out,” Brown said. “It’ll be a couple weeks before the new X-Ray. He could be possibly playing next week.”
Delaine, a redshirt sophomore, made 12 tackles and had an interception last year. He earned the fifth-highest grade of Syracuse defenders last season on Pro Football Focus behind only Justin Barron, Isaiah Johnson, Alijah Clark and Stefon Thompson.
Delaine did play a limited number of snaps (216) but was graded out well when he played, particularly in pass coverage and tackling. He played a prominent role in games against Boston College and Virginia Tech.
Syracuse does have a rotation of players that it can deploy at cornerback. In the season-opener against Ohio, the Orange used a mix of Clarence Lewis (58 snaps), Devin Grant (50), Marcellus Barnes (30) and Jayden Bellamy (14).
Delaine, 6-foot and 174 pounds, is capable of adding to that mix.
Brown said that starting left tackle Da’Metrius Weatherspoon, who appeared to leave the Ohio game late, is fully healthy. He was not asked about wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons who missed the majority of training camp and the team’s first game with a hamstring injury.
The biggest injury news of the day for the Orange involved linebacker Marlowe Wax, who Brown said the Orange will “get back in about six weeks.”
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Syracuse Football Defeats Ohio 38-22 in Season Opener – CitrusTV (citrustv.com; Remoli)
Remoll: Syracuse football fans are sitting pretty in these new Dome seats. Man, they’re comfortable, and so was the win for Syracuse over Ohio. 38 to 22 was the final score in the first game of the Fran Brown era. Now, over the offseason, the university emphasized getting the fans more comfortable in these new seats, but head coach Fran Brown emphasized pumping up the fans, getting them more passionate. And SU wide receiver Trevor Pena says that Otto’s army didn’t disappoint.
Pena: Yeah, I feel like it was really different. The Quad walk was, like, amazing. I’ve never felt something like that before here. And just seeing how the community comes together and supports us, it’s just incredible. So I love the changes that have happened, and I’m just excited to see what happens next.
Brown: But I think really the big shout-out should go to the walk. Everyone that showed up to the walk. I mean, they did an amazing job, the band, cheerleaders, dance team, and just all the fans, you know, all the family and friends. I was very, very pleased and thankful. And you know, it was really good to see all that. That was a good show for our players also, and they really appreciated it. And I want to make sure they know that we’re very thankful. And that was pretty legit.
Remoll: While the Syracuse fans up in the stands had a great time, what’s more important is what happened here on the field. And it was a positive day for SU there too. Kyle McCord threw for four touchdowns, Trebor Pena had a hat trick of TDs, and there were some great highlights by newcomers like Fadil Diggs and Zeed Haynes. But now this Syracuse football schedule gets serious quickly. Conference play starts this week against Georgia Tech, who already has a top-10 win under their belt. Kickoff is here in the dome on Saturday at noon. Alex Remoll, CitrusTV.
Syracuse football: Marlowe Wax update and early thoughts on Georgia Tech (youtube; podcast; Syracuse Orange)
Brent Axe and Emily Leiker talk Syracuse football on the latest episode of Syracuse Sports.First Brent and Emily provide an update on Syracuse linebacker Marlowe Wax, who left SU's opening win over Ohio with a serious foot injury. Then they discuss how Fran Brown plans to replace him in the Orange lineup until he can return and other highlights from Brown's Monday presser. Axe and Leiker also start to look ahead to SU's matchup with Georgia Tech and give a report from SU fans on the new seats in the JMA Dome.
Syracuse Football Defeats Ohio 38-22 in Season Opener (youtube; CitrusTV)
In Fran Brown's first game as Head Coach, Syracuse Football took down Ohio, 38-22. CitrusTV's Alex Remoll breaks down this historic moment for the SU program.
Syracuse football: Marlowe Wax update and early thoughts on Georgia Tech (youtube; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
All-ACC Linebacker Marlowe Wax suffered a lower body injury in Syracuse Football's 38-22 win over the Ohio Bobcats. West Virginia transfer James Heard is the replacement for at least a few weeks for Fran Brown's squad. Heard had an interception caused by a deflection from Maraad Watson. Cuse tight end Dan Villari wasn't used much on offense. Jeff Nixon and Kyle McCord need to get Villari more involved. Plus, Georgia Tech's Haynes King and Jamal Haynes could cause trouble for the Orange.
Jackson Holzer discusses the Wax injury and more on this edition of the Locked On Syracuse Podcast.
