Agreed. And to add to the point, being a finalist in many ways has more to do with the fact that a player is a returning starter or two-year starter. Call me out on it all you want, but there is no way that by the end of the season, MM is even in the top 80% of centers in the big six conferences (yes I'm including the Big East for now).
Although MM's technique was good last year he still struggled mightily with bull rushers and DT's that took him on head on. The Syracuse offensive line too often had to account for these struggles by sliding a guard from one side or the other which opened up other potential weaknesses. This also led to the pocket being collapsed from the inside on medium to long (time wise) passing plays and was a huge factor in the deterioration of the SU passing game. Another byproduct is that it allowed opposing defensive ends to have a different attack point (realizing the QB could not step up into the pocket) and opened up wider speed rush lanes to the outside, thus creating huge gaps inside and outside while attacking our tackles.
I would much rather have a Nick Romeo type that lacked maybe the overall quickness to pull or get to the 2nd level consistently, but was strong enough to match (and in many instances beat) future NFL DTs one on one through brute strength.
Here's hoping another year in the strength and conditioning program has MM better able to hold his own against power rushes.
Peace
