Our keys to a successful program

[Shaggy]

1. Culture/stability. Coach Shafer and his staff need to create a culture of confidence, faith, hard work, and togetherness. I see the togetherness with the new recruits. Kids going to church together, seniors taking freshman on in the weight room, etc. I think we need a niche culture like Boise State and we now have an AD that can envision that culture. Many will disagree with this next statement, but Shafer needs at least three more years to get this in place. He is our long term guy.
2. Cleanliness. We need to be the team that is known for limiting penalties. So many games are swayed by penalties and if we can take care of small matters like this, we will soon be winning 8 to 10 games a year and possibly more. This goal has to be a montra for Syracuse football.
3. Special teams. Need I say more after seemingly every kickoff and punt last year was almost returned for big yardage.
4. Defensive domination through scheme. We are good on defense because of risks that we take, the staff needs to scheme better each week.
5. A QB and OFFENSIVE LINE. The rest of the offense will roll if these two units roll. Simplify football and master little, instead of suck at all.
6. If we do the above recruiting will fall into place over the next three years. Unity, quality control, schemed defense and a solid QB and OFFENSIVE LINE along with a unique culture will bring us back to the top 25.

 

[Finwad32]

1. Culture/stability. Coach Shafer and his staff need to create a culture of confidence, faith, hard work, and togetherness. I see the togetherness with the new recruits. Kids going to church together, seniors taking freshman on in the weight room, etc. I think we need a niche culture like Boise State and we now have an AD that can envision that culture. Many will disagree with this next statement, but Shafer needs at least three more years to get this in place. He is our long term guy.
2. Cleanliness. We need to be the team that is known for limiting penalties. So many games are swayed by penalties and if we can take care of small matters like this, we will soon be winning 8 to 10 games a year and possibly more. This goal has to be a montra for Syracuse football.
3. Special teams. Need I say more after seemingly every kickoff and punt last year was almost returned for big yardage.
4. Defensive domination through scheme. We are good on defense because of risks that we take, the staff needs to scheme better each week.
5. A QB and OFFENSIVE LINE. The rest of the offense will roll if these two units roll. Simplify football and master little, instead of suck at all.
6. If we do the above recruiting will fall into place over the next three years. Unity, quality control, schemed defense and a solid QB and OFFENSIVE LINE along with a unique culture will bring us back to the top 25.

All good points. Agreed on all fronts.

 

[Ringostar57]

Cleanliness......no smacking women in a bar......no arrests for stupid ego crap. Anything but football and books does not affect you....Special teams we want head hunters! Defense: we want the ball back NOW! In the trenches we are brutal monsters! Linemen; you own it. Nobody pushes you around. You do the pushing. Running backs you run away from people. Running over people is a last resort. Receivers. Space find it catch it and go. Made this speech a million times.

 

[ImperialOrange]

Accountability to yourself, your team mates, and to your coaches. Be able to look yourself in the mirror and know you prepared to the best of your ability and played every play your absolute hardest for your brothers.

Great news is I feel like these are the exact type of mindset players we are getting.

 

[Rocco]

Agree on everything, ESPECIALLY the Shafer part. He needs a lot more time. The pieces are in place, so let's hope that Lester is the key and that Dungey, Womack or Long are the answer post-Hunt.

We need to commit to a HC and I think Shafer is the right guy.

 

[TheCusian]

Agree on everything, ESPECIALLY the Shafer part. He needs a lot more time. The pieces are in place, so let's hope that Lester is the key and that Dungey, Womack or Long are the answer post-Hunt. We need to commit to a HC and I think Shafer is the right guy.

I agree. Lester and this offense has to show something this year though. And you're right we need someone to be a multi-year star at QB in the worst way. You forgot Rex, too

 

[Ottoble]

Agree on everything, ESPECIALLY the Shafer part. He needs a lot more time. The pieces are in place, so let's hope that Lester is the key and that Dungey, Womack or Long are the answer post-Hunt.

We need to commit to a HC and I think Shafer is the right guy.

Agreed!

 

[Pyle]

It's important to keep in mind that while penalties are killers, they are quite often the result of being overmatched, out run, or whatever. It's not just discipline.

 

[orange_in_VA]

1. Culture/stability. Coach Shafer and his staff need to create a culture of confidence, faith, hard work, and togetherness. I see the togetherness with the new recruits. Kids going to church together, seniors taking freshman on in the weight room, etc. I think we need a niche culture like Boise State and we now have an AD that can envision that culture. Many will disagree with this next statement, but Shafer needs at least three more years to get this in place. He is our long term guy.
2. Cleanliness. We need to be the team that is known for limiting penalties. So many games are swayed by penalties and if we can take care of small matters like this, we will soon be winning 8 to 10 games a year and possibly more. This goal has to be a montra for Syracuse football.
3. Special teams. Need I say more after seemingly every kickoff and punt last year was almost returned for big yardage.
4. Defensive domination through scheme. We are good on defense because of risks that we take, the staff needs to scheme better each week.
5. A QB and OFFENSIVE LINE. The rest of the offense will roll if these two units roll. Simplify football and master little, instead of suck at all.
6. If we do the above recruiting will fall into place over the next three years. Unity, quality control, schemed defense and a solid QB and OFFENSIVE LINE along with a unique culture will bring us back to the top 25.