Syracuse Football's SECRET WEAPON for Kyle McCord | Syracuse Orange podcast (youtube; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Syracuse Football has a secret weapon for Kyle McCord, Trebor Pena. The redshirt junior receiver had three touchdowns in the Cuse's win against the Ohio Bobcats. Fran Brown's squad now has a plethora of weapons with Oronde Gadsden, Zeed Haynes, LeQuint Allen, and Pena. Plus, the Orange don't need to rush back Colorado St. transfer Justus Ross-Simmons.
Jackson Holzer tells you why Pena's game against Ohio wasn't a fluke on this edition of the Locked On Syracuse Podcast.
Syracuse Football Needs to get Dan Villari MORE INVOLVED | Syracuse Orange Podcast (youtube; podcast; Locked on Syracuse)
Syracuse Football tight end Dan Villari did not record a single stat in the Orange's 38-22 win over the Ohio Bobcats. Part of this is because Oronde Gadsden and Trebor Pena occupy the middle of the field, and Kyle McCord is an exceptional quarterback. However, Villari is ultra-athletic and could be used in trick-play/wildcat situations.Jackson Holzer would like to see Villari used more in the offense going forward.
EARLY PREVIEW: Syracuse vs. Georgia Tech | Syracuse Football Podcast (youtube; podcast; Locked on Syracuse; premieres at 10 AM EST)
Syracuse Football is off to a 1-0 start after its 38-22 win over the Ohio Bobcats, but Head Coach Fran Brown is about to face his first true test with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets coming to the Dome. With no Marlowe Wax, Elijah Robinson's defense may have a tough time stopping the duo of Haynes King and Jamal Haynes. But Brent Key's squad hasn't faced a quarterback like Kyle McCord just yet.Jackson Holzer gives you an early preview of Syracuse vs. Georgia Tech.
Keeping Up With The 315 9-2-24 (ESPN; radio; The 315)
Brian reacts to the Week 1 win over Ohio and gives his biggest takeaways to the game. Then, he plays back some of the most interesting bites from Fran Brown’s press conference today. Lastly, a caller chimes in with his take on the Offensive Line and Brian recaps the gambling picks from the weekend.
Adam Terry "The 315" 9-2-24 (ESPN; radio; The 315)
Syracuse radio analyst Adam Terry joins Brian Higgins for his Monday visit to recap what stood out in Game 1 and preview the Georgia Tech game.
30 Minutes in Orange Nation 9-2-24 (ESPN; radio; Orange Nation)
Steve Infanti and Paulie Scibilia give their thoughts on, and takeaways from, Syracuse football’s season opener against Ohio before they react to Fran Brown’s Week 2 press conference.
Syracuse Football on Instagram: "just the beginning " (instagram.com)
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ACC News
ACC power rankings: Miami up as Florida State falls - again - after Week 1 (yahoo.com; Meyer)
LOL.
The ACC began the 2024 college football season looking to fortify its bona fides on the gridiron one year after its undefeated champion was left out of the College Football Playoff and as its two best programs over the past 20 years are actively suing the conference.
That quest is off to a less-than-ideal start.
Florida State, the league’s lone team in the top 10 of the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, already has two losses. Clemson, the No. 2 team in the conference preseason poll, was drubbed by Georgia in Week 1. Virginia Tech, a popular sleeper pick, fell to perennial SEC doormat Vanderbilt.
The first full week of the season wasn’t a total loss for the ACC, though. Here are power rankings of the ACC's football teams after Week 1 of the 2024 season:
ACC football power rankings after Week 1 of the 2024 season
1. Miami (1-0)
- Last week: 3
- This week: vs. Florida A&M
2. Clemson (0-1)
- Last week: 1
- This week: vs. Appalachian State
3. Louisville (1-0)
- Last week: 4
- This week: vs. Jacksonville State
4. NC State (1-0)
- Last week: 5
- This week: vs. No. 15 Tennessee (Charlotte, N.C.)
