Improving on the little things

[anomander]

Outside of the obvious (improved offensive production, better OL play, etc) I think there are a ton of small things we can improve on to make them better team. Obviously we aren't going to go out there and out talent anyone, and offensively we really haven't out schemed anymore either, so it drove me nuts watching miscues on things that are controllable. It's part of the reason I have been so iffy about HCSS and the staff, but this isn't about that right now. One of my favorite mantra's is coaching is "control the contollable", and for a program like Syracuse I think we have to make sure that is a part of our game that is extremely sound. We don't have the talent of FSU, or Clemson that can cover up small mistakes. So in order to improve as a team here are some little things that imo don't get discussed often enough, and need to see improvement.

1. Penalties, especially false start/defensive offsides - If there is a team that got whistled for more offensive and defensive false starts I would like to see it. This seems like something that has plagued us for years, but with an experienced OL the false starts should be behind us (although it was Hickey, Robinson, Trudo) who seemed to get nailed far too often. We obviously didn't have the offensive firepower to afford to get behind the chains, and the same goes true this year. I'm not sure if it's a discipline thing, concentration, or our guys feeling a bit outmatched so they need to get a jump on the play? Whatever it is we need to cut those penalties in half, maybe even more.

2. Wasted timeouts. Another area where if there was a team that blew through timeouts quicker then we did I would like to see it. Again i'm not sure what caused this? Was it McDonald not getting plays in on time? Was it the seemingly endless revolving door with substitutions (that's where my money lies), or again is it a lack of discipline? Either way we can't blow throw all our timeouts in the 1st quarter. Who knows when you need them either trying to get the ball back before half, 2 minute drill before half, or obviously trying to save time in the 2nd half?

3. Kickoff returns, and Punt return to an extent. This seems to be an ongoing problem. I think we have to take a little more risk. I think Estime needs to be back there for both, especially punt return where we decided to go the safe route with Ritchie "Fair Catch" Desir. We saw what Estime can bring to the table against Minnesota in the Texas Bowl, so why wasn't he the full time guy (when healthy)? It seemed it went into HCSS overall philosophy of being over conservative. I also don't get why we have all WR's blocking for our returners. They were awful at it. I'm one who would like to see a asst. coach just for ST's. We definitely don't give ourselves any sort of advantage in a very important aspect of the game.

4. Game management. I'm willing to write off the first 2 years as being a rookie HC, but I really think this is a work in progress. I still think HCSS manages the game like he is a DC. Just look at the programs/coaches that go against conventional wisdom and go for it on 4th and short more often then not. Almost all are offensive coaches, and most of the time it works. Worst case scenario it gives your team confidence, and puts pressure on the opposing defense. Especially when we had a very good defense. Just didn't make sense. There were far too many occasions where we opted to punt on 4th and short in critical situations. This goes back to being a program that isn't going to out talent many teams, so being aggressive, and taking some chances in something we may need to do. Obviously this is a coaching preference, but my personal opinion is completely opposite.

 

[Domedog84]

Outside of the obvious (improved offensive production, better OL play, etc) I think there are a ton of small things we can improve on to make them better team. Obviously we aren't going to go out there and out talent anyone, and offensively we really haven't out schemed anymore either, so it drove me nuts watching miscues on things that are controllable. It's part of the reason I have been so iffy about HCSS and the staff, but this isn't about that right now. One of my favorite mantra's is coaching is "control the contollable", and for a program like Syracuse I think we have to make sure that is a part of our game that is extremely sound. We don't have the talent of FSU, or Clemson that can cover up small mistakes. So in order to improve as a team here are some little things that imo don't get discussed often enough, and need to see improvement.

1. Penalties, especially false start/defensive offsides - If there is a team that got whistled for more offensive and defensive false starts I would like to see it. This seems like something that has plagued us for years, but with an experienced OL the false starts should be behind us (although it was Hickey, Robinson, Trudo) who seemed to get nailed far too often. We obviously didn't have the offensive firepower to afford to get behind the chains, and the same goes true this year. I'm not sure if it's a discipline thing, concentration, or our guys feeling a bit outmatched so they need to get a jump on the play? Whatever it is we need to cut those penalties in half, maybe even more.

2. Wasted timeouts. Another area where if there was a team that blew through timeouts quicker then we did I would like to see it. Again i'm not sure what caused this? Was it McDonald not getting plays in on time? Was it the seemingly endless revolving door with substitutions (that's where my money lies), or again is it a lack of discipline? Either way we can't blow throw all our timeouts in the 1st quarter. Who knows when you need them either trying to get the ball back before half, 2 minute drill before half, or obviously trying to save time in the 2nd half?