I agree with pretty much all of this. I will say, as much as I love Shafer, if we have a two win season, hes toast.

The biggest issue I have with your post (the only one really) is about the defensive scheme needing improvement.
We fielded the 26th ranked total defense in the country last year with 2-3 star recruits and zero offense.

Our defense was on the field for like 40+ minutes a game. I don't know how logical it is to argue with the scheme. I think this staff understands defensive scheme just fine. I'm looking forward to them getting some of these more athletic kids they've been getting the last couple years in that D.

 

[baggerbob]

The only thing missing in these posts is, " Play with a chip on your shoulder", which I think some of this years recruits will.

 

[donniesyracuse]

It's important to keep in mind that while penalties are killers, they are quite often the result of being overmatched, out run, or whatever. It's not just discipline.

Also, if winning requires you to play mistake-free football, you are not going to win.

 

[AAM62]

Game day experience should be up there. I understand CNY fans are skeptical and all but whatever numbers do come, come early and get the team going. running out of a smoking tunnel to empty seats deflates those guys from the onset. also, I've noticed that the first drives of the game don't go hot, especially when the other team gets the ball first. it always seems to be a big drive, then the team settles down. they need to jump on teams from the start of games.

 

[SWC75]

I would add a reasonable schedule that gives us a good shot at a winning record going into conference play every year.

 

[Full_Rebar]

Let's be real for a second here. A successful program needs investment. It's no secret that the IPF and upgrades in the football facility are helping recruiting, but it can't stop there. Need to invest the money for the right staff (coaching and support areas), and to not settle for what is there now in terms of facilities. SU should start planning now for future upgrades and not be waiting to catch up.

 

[donniesyracuse]

Let's be real for a second here. A successful program needs investment. It's no secret that the IPF and upgrades in the football facility are helping recruiting, but it can't stop there. Need to invest the money for the right staff (coaching and support areas), and to not settle for what is there now in terms of facilities. SU should start planning now for future upgrades and not be waiting to catch up.

Exactly, build a new dome! I want a shiny new car, not an old Impala with a new fuel pump.

 

[TheCusian]

Let's be real for a second here. A successful program needs investment. It's no secret that the IPF and upgrades in the football facility are helping recruiting, but it can't stop there. Need to invest the money for the right staff (coaching and support areas), and to not settle for what is there now in terms of facilities. SU should start planning now for future upgrades and not be waiting to catch up.

All that starts with the right leadership. AD and Chancellor = check.

 

[SWC75]

Let's be real for a second here. A successful program needs investment. It's no secret that the IPF and upgrades in the football facility are helping recruiting, but it can't stop there. Need to invest the money for the right staff (coaching and support areas), and to not settle for what is there now in terms of facilities. SU should start planning now for future upgrades and not be waiting to catch up.

What specifically is on our shopping list at this point? We're always talking about something holding us back. What is it now?

 

[Full_Rebar]

What specifically is on our shopping list at this point? We're always talking about something holding us back. What is it now?

No one can confirm, but the notion that our staff budget is smaller than our peers would be the first place (if said rumors are in fact true).

Looking at other P5 schools, I'd say upgrades in nutrition, athletic training and strength and conditioning to start. I would like SU to look at the potential to move coaches offices, locker room and football weight room so it can connect to the IPF. Locker rooms at the Dome have to be looked at as well.

At least have a plan in place in case someone approached SU and said, "I'm looking to help the program, what are the biggest needs outside of endowments?" It's not about holding back, it's about being pro-active and not reactive.

 

[orange_in_VA]

No one can confirm, but the notion that our staff budget is smaller than our peers would be the first place (if said rumors are in fact true).

Looking at other P5 schools, I'd say upgrades in nutrition, athletic training and strength and conditioning to start. I would like SU to look at the potential to move coaches offices, locker room and football weight room so it can connect to the IPF. Locker rooms at the Dome have to be looked at as well.

At least have a plan in place in case someone approached SU and said, "I'm looking to help the program, what are the biggest needs outside of endowments?" It's not about holding back, it's about being pro-active and not reactive.

The "rumors" are fact. Clemson's D coordinator makes more than Shafer.

 

[OrangeFoo]

I find it ironic that we need to all those things to get recruiting to fall into place when a scumbag like Petrino can roll in 4-star QBs without doing any of that.