5. Georgia Tech (2-0)
- Last week: 6
- This week: at Syracuse
6. Boston College (1-0)
- Last week: 12
- This week: vs. Duquesne
7. Florida State (0-2)
- Last week: 2
- This week: vs. Memphis
8. North Carolina (1-0)
- Last week: 8
- This week: vs. Charlotte
9. SMU (2-0)
- Last week: 9
- This week: vs. BYU
10. Duke (1-0)
- Last week: 10
- This week: at Northwestern
11. Pitt (1-0)
- Last week: 11
- This week: at Cincinnati
12. Virginia Tech (0-1)
- Last week: 7
- This week: vs. Marshall
13. Syracuse (1-0)
- Last week: 13
- This week: vs. Georgia Tech
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ACC Football Power Rankings: Virginia Tech & Clemson tumble after disappointing weekend (fightinggobbler.com; Roche)
There were a lot of questions around the country on just how good the ACC will be in football this season. Well, with one game left Monday night when Boston College plays at Florida State, the returns have not been good.
Miami went on the road and rolled over Florida in the Swamp, but Clemson got routed by Georgia and Virginia Tech was upset at Vanderbilt in overtime. Aside from the Hokies, the rest of the schools beat the teams they should have done. This past weekend's results have caused a major shakeup in the latest ACC Power Rankings.
ACC Football Power Rankings Through Week 1
Rank | Team | Record | Last Week |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Miami | 1-0 | 2 |
2. | NC State | 1-0 | 3 |
3. | Georgia Tech | 2-0 | 4 |
4. | Louisville | 1-0 | 7 |
5. | Florida State | 0-1 | 6 |
6. | North Carolina | 1-0 | 8 |
7. | Clemson | 0-1 | 1 |
8. | SMU | 2-0 | 9 |
9. | Pittsburgh | 1-0 | 11 |
10. | Syracuse | 1-0 | 12 |
11. | Virginia Tech | 0-1 | 5 |
12. | Boston College | 0-0 | 10 |
13. | California | 1-0 | 13 |
14. | Duke | 1-0 | 14 |
15. | Wake Forest | 1-0 | 15 |
16. | Virginia | 1-0 | 17 |
17. | Stanford | 0-1 | 16 |
Disconnected and disinterested, everything looks wrong with FSU so far in 2024 (tomahawknation.com; Silversmith)
At least a broken clock is right twice a day. After two embarrassing losses to start the year, it’s obvious that everything is wrong with this Florida State team as it currently stands.
Florida State compounded a disappointing performance in Dublin with Monday night's worst effort of the Mike Norvell era. The team faced adversity from the opening kick on, going three-and-out to start the game and further wilting from there. The toughness that Norvell has tried to make the staple of his program went out the window as Boston College rushed for over 200 yards. Florida State’s composure and discipline melted on a hot September evening with multiple unnecessary roughness penalties that sucked the life out of an already half-empty Doak Cambell due to the construction.
The Seminoles did not just lose — they looked disinterested.
Norvell, speaking in his postgame presser, again leaned his usual catchphrases tonight to take full responsibility for the performance, but those lines of belief in what a team can be in the face of adversity lose luster when instead of following up a dreadful start in its loss to Georgia Tech, the Seminoles somehow looked worse as double-digit favorites at home.
His team never answered the call or brought the fight, and no leaders were calling out for the “Seminole standard.” In the press conference after the game, he gave his patented cookie-cutter filibuster answers on the nitty-gritty details, but when pressed on significant issues like the quarterback controversy, the head coach bit his tongue.
Later, when asked about his decision to hammer the transfer portal, he again did not provide the necessary answers the outside deserves.With the passing game struggling early on, did you ever consider making a quarterback change? And coming out of a bye, will you have some sort of open competition or will you stick with DJ from here on out?
Norvell: Obviously we were struggling offensively. There’s a lot of reasons for that. Obviously everything that we’re doing we’ve got to push and get better. That’s what we’re going to focus on doing. We’re going to focus on pushing to get better, and we’re going to put our guys in the best position to go achieve success. And that’s what we’re going to focus on.
You guys lost a lot of talent and leadership from last year’s team, but you were quite aggressive in evaluating and plugging those holes going to the transfer portal. Is it too soon to say some of those evaluations might have been off, and was there a risk of it looking like this with how quickly you had replenish the roster?
Norvell: Obviously I’ve not done a good job putting our guys in a position to showcase what I believe that they are. So I’ll be better.
What stands out most in these losses is that Boston College and Georgia Tech did everything FSU prides itself on: being physical, playing with emotion and doing the little things right. For the second week in a row, a talented but flawed football team did nothing wild or crazy on either side of the ball. The Boston College ran quarterback Thomas Castellanos like a workhorse back, taking advantage of a ridiculously gullible defense and unathletic linebackers. They stacked the box so Florida State could not run the ball, forcing a talentless wide receiver core to win one-on-one. Malik Benson, the veteran, presumed top wideout on the roster did not see the field on FSU’s crucial fourth down attempt to start the third quarter, and an interception ensued.