3. Kickoff returns, and Punt return to an extent. This seems to be an ongoing problem. I think we have to take a little more risk. I think Estime needs to be back there for both, especially punt return where we decided to go the safe route with Ritchie "Fair Catch" Desir. We saw what Estime can bring to the table against Minnesota in the Texas Bowl, so why wasn't he the full time guy (when healthy)? It seemed it went into HCSS overall philosophy of being over conservative. I also don't get why we have all WR's blocking for our returners. They were awful at it. I'm one who would like to see a asst. coach just for ST's. We definitely don't give ourselves any sort of advantage in a very important aspect of the game.

4. Game management. I'm willing to write off the first 2 years as being a rookie HC, but I really think this is a work in progress. I still think HCSS manages the game like he is a DC. Just look at the programs/coaches that go against conventional wisdom and go for it on 4th and short more often then not. Almost all are offensive coaches, and most of the time it works. Worst case scenario it gives your team confidence, and puts pressure on the opposing defense. Especially when we had a very good defense. Just didn't make sense. There were far too many occasions where we opted to punt on 4th and short in critical situations. This goes back to being a program that isn't going to out talent many teams, so being aggressive, and taking some chances in something we may need to do. Obviously this is a coaching preference, but my personal opinion is completely opposite.

I love #3. We have to get Estime out in space on punt returns (and kick offs too for that matter). We have to get some game changing plays (for the positive) this season on Special teams. Can't be so conservative.

 

[CU44SE]

Pretty much sums up all my questions and concerns regarding HCSS. I know I was overly critical last year but it was because I thought a lot of the issues were self inflicted. Hope some of those can be corrected this year.

 

[jr4750]

Yes to all of this. You hit nail on the head, these little miscues are what worries me about HCSS too. They've been around for two years though. A little reluctant to think they will disappear this year.

 

[SU68]

Defensive special teams: Stay in the lanes and don't give up 80 yard returns!

 

[Toga]

Leave ISIS out of it.

 

[anomander]

Yes to all of this. You hit nail on the head, these little miscues are what worries me about HCSS too. They've been around for two years though. A little reluctant to think they will disappear this year.

That is my exact feeling. I think he does a few things really well.

His teams are always motivated, and are going to lay it all out on the line for him. Seems easy, but being able to motivate your team week in and week out to play balls to the wall is a skill. He does that extremely well.

I think his recruiting is pretty good. I think it gets a little too much credit for what it really is, but considering we really haven't won big he does a good job. A little sporadic decision wise, but if we can actually have a break out season I think he could bring in some elite talent.

Defensive side of the ball is almost always going to be above average to great.


I think a lot of those "little things" that I mentioned won't be as magnified with a decent offense, but until then we can't afford the mental mistakes, and the other stuff until the offense comes around. Then again those little things are the difference between good teams and great, just like they are the difference between an average team and a bad team. Anyways I really hope to see some improvements in those areas.

 

[jekelish]

It feels like we've been hoping for fewer false starts, wasted timeouts, and better game management for about 20 years, doesn't it?

 

[SUFan44]

It feels like we've been hoping for fewer false starts, wasted timeouts, and better game management for about 20 years, doesn't it?

False starts never seemed to be a huge problem during the P years, but the other two sure did. In my opinion it's a product of who you hire. P, Marrone, Shafer - all conservative-type guys. Just a guess, could be the way those types are wired to have trouble with timeouts and game management decisions.

 

[Orangello]

Catch the damn ball. There have been a disconcertingly high number of dropped passes over the last few years.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Leave ISIS out of it.

That's a pretty big thing though.

 

[FAL]

Outside of the obvious (improved offensive production, better OL play, etc) I think there are a ton of small things we can improve on to make them better team. Obviously we aren't going to go out there and out talent anyone, and offensively we really haven't out schemed anymore either, so it drove me nuts watching miscues on things that are controllable. It's part of the reason I have been so iffy about HCSS and the staff, but this isn't about that right now. One of my favorite mantra's is coaching is "control the contollable", and for a program like Syracuse I think we have to make sure that is a part of our game that is extremely sound. We don't have the talent of FSU, or Clemson that can cover up small mistakes. So in order to improve as a team here are some little things that imo don't get discussed often enough, and need to see improvement.

1. Penalties, especially false start/defensive offsides - If there is a team that got whistled for more offensive and defensive false starts I would like to see it. This seems like something that has plagued us for years, but with an experienced OL the false starts should be behind us (although it was Hickey, Robinson, Trudo) who seemed to get nailed far too often. We obviously didn't have the offensive firepower to afford to get behind the chains, and the same goes true this year. I'm not sure if it's a discipline thing, concentration, or our guys feeling a bit outmatched so they need to get a jump on the play? Whatever it is we need to cut those penalties in half, maybe even more.

