Pressure builds at Syracuse as bad years pile up

[Moontan]

Not my point. If I am a running back from N.C. and read that article, in a North Carolina paper. I might think it was aimed at me.

RW knows better.

 

[Chip]

Definitely a fair piece in my mind, especially coming from an outsider in North Carolina. We need to start 3-0 and then either surprise LSU (I know, not likely) or at least make the game competitive. The narrative could start to turn then. Cheers, Neil

And then not destroy that momentum by losing to USF. I think 4-1 is a must start, or the bowl game is too big an uphill battle.

I know it's weird to say because SU hasn't started 4-1 in forever, but this schedule lines up for it more than any year I can remember.

 

[money3189]

In the back half of 2011, with some of our better defenders out, we weren't stopping anyone -- same schemes, too many injuries. Schemes are great, but you need veteran players, with adequate size, to make the schemes effective. Sprinkle in a few real good, younger players. I really don't get an analysis that starts with our defensive stats in 2014, then 2015 will be ... Have to consider how the current players in each unit stack up against their predecessors.

On the other side of the ball, I throw out the stats for the second half of the 2014 season. It all starts with a QB, and we were rotating back-up Joes who just weren't ready to start.

I guess the first thing I thought when reading the article was that I didnt realize we were that good statistically in 2014. We've been consistently solid on defense since Shafer got here. Our offense and overall record was so bad that you forget we were one of the better 25 teams in the country on defense. I didnt say what we will do in 2015. We dont know. I cant predict the future. lol. What I am saying is its okay to be a (little) bit more optmistic about the defense. We do have a system that weve been running since 2009. New DC but same philosophies and principles. Good programs lose players every year, put in younger guys and end up having a better statistical year than before