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TCU vs. Stanford Full Game Replay| 2024 ACC Football (youtube; video; ACC DN)
The Cardinal put up a tough fight in the season opener, but eventually fell to the visiting Horned Frogs, 34-27. Stanford took a 24-20 lead with 6:57 left in the game but could not hold on. Wide receiver Elic Ayomanor had seven receptions for 102 yards. Quarterback Ashton Daniels finished the game with 163 passing yards, 83 rushing yards, and a passing touchdown. Backup quarterback Justin Lamson threw a 2-yard touchdown and ran in a 1-yard touchdown.
Monday Results 2024 Sep 2nd (RX; HM)
Monday Results 2024 Sep 2nd
Boston College pounded the Seminoles in Tallahassee, 28-13 for the road victory. Florida State now drops to 0-2 in the ACC, truly in sole possession of last place (17th out of 17). How did this happen? Let's look at the game statistics:
Team Stats | BC | FSU |
1st Downs | 19 | 13 |
3rd down . | 9-16 | 3-14 |
4th down . | 0-0 | 1-3 |
Total Yards | 369 | 293 |
Passing Yds | 106 | 272 |
Comp-Att | 10-16 | 21-42 |
Yards/pass | 6.6 | 6.5 |
Rushing Yds | 263 | 21 |
Rush Atts | 52 | 16 |
Yards/rush | 5.1 | 1.3 |
Penalties | 1-15 | 7-50 |
Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
Fumbles lost | 0 | 0 |
INTs thrown | 0 | 1 |
Possession | 39:09 | 20:51 |
I've highlighted the numbers that were most important. For example, BC converted more than half of their 3rd downs, while FSU barely converted over 20% of theirs. FSU also went for it on 4th down 3 times, only converting once (thus 2 "turnover on downs). Add that to the one FSU interception and BC won the turnover battle 3-0.
Boston College also ran at will on the Seminoles. The Eagles rushed for a whopping 263 net yards - over 270 if you simply deduct the "kneel down" plays at the end of the game. BC held FSU to just 1.3 yards per rush attempt. DJ Uiagalelei had a 13-yard run, but no other Nole run netted more than 8 yards. Meanwhile, BC was pumping out over 5 yards/rush, with runs of 35, 23, 22, 18, and 15 yards.
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Virginia Tech's 2024 dreams take hit, ACC football skewered after Vanderbilt upsets Hokies (247sports.com; Bahns)
Virginia Tech had all the makings of a dark-horse ACC championship contender and College Football Playoff hopeful throughout the 2024 college football offseason, but a stunning upset at the hands of Vanderbilt in the opener brought the Hokies' momentum to an instant halt. Brent Pry and his rising Virginia Tech program lost Saturday in a 34-27 overtime letdown to a Commodores team that consistently stands at the bottom of the SEC, sparking all kinds of questions and concerns.
With their defensive struggles against first-year Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia and unforeseen inability to reach the end zone, the Hokies disappointed on both sides of the ball. Whether it was a Week 1 outlier or if those challenges will translate to ACC play remains to be seen, but it was an ominous start nonetheless.
The early demise of an offseason darling caused some head-scratching throughout the college football world, particularly with the loss coming against a Vanderbilt program that consistently ranks as one of the worst in the Power Four.
Here is the national reaction to Virginia Tech's loss at Vanderbilt:
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Pavia was a serious problem for the Virginia Tech defense. The New Mexico State transfer, who led his former program to two of its most successful seasons of all time, torched the Hokies with his dual-threat ability, registering 190 yards through the air and another 104 on the ground. Pavia was just a three-star transfer during the 2024 cycle but landed in Nashville with serious buzz as a potential portal sleeper with significant upside.
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Clemson Winning ACC ‘Still Seems Doable’ After Horrible Season Opener (SI; Conahan)
There are bad showings, and then there's what Clemson showed on Saturday against Georgia. While Georgia was expected to win the game, losing 34-3 is inexcusable.
Even more discouraging, however, was the fact that Clemson's offense continued to struggle, something that's been an issue over the past 12 months. Whether it's the talent, play calling, or a mixture of both, something has to change.
The Tigers likely won't find the success they're looking to find if this offense continues to play how it has.