2. Wasted timeouts. Another area where if there was a team that blew through timeouts quicker then we did I would like to see it. Again i'm not sure what caused this? Was it McDonald not getting plays in on time? Was it the seemingly endless revolving door with substitutions (that's where my money lies), or again is it a lack of discipline? Either way we can't blow throw all our timeouts in the 1st quarter. Who knows when you need them either trying to get the ball back before half, 2 minute drill before half, or obviously trying to save time in the 2nd half?

3. Kickoff returns, and Punt return to an extent. This seems to be an ongoing problem. I think we have to take a little more risk. I think Estime needs to be back there for both, especially punt return where we decided to go the safe route with Ritchie "Fair Catch" Desir. We saw what Estime can bring to the table against Minnesota in the Texas Bowl, so why wasn't he the full time guy (when healthy)? It seemed it went into HCSS overall philosophy of being over conservative. I also don't get why we have all WR's blocking for our returners. They were awful at it. I'm one who would like to see a asst. coach just for ST's. We definitely don't give ourselves any sort of advantage in a very important aspect of the game.

4. Game management. I'm willing to write off the first 2 years as being a rookie HC, but I really think this is a work in progress. I still think HCSS manages the game like he is a DC. Just look at the programs/coaches that go against conventional wisdom and go for it on 4th and short more often then not. Almost all are offensive coaches, and most of the time it works. Worst case scenario it gives your team confidence, and puts pressure on the opposing defense. Especially when we had a very good defense. Just didn't make sense. There were far too many occasions where we opted to punt on 4th and short in critical situations. This goes back to being a program that isn't going to out talent many teams, so being aggressive, and taking some chances in something we may need to do. Obviously this is a coaching preference, but my personal opinion is completely opposite.

WOW! One of the best analyses of what should/could be done going forward. I am a smarter man for having read this post. Thanks!

 

[Orangejet]

Another little thing would be to improve the band with more tubas and brass. Also, recruit some beautiful twirlers and name them the Orange Express Girls similar to what many P5 schools currently have...such as LSU.

 

[A Clockwork Orange]

I wonder about #3 and #4 and offensive strategy a lot. Especially #4. Part of me wonders if we were just so god awful inept on offense for more than half the season that Shafer just decided that playing close to the vest, and shortening the game was the only way we'd win. Essentially keep it close, hope the ball bounces our way and hope for the best.

I hope that's the case, especially with #4. I hope he wasn't willing to give the offense the benefit of the doubt last year on 4th down calls because he honestly thought he had a better chance for the defense to make game changing plays. I still don't necessarily agree, but I can understand it. I hope the conservative thinking was because of our offensive situation last year, and not his actual overall philosophy given an even average offense.

 

[CuseCactus]

Several other little improvements:

1. Start using stick-um.
2. Don't punch other players when you are starting quarterback
3. Bring back Dome Eddie.
4. Put in Barry Baker, touchdown maker

 

[Crusty]

I think we are really in Lester's hands. With the exception of the blowouts in HCSS first year with Chuck Bullough, it is hard to get down on the defense. False starts or no, we have played good D.

The offense has to play one simple brand of football and be good at it. Hopefully, Lester's offense will fit us better and be easier to learn. I don't expect great things in the first year, but I do expect improvement. It sounds as if Lester is trying to address the false starts - playing one cadence last year indicates a massive problem with the OL. As the season wears on, I would like to see continued improvement.

While we have gotten marginally better at ST, mostly with better depth, but our return game has been non-existent. Seems to me that all great returners have two things in common - real vision and speed. Brisley is the only one to have demonstrated both. Get him on the field, fumbles or not.

We have a good group of kickers - finally can kick field goals. Lastly, I have hope that Gregory can help with ST coverages.

All in all, I will settle for fewer mistakes and reasonable improvement in the O and ST.

 

[orange_in_VA]

I think the biggest reason we havent seen a lot of Brisley on returns is that he can't stay healthy. Add to that, he was one of our only weapons on offense. I just don't think they wanted him getting hurt returning a kick, when we lacked playmakers on offense.

I think the offense improves greatly this year (hard not to), because I believe we've brought in some nice weapons the last couple years. I think AC and MacFarlane are under-rated, SwErve will have a nice year, and we know we have a legit #1 in Ishmael.


If we can stay healthy this year, I think we'll put a good product on the field. I strongly believe we have a bowl team this year.

