Just want to come back from Death Valley healthly.....

[RMH44]

I’m not convinced we’re significantly better than last year based on who we’ve played so far. We are better at some positions but conceivably worse in others. The schedule is generally the biggest difference maker that I can see. Several toss-ups are now perceived as probable SU wins.

We are significantly better along both lines and the secondary due to an infusion of youth and health. I'm not saying that's enough to pull the upset but it can't hurt.

 

[McNabb2Brominski]

First game all year we're going up against a team with a better oline and dline. Need the dline to get pressure on their QB or it will be a looooooooooooooong game.

 

[FRANKIEFAN]

I’m not convinced we’re significantly better than last year based on who we’ve played so far. We are better at some positions but conceivably worse in others. The schedule is generally the biggest difference maker that I can see. Several toss-ups are now perceived as probable SU wins.

We are clearly better in terms of guys knowing where to be, being well coached, and in general being a 'team.' Its why we've looked dominant at all times but the 3rd Quarter of WMU.

All our scores should have been uglier FSU should have lost by 50. Last years team didn't look like that.

I think we will play great this week win or lose. I am a little worried about after that and if the same team shows up every week.

 

[Newhouser]

I think we are better and to date anyway I think Clemson is down from last year. that said I think we will have a tough time covering on Saturday. I think its a game Dabo can get his kids locked in mentally, and in tough road environments your D needs to set the tone and I'm not sure ours can in the back 7.

 

[FrancoPizza]

We are significantly better along both lines and the secondary due to an infusion of youth and health. I'm not saying that's enough to pull the upset but it can't hurt.

But the receivers are arguably much worse. Last year we had mid level ACC talent there. Feels like a huge fall off until the younger guys can mature.

Honestly it’s just plain hard to evaluate how much the other units have improved until we’ve played a legit top 25 team.

 

[All4SU]

It’s a long shot. But we have a better chance this year than last year. It’s why they play the games.

 

[PhatOrange]

But the receivers are arguably much worse. Last year we had mid level ACC talent there. Feels like a huge fall off until the younger guys can mature.

Honestly it’s just plain hard to evaluate how much the other units have improved until we’ve played a legit top 25 team.

This is true, but thing is, there's a huge difference playing teams 15-25 or playing teams 1-5. Getting blown out by Clemson won't tell us much either.

I think it's a good sign that we've easily taken care of business against the teams we were favored to beat and then also easily beat the one team we were the underdog. And they key here is 'easily beat them' we haven't had to scratch and claw at all. That to me is a sign of an improved team.

 

[Cuse12]

It’s a long shot, but sometimes those full court shots go in. Rare, but you just never know! This game will be dictated by our D line, if we cause fits for their stud freshman QB, then maybe just maybe this can be a game going into the fourth and who knows. Firstly I want a win of course, but worst comes to worst if we can just be competitive that will be great. Show us something to be proud of. Excited to watch the game this Saturday.

 

[Franz69]

 

[CUTater]

I think we are better and to date anyway I think Clemson is down from last year. that said I think we will have a tough time covering on Saturday. I think its a game Dabo can get his kids locked in mentally, and in tough road environments your D needs to set the tone and I'm not sure ours can in the back 7.

I actually think Clemson is better this year than last.

QB is much better.
RB is the same corps, but Etienne is RB1 now, so more productive unit.
WR is much better.
TE is the same (bad).
OL is the same.
DL is the same.
LB is the same guys, but playing worse so far.
CB is better.
S is worse.

 

[Trueblue25]

I want a big fat W.

They’re giving us sunshine, Dino’s bringing the thunder.

 

[CousCuse]

Because everything points to a loss...Dabo won't have any problem getting his team ready to play and they're home
...changed to his manchild QB for us...Clemson and Georgia are the only teams that can give Bama a game ...Clemson is the only team on our schedule we don't match up with...jmo

Coach Babers was looking for someone to give a pregame pep speech. You the man.

 

[SoBeCuse]

Agree with the sentiments of the OP. Stay healthy and keep it competitive. Can’t overstate enough how much not having Pierce means. So what DID happen to him? He’s very good in the run game and an athlete on the field matching close to what they have. It’s going to be very difficult moving the ball, IMO, since I don’t think Dungey will have a lot of time and they will probably jam our receivers. I’d be happy to keep it to a 14-17 point deficit. A lot better than many teams can do. They are a juggneraut.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

This is true, but thing is, there's a huge difference playing teams 15-25 or playing teams 1-5. Getting blown out by Clemson won't tell us much either.

I think it's a good sign that we've easily taken care of business against the teams we were favored to beat and then also easily beat the one team we were the underdog. And they key here is 'easily beat them' we haven't had to scratch and claw at all. That to me is a sign of an improved team.

team has definitely improved but like you said you are going to Clemson to play one of the best 3-4 teams in the country. While it's somewhat of a test to see a few things we aren't suppose to compete and it would be great to keep it close, they are a 22 point underdog on the road. Much more concerned with the peer programs. 8-16 last two years, lets just remember we have 7 games left after Saturday and that 8-4 would be an incredible season for Syracuse at this point. 9-3 would be great.

I just don't want to see people melting down like all progress is lost if we get curb stomped Saturday. It's house $ and should be treated as such IMO, the rebuild is about 60% complete, IMO. The corner is down the corridor but not turned yet but you can see it. That said, Saturday isn't yet the barometer and to think it is is just setting oneself up for a huge letdown and hey if you can take it than great but there will be a bunch of dancing nancies on here Saturday wondering if ward or lynch is the right guy, Dungey versus Deviot etc etc etc and IMO it's nonsense.