Despite how bad the loss was, it doesn't change anything for Clemson. Perhaps the committee will hold this against them when it's time to pick the 12 teams in the College Football Playoff, but if they win the ACC Championship Game, they'll receive an automatic bid.
Not that Clemson should feel confident about doing so after that performance, but the ACC, as a whole, hasn't looked great early on. Outside of Miami, there doesn't seem to be a real threat to Clemson.
The Tigers won't play Miami in the regular season, so unless they meet in the ACC Title Game, there's a chance they won't play each other this year.
That'd be the best-case scenario for Clemson.
Chris Vannini of The Athletic shared a similar message, writing that they can still make the CFP.
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2024 Week 1 Viewership (so far) (RX; HM)
2024 Week 1 Viewership (so far)
Numbers are beginning to come in for the early-season college football games...
...and ACC teams are holding their own so far!
Game | MVwrs | Netwk |
Notre Dame vs Texas A&M | 8.2 | ABC |
Clemson vs Georgia | 7.9 | ABC |
Miami vs Florida | 6.6 | ABC |
Florida St vs Georgia Tech | 5.0 | ESPN |
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Pac 2 / MWC on the outs? (RX; HM)
Pac 2 / MWC on the outs?
You may know that the "Pac 2" - Oregon State and Washington State - have a scheduling agreement with the Mountain West Conference for the 2024 season...
What you may not remember is that it's technically a one year, renewable contract - one which may not be extended!
Pac 2 / MWC Deal Falling Apart?
From "Pac-12, Mountain West ‘too far apart’ as negotiations over 2025 scheduling partnership break down" posted on the Seattle Times, written by Jon Wilner, Bay Area News Group:The Sunday deadline for the Pac-12 and Mountain West to extend their football scheduling partnership came and went without a deal. Don’t expect them to revisit talks at a later date, either.
An agreement for the 2025 season “isn’t happening at all,” according to a source familiar with the discussions. The sides are simply “too far apart.”
Washington State has five games scheduled for the 2025 season (including one at Virginia), and Oregon State has six (including Cal in Corvallis). If they can't reach a deal with the Mountain West AND they can't get enough non-conference games from the MWC, either, what can the "Pac 2" do to fill out a 12-game schedule?
Rumors
There's a rumor that OSU and WSU offered $15 million for a total of 6 games each (3 at OSU, 3 at WSU, and 6 away games), which the MWC declined. Some have suggested they might make that same offer to the Big XII....
What Went Wrong, ACC - 2024 Week 1 (RX; HM)
What Went Wrong, ACC - 2024 Week 1
Three ACC teams lost non-conference games in Week 1: Stanford, Clemson, and Virginia Tech. There are some common themes that ran throughout all three losses which I'd like to address here - and one issue that I think hurt Virginia Tech in particular.
1. Defense couldn't stop the opponent from passing
- Stanford yielded 353 passing yards on 42 attempts (8.4 yds/att) without a single interception and only one sack by the defense.
- Clemson gave up 278 yards on 33 pass attempts (also 8.4 yds/att), again without any interceptions and only one sack.
- Virginia Tech surrendered 190 yards on just 16 passes (for a whopping 11.9 yds/att!), no interceptions, and only 2 sacks.
TCU's Jack Bech killed Stanford. Bech caught 6 passes for 139 yards (23.2 yds/catch). His longest reception was 46 yards; the other 5 still went for 93 yards (18.6 yds/catch!). The Cardinal defense would've been better off tackling him as soon as the play began!
A subtheme than runs through these struggles with pass defense: Stanford had only one sack.
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On 2nd Thought: ACC Week 1, 2024 (RX; HM)
On 2nd Thought: ACC Week 1, 2024
My first impression of ACC football this weekend was not good. A big part of that was because my favorite team - Virginia Tech - arguably mailed in the worst performance of the conference. I was bummed.
Then, I started reading what others were writing. No, not those crazy Big XII fans who want to rub it in my face (by the way, UNLV says "Hello"!), but fans with some common sense - and it got me seeing things as they truly are, not as a sad Hokies fan.
ACC vs P4 OOC Games
So far there have been five ACC-vs-P4 non-conference match-ups:- UNC at Minnesota
- TCU at Stanford
- Clemson vs Georgia (Atlanta)
- Virginia Tech at Vanderbilt
- Miami at Florida
The other P4 conferences also suffered some losses. West Virginia lost to Penn State (B1G) by 22 points at home, 12-34. Texas A&M lost at home to Notre Dame (IND) by 10 points, 13-23. As we noted earlier, Minnesota lost to UNC and Florida lost to Miami. Both of those games were home games for the loser.