 

[C Bomb]

Please, please, please, please, let THIS be the year where we don't get so many stupid false starts on the offensive line. This has been the case going back seemingly to GROB (maybe not so bad under Browning). Even with Marrone, it was guaranteed that the right tackle (be it Hay, Sweet Lou, or Hickey) were going to false start at least once a game. It infuriated me to no end to see such strong O-line coaching experience on the sidelines and have so many of these penalties. Then to watch other games where neither team has a false start just compounds my frustration on this. (I now remember having a similar post like this last year at about this time).

 

[Doc5120]

I could not agree more with points #2 & 3. I feel like we go through timeouts like my son does diapers. There's no excuse not to know what play we want to run, or what formation to be in. If the defense is showing something, audible out. Burning a timeout to save 5 yards just isn't worth it.

And our lack of a return game has plagued us for years. Between Desir and Steve Rene, I think we had about 10 total yards of punt returns. Put someone who is a weapon back there. A healthy Estime seems like the logical choice, especially given the fact he's a 2nd stringer, according to the depth chart anyway.

We need playmakers. Put our guys in the best position to make a play. Sending someone back there to catch the ball & play it safe is ridiculous. This is major college football. There has to be a healthy body on the roster who can catch the ball and gain a few yards.

 

[RF2044]

The OP is such a great post.

 

[javadoc]

Only going to address #3. Didn't Desir make a fair catch on a lot of punts because they were well covered and he would have been crushed as he caught it?

Estime's return against Minnesota was great but the punter out-kicked the coverage, and the announcers said that at the time, if I recall.

On kickoffs, the recent rule change has tilted the calculus in favor of taking a touchback. Kicks are going into the end zone, and you had better have a superstar back there who can get the ball at least to the 25, or you lose on balance. Not sure if we can scheme or coach that with the return team, in general. If we don't have a Qadry Ismail back there, I'm fine with taking the touchback. Could Estime be that guy?

 

[BomberOrange]

I could not agree more with points #2 & 3. I feel like we go through timeouts like my son does diapers. There's no excuse not to know what play we want to run, or what formation to be in. If the defense is showing something, audible out. Burning a timeout to save 5 yards just isn't worth it.

And our lack of a return game has plagued us for years. Between Desir and Steve Rene, I think we had about 10 total yards of punt returns. Put someone who is a weapon back there. A healthy Estime seems like the logical choice, especially given the fact he's a 2nd stringer, according to the depth chart anyway.

We need playmakers. Put our guys in the best position to make a play. Sending someone back there to catch the ball & play it safe is ridiculous. This is major college football. There has to be a healthy body on the roster who can catch the ball and gain a few yards.

Regarding timeouts, I feel that this issue gets way overblown. You are given 3 per half. Use them in the first half (you cant carry them over) and do your best to save 1-2 for the final 10 min of the second half. I think what many Syracuse fans cant get out of their heads is that during the P & D years they did burn timeouts early in the second half that eventually bit us later in the game. I cant recall too many times when having no timeouts left really hurt us too much recently or ever getting burned by a first half timeout. If so, someone please refresh my memory.

 

[Franz69]

Java, the one thing I've noticed on our fair catching of punts is that a lot of times it's just one gunner breaking free to cause the fair catch while no other defenders are near the returner. I'd like to see us try something the Giants have been doing more of recently. Having an "up back" on returns. Station a guy between the line of scrimmage and the returner. He can watch for fakes and then once he is sure that the ball is punted, drift back, lead block for the returner and hopefully pick off the gunner.

 

[Doc5120]

Regarding timeouts, I feel that this issue gets way overblown. You are given 3 per half. Use them in the first half (you cant carry them over) and do your best to save 1-2 for the final 10 min of the second half. I think what many Syracuse fans cant get out of their heads is that during the P & D years they did burn timeouts early in the second half that eventually bit us later in the game. I cant recall too many times when having no timeouts left really hurt us too much recently or ever getting burned by a first half timeout. If so, someone please refresh my memory.

Off the top of my head, I can't recall a game where a timeout may have saved us. For me, it's more about the principle of it all. You may need those 2 or 3 timeouts on a final defensive possession to stop the clock and eventually get the ball back. Or you may need them to help you get down the field for a final drive. I'd rather see us hold onto them than take 1 after our first play from scrimmage to open up the half.

 

[TheCusian]

Off the top of my head, I can't recall a game where a timeout may have saved us. For me, it's more about the principle of it all. You may need those 2 or 3 timeouts on a final defensive possession to stop the clock and eventually get the ball back. Or you may need them to help you get down the field for a final drive. I'd rather see us hold onto them than take 1 after our first play from scrimmage to open up the half.

End of the first half of the Louisville game, maybe? I recall a bomb to West and hustling down there and not having a TO. Also think that's where McDonald froze in the booth.