Missing Pieces

[IthacaBarrel]

I completely disagree about WR. We are lacking there, and have no idea whether the guys we have fit what Babers wants to do.

OL is another positional unit I wouldn't take for granted as being "good enough." We'll see. As I've stated numerous times this season, I believe that the redshirting players will prove to be better than the incumbents who played this season. Time will tell whether that ends up being correct. But either way, we're losing lots of starting experience that won't be easy to replace there, and filling in the gaps with a lot of unproven commodities.

DT is going to be fine. Not really worried there.

Secondary -- couldn't agreee more. I'm hoping that Winfield + the experienced gained by Dowels / Hudson ends up equating to better play there next year. Safety is a mess, especially if Cordy departs.

It all depends how quickly DINO can get the offense humming. Defense will be average at best, probably below average at best. All depends whether we can counter multiple punches in the gut.

Defense just needs to be adequate, offense is where we need to make the most improvement. Both sides of the ball were terrible this year but with a guy like DINO offense will be the the engine that gets us back to at least relevant. Defense? Who gives a . Baylor didn't start worrying about defense until UCF beat them in the fiesta bowl.

 

[PhatOrange]

As long as all the redshirt frosh offensive lineman step up and a tackle emerges we should be fine. as long.

i think the rest of the offense is fine right out of the gate - and i think we can run the O with the current personnel providing the mental part clicks.

Safeties are a HUGE concern, they can't tackle or cover anyone. And apparently we don't need any corner backs as we seem to be letting Brinson go. Our highly touted corner out of Georgia.

 

[Rocco]

In looking at our roster i think that we have the majority of Pieces in place for HCDB to lead us to a bowl next year. I believe that the biggest positions of need that need to be addressed are in order of importance the following.

DT: We simply could not stop the run without putting 8 in the box. We need size and we need depth. I hope that we bring in a game ready Juco at this position.

D secondary: No explanation needed. One solid physical corner and one God inducing fear Safety. Last year we looked like school kids at the county rodeo trying to bring down a sheep. It was as ugly as i can ever remember.

As to the rest of the team i believe we are in really good shape. LB should be much improved. DE is thin but im expecting both of the stoners back if not add this position to the list.

RB OL WR Specials all good enough to win six.

Love this hire and love this staff. Nothing but good things ahead and really glad to see SS land at Maryland.

Go Orange!!

Steven Clark was very good at DT this year for us. Especially considering he was a true freshman. He will only get better over time. Add in Kayton Samuels, Chris Slayton and Tony Guidice and we have a nice base there.

With this offense, we definitely need more WRs.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

To me it's all about Eric Dungey's status and whether or not he will be thrown to the curb by the university like players before him who suffered head injuries.

You mean the "we are afraid for your long term health, but we will keep you on scholarship so you can finish your degree for free" curb.

 

[orangenirvana]

So they shouldn't do what they feel is right? C'mon. If the school decides where the line is and a player doesn't like it they get a second chance somewhere else.

(We also accepted such a player, but that breaks your tidy little explanation.)

Also, and most importantly, it's not needless if it's a decision based on doing right by the student athlete. If a player wants to risk their mental and quality of life at another institution, go for it. But the university should reserve the right to make the decision on their end.

It's on the university to provide the athlete (and his/her parents) with all of the information available to make his/her own informed decision.

I just don't like the idea of SU playing by different rules and playing at yet another disadvantage compared to their ACC and other Power 5 peers. I'm all for these policies if it's upheld by everyone.

And I think people are naive to think this is about protecting the student athlete as much as it is covering their own butts in case of lawsuits down the road, but we all see the world differently.

I don't agree with your take but I'll just hope for the best - including seeing football continuing to make strides to be a safer sport with medical advances catching up to treat head and other injuries - and see where this thing goes.

 

[TheCusian]

It's on the university to provide the athlete (and his/her parents) with all of the information available to make his/her own informed decision. I just don't like the idea of SU playing by different rules and playing at yet another disadvantage compared to their ACC and other Power 5 peers. I'm all for these policies if it's upheld by everyone. And I think people are naive to think this is about protecting the student athlete as much as it is covering their own butts in case of lawsuits down the road, but we all see the world differently. I don't agree with your take but I'll just hope for the best - including seeing football continuing to make strides to be a safer sport with medical advances catching up to treat head and other injuries - and see where this thing goes.

We're not that far off. I just think the school should have the right to protect the student athlete from increasing the odds of long term concussions (my take) AND cover its butt from litigation (your take).

And they basically give the student and families all the info and allow them to transfer to a place where they can play.

 

[SmilinBob]

I wouldn't be surprised if some players are asked, especially on offense, to change positions. Remember that HCDB talked about selfless and a team type thinking (not that I think this team was selfish) and this may also lead to a transfer or 2. For example...moving McFarland to SS or Morris to WR. It might be a bit of a plug n play thing with the pieces already on the Hill as I believe HCDB has a keen eye for what he wants and how to find/use it.