Week #2 is loaded with 5 more ACC-vs-P4 games:
- BYU at SMU (Friday)
- Duke at Northwestern (Friday)
- Pitt at Cincinnati
- California at Auburn
- Tennessee vs NC State (Charlotte)
ACC vs 'Lesser' Opponents
ACC-vs-G5
- SMU 29 at Nevada (MWC) 24
- Kent State (MAC) 24 at Pitt 55
- Syracuse 38 at Ohio (MAC) 22
- Ga State (SBC) 12 at Ga Tech 35
So far the ACC is undefeated against G5 competition. In fact, the only P4 loss to any G5 team so far occurred in the Big XII, when Houston lost to UNLV.
ACC-vs-FCS
- NC A&T 13 at Wake Forest 45
- W. Carolina 21 at NC State 38
- Elon 3 at Duke 26
- Austin Peay 0 at Louisville 62
- UC Davis 13 at California 31
- Richmond 13 at Virginia 34
- HCU 7 at SMU 59
_____
So far, ACC teams have only lost one non-conference home game, and even that was close.
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Other
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The 22-story State Tower Building opened in downtown Syracuse in 1927. (Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.com)Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.com
Syracuse's tallest building is up for sale (PS; $; Moriarty)
Interested in owning a 22-story art deco office and apartment tower? Now’s your chance.
Pioneer Cos. has quietly put the State Tower Building at 109 S. Warren St. in downtown Syracuse up for sale via the CBRE real estate brokerage.
The move comes six years after the Syracuse-based development company spent nearly $40 million renovating the tower and converting 14 of its top floors into 61 apartments.
Its lower floors contain 104,526 square feet of retail and office space. Retail tenants include The Communion Wine + Spirits, Storys deli, Solvay Bank, and Visit Syracuse. Community Bank is set to open a branch on the first floor this fall.
The offering includes an attached 109-car parking garage.
Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard has reached out to CBRE and Pioneer representatives for comment.
Pioneer is not publicly listing an asking price, instead urging interested buyers to contact CBRE.
The city of Syracuse has assessed the Hanover Square building at $21.5 million.
At 22 stories and 315 feet tall, the tower is the tallest building in Syracuse, offering views of the entire city and surrounding areas.
Built in 1927 as an office tower, its art deco style evokes images of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building in New York City, which opened a few years after the State Tower Building.
The tower’s “wedding cake” design makes it look even taller than it is. The building’s floor plates decrease in size in sections and its brick facade gets gradually lighter in color as the building rises, creating the appearance of even greater height.
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More than 860,000 people visit 2024 NYS Fair (PS; $; Moss)
More than 860,000 people visited this year’s run of the New York State Fair, officials said.
A total of 868,745 people entered the fairgrounds this year, according to fair spokesperson Sean Farnsworth.
About 78,000 people visited the Fair on Monday, the end of its 13-day run.
Several performances at the Suburban Park stage climbed into the record books. Country singer Megan Moroney drew 47,000 fans for what is now the second-largest crowd in State Fair concert history.
Next year’s Fair will begin Wednesday, Aug. 20.
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Rick Ross performs at the New York State Fair's Suburban Park Stage on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. (Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.com)Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.com
Rick Ross effortlessly makes huge NYS Fair crowd dance (concert review, set list) (PS; $; Herbert)
Rick Ross is a boss. His booming voice commands attention, and when he asks the audience if they’re having a good time, they respond: “-- yeah!”
An estimated 39,000 people attended the Grammy-nominated rapper’s concert at the New York State Fair’s Suburban Park Stage on Sunday night. It was one of the top 10 biggest crowds in NYS Fair concert history, and the third largest audience this year.
DJ Scram Jones got the party started around 8:13 p.m. after stagehands worked to finish drying the stage from a heavy rainstorm earlier in the evening. He mixed in snippets of hip-hop hits both from the club and the radio, perfectly setting up the night’s main attraction.
Ross joined the fun about 10 minutes later and performed “Im a Boss,” his Maybach Music Group collaboration with Meek Mill. Everyone danced to the rumbling bass as Ross declared himself a boss and a king all at once.
Ross then dropped “John,” his trigger-happy song with Lil Wayne that references John Lennon and gun violence, repeating the line “I got a chopper in the car.” It raised the energy level as thousands sang along to the chorus (and many knew all the verses, too).
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