 

[CousCuse]

team has definitely improved but like you said you are going to Clemson to play one of the best 3-4 teams in the country. While it's somewhat of a test to see a few things we aren't suppose to compete and it would be great to keep it close, they are a 22 point underdog on the road. Much more concerned with the peer programs. 8-16 last two years, lets just remember we have 7 games left after Saturday and that 8-4 would be an incredible season for Syracuse at this point. 9-3 would be great.

I just don't want to see people melting down like all progress is lost if we get curb stomped Saturday. It's house $ and should be treated as such IMO, the rebuild is about 60% complete, IMO. The corner is down the corridor but not turned yet but you can see it. That said, Saturday isn't yet the barometer and to think it is is just setting oneself up for a huge letdown and hey if you can take it than great but there will be a bunch of dancing nancies on here Saturday wondering if ward or lynch is the right guy, Dungey versus Deviot etc etc etc and IMO it's nonsense.

Syracuse played 4 games on the road last year against 3 bluebloods, Miami, LSU, FSU and NC State, a team that had 7 guys drafted into the NFL from their defense. All those enviroments are very hostile and loud. They came out of all 4 of those just needing a play or 2 to get a win. Syracuse is a deeper, stronger and better team this year. So why all this trepidation and negative fatalism. Any time a senior QB of the caliber of Eric Dungey is on your team, you have a decent chance to win any game.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

Syracuse played 4 games on the road last year against 3 bluebloods, Miami, LSU, FSU and NC State, a team that had 7 guys drafted into the NFL from their defense. All those enviroments are very hostile and loud. They came out of all 4 of those just needing a play or 2 to get a win. Syracuse is a deeper, stronger and better team this year. So why all this trepidation and negative fatalism. Any time a senior QB of the caliber of Eric Dungey is on your team, you have a decent chance to win any game.

Those teams aren’t Clemson. Only Miami was really good last year. Not even close. Who cares if they are “blue bloods”? Nebraska is a blue blood? Doesn’t make them currently good

 

[djorange1989]

i want to come out with a win, and be healthy, especially Dungey against that Dline. we haven't trailed yet this season, and dammit, no reason to end that streak now!

 

[kirbivore]

Because everything points to a loss...Dabo won't have any problem getting his team ready to play and they're home
...changed to his manchild QB for us...Clemson and Georgia are the only teams that can give Bama a game ...Clemson is the only team on our schedule we don't match up with...jmo

DeVito is the future. No matter what the score leave Dungey in. If Dungey gets hurt, throw somebody else to the wolves.

 

[CousCuse]

Those teams aren’t Clemson. Only Miami was really good last year. Not even close. Who cares if they are “blue bloods”? Nebraska is a blue blood? Doesn’t make them currently good

Neb hasn't been a blueblood in decades. LSU is currently very good and NC St. is an NFL factory. I don't think our team is afraid of Clemson or the moment.

 

[CousCuse]

DeVito is the future. No matter what the score leave Dungey in. If Dungey gets hurt, throw somebody else to the wolves.

Devito would be scared? You people crack me up.

 

[kirbivore]

Devito would be scared? You people crack me up.

Never said he would be. Don't put him in and risk the programs future like they did by not sitting Dungey vs. Clemson in 2016.

 

[CousCuse]

Never said he would be. Don't put him in and risk the programs future like they did by not sitting Dungey vs. Clemson in 2016.

The programs future is now. If Dungey can't play for some reason, Devito needs to go in there and win this game. And I'm sure he would like the chance.

 

[TheCusian]

I actually think Clemson is better this year than last.

QB is much better.
RB is the same corps, but Etienne is RB1 now, so more productive unit.
WR is much better.
TE is the same (bad).
OL is the same.
DL is the same.
LB is the same guys, but playing worse so far.
CB is better.
S is worse.

I for one, am shocked that you think your team is better this year.

Except for the LB.

and S.

But, not to be outdone - we think we’re better too (but also strangely have different weaknesses and streangths due to graduation).

QB - is better (now with less INT! And a pretty good backup)
RB - better
WR - worse
OL - better (added an SEC transfer)
DL - better
LB - a little worse maybe
CB - better
S - better

 

[FrancoPizza]

It’s a long shot. But we have a better chance this year than last year.

this is nuts. The home field was humongous last year and played every bit the part. Alabama is probably the only team that would be favored to win down there.

 

[newmexicuse]

No game should be written off before it is played.

That being said, one can also root for our team realistically knowing that a loss is more likely than a win.

There is more at stake here than simply a win or a loss. A win should probably vault us into a top fifteen ranking.

Our early schedule has been soft, we need to prove that we belong. Playing them tough win or lose will do that. A close loss would say a lot and set us up for a strong finish to the season.

i don't get too many games out here in NM, but I have had an opportunity to see us twice. I think our O will be explosive against anybody. Our D has a good rush, and that should be worth a few stops per game against anybody. Still too many penalties, can't have a shot to beat Clemson unless that is corrected.

Dungey played very well against UConn, but more importantly, he didn't risk his body. Went out of bounds wisely on several occasions.

So the way I see it in order to win:

1. Will need at least 4 sacks and at least 6 more QB pressures.

2. Must cut penalties by at least 50% from UConn game - no dumb unsportsmanship penalties.

3. Must win the TO battle.

4. Must limit them to no more than one long scoring play and one other long play. Keep the ball in front of the D. must counter with a couple of big plays of our own.

5. Don't need to run wild, but must establish a reasonably effective run game to take pressure off of Dungey.

6. Have some sort of a special teams edge.

Is all of the above a tall order - Yes, is all of the above impossible - no.

So, in my mind I believe that we will play them tough. I believe that we will have a shot going into the fourth quarter. I believe that to spring the upset we will need a couple of game turning 4th quarter plays, ie. a TO or long scoring plays.