Maybe you should add to your list a dynamic offensive scheme that kids like to play in and puts up lots of points. I'll never understand why we insist on tying one hand behind our back and going with a defense first approach when just about every other program is going the opposite direction. Why do we have to act like we are smarter than our peers? I really hope the new AD being from Boise means we will finally get a coach in here who knows how to coach an offense.

Syracuse University Football... We might not score many points, but at least we don't get any penalties... oh wait, we do get a ton of penalties... but you DO get to go to sleep over camp at Ft. Drum, the coach will invite you over for BBQs and pool parties, and we'll grind out games against inferior teams. Feel the fury!

 

[orange_in_VA]

I find it ironic that we need to all those things to get recruiting to fall into place when a scumbag like Petrino can roll in 4-star QBs without doing any of that.

Maybe you should add to your list a dynamic offensive scheme that kids like to play in and puts up lots of points. I'll never understand why we insist on tying one hand behind our back and going with a defense first approach when just about every other program is going the opposite direction. Why do we have to act like we are smarter than our peers? I really hope the new AD being from Boise means we will finally get a coach in here who knows how to coach an offense.

Syracuse University Football... We might not score many points, but at least we don't get any penalties... oh wait, we do get a ton of penalties... but you DO get to go to sleep over camp at Ft. Drum, the coach will invite you over for BBQs and pool parties, and we'll grind out games against inferior teams. Feel the fury!

Louisville and Cuse are Cardinals to Oranges. It's not a fair comparison to make. Petrino has a proven track record, the guy is like 93-31 or something, and can tell kids he coached in the NFL too. Louisville has better fan support, and a huge die-hard fan donor that helps them compete nationally in facilities (Papa John). They are also closer to recruiting hotbeds. Petrino also had the fortune of landing in a position where the team was already built to win by Charlie Strong. They had 10 players drafted. 10! We had zero. The only fair comparison to make between the two programs right now is our similar enrollments. Thats about it.

 

[orange_in_VA]

The most important thing for this program is to just win baby! Looking at results nationally, northeast teams have it harder than almost any other region unfortunately. When is the last time a team from the Northeast played for a conference or national title? This staff has shown they can recuit pretty well given the difficulties of recruiting to Syracuse, and lack of talent in our region. If we can start winning some more games, this staff will get us the best talent we've had in a long time. Cuse aint paying for a Bobby Petrino, so dont expect one to walk through the door any time soon.

 

[NJCuse97]

I would like SU to look at the potential to move coaches offices, locker room and football weight room so it can connect to the IPF. Locker rooms at the Dome have to be looked at as well.

At least have a plan in place in case someone approached SU and said, "I'm looking to help the program, what are the biggest needs outside of endowments?" It's not about holding back, it's about being pro-active and not reactive.

There is currently no plan in place that I know of that addresses the above requests directly. There is a master plan component that suggests a facility to be built off the Lampe complex to support non-revenue sports with a weight room, better training rooms, locker rooms, and more academic space I believe. It is important for us to be patient an understand the "dominoes" of this process. First we'd need to replace Coyne. Then build the new facility described above which makes space for additional football support facilities. So don't get too upset about spending on non-revenue sports.

That said, with a new AD, he may say the new facility should be football and the team abandons Lampe/Manley to make room for the non-revenue sports (shift in priorities), but finding a Coyne replacement still happens first.

 

[Full_Rebar]

There is currently no plan in place that I know of that addresses the above requests directly. There is a master plan component that suggests a facility to be built off the Lampe complex to support non-revenue sports with a weight room, better training rooms, locker rooms, and more academic space I believe. It is important for us to be patient an understand the "dominoes" of this process. First we'd need to replace Coyne. Then build the new facility described above which makes space for additional football support facilities. So don't get too upset about spending on non-revenue sports.

That said, with a new AD, he may say the new facility should be football and the team abandons Lampe/Manley to make room for the non-revenue sports (shift in priorities), but finding a Coyne replacement still happens first.

Well if the last AD hadn't given up the non-revenue weight room so one team could have a kitchen, that wouldn't be an issue. I'd also argue that moving football and opening up their current space would easily address the need for training rooms, locker rooms and academic space. (I know Gait raised the money for the locker room, but no one said it had to be placed in the existing weight room)

It doesn't have to make football a priority at the expense of other sports, but hopefully Coyle doesn't pick a couple of coaches as those he can't say No too.

 

[SWC75]

No one can confirm, but the notion that our staff budget is smaller than our peers would be the first place (if said rumors are in fact true).

Looking at other P5 schools, I'd say upgrades in nutrition, athletic training and strength and conditioning to start. I would like SU to look at the potential to move coaches offices, locker room and football weight room so it can connect to the IPF. Locker rooms at the Dome have to be looked at as well.

At least have a plan in place in case someone approached SU and said, "I'm looking to help the program, what are the biggest needs outside of endowments?" It's not about holding back, it's about being pro-active and not reactive.

Didn't McNabb pay for a new locker room a while back?