To provide some context that we can relate to here is SU's relative performance to the rest of D1 in the following offensive categories.
(This isn't to advocate for the merit of this set of measurements, let's keep the geek storm out of this discussion)
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The grouping is based on stats measuring production, stats showing efficiency and risk, and stats that I think show the quality of OL play.
This data shows a couple of things to me,
1. Gerg was as across the board awful as I've always said.
2. Marrone's philosophy was crawl, walk, run development coming out of the gergian error; protect against the downside and play complimentary football. By 2012 he had a high volume, fast paced, full spectrum offense, it could generate big plays, stay ahead of the sticks and execute long drives, and could go get that tough yard when needed.
3. Shafer couldn't generate a pass offense and couldn't score.
4. Dino is about generating production through volume, not efficiency. His approach stresses the OL and he isn't as worried about the downside on individual plays because "we'll make it up on the back end". It focused on getting ahead on explosive plays and low number of play scoring drives, not complimentary football. When it's humming it's great, when it's not, oye. Until this year they have done at least an adequate, if not a great, job of moving the ball through the air. Except for 2018 points haven't followed, mostly because of the struggles running the ball and not having a truly elite WR to make plays in the compressed space of the redzone.
This year he can't go fast for a bunch of reasons and the per play efficiency is worse, not better. They have hit on a couple of bombs for scores, but not nearly enough to make up for the fact that they can't stay on the field most of the time.
The two biggest statistical weaknesses with Dino ball here is the inability to consistently production get in the run game and avoid negative plays.
In the run game it starts with the OL not being able to impose it's will. In my opinion the high number of negative plays is a combination of both the OL struggles and just the number of plays run.
2012 shows you can run a high volume of plays and do a tremendous job of avoiding negative plays, but you need a high performing OL to do so.
Onto the future, there are significant reasons to believe that next year there will be improvement to the point where the offense can a least be between 2018 and 2019.
Single biggest factor is the potential that the OL as a group is straightened out. Since this year "doesn't count" no change in eligibility. Years starting includes this year.
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The going in assumption is that the starters will be the guys with prior starting experience and where they end up will shake out. Obviously if Servais comes back somebody would move down. And I believe that all spots are going to be subject to competition, but ties will be broken by experience. If a second unit player is better Babers can't worry about hurt feelings.
If Pat Davis comes back and White gets his health issues resolved that will be added depth. Not sure if any of the incoming kids are instant impact players, but hopefully with a solid two deep that won't be needed.
It's essential that this off season be normal. 7 of 10, including three starters, on the two deep have not been part of an off season at Syracuse. Whoever is coaching the position, they can't go another year without being able to have a normal S&C cycle and spring program.
Assuming no career ending injuries or transfers I don't think there is a crisis on the OL demanding it be addressed through the portal. What they need is to be coached up as a group with legitimate competition and depth, and to get stronger. That starting group has the experience necessary to be a functional, productive group, but the process has been backwards, playing time before seasoning. Now they need to focus on the fundamentals and getting better as a whole.
Second reason is stability at running back. I think Tucker and Hough give SU the best pair of backs since at least Smith and PTG. Jordan is the speed guy that can used as another weapon in space instead of trying to run through the A gap. Lutz has made some plays and offers depth if needed. If the offense can get back to the pace they want there are more than enough snaps to go around.
If there is a legit run game and pass protection I think Devito can excel. He has to be here to do so. If there is a reset at QB then all bets are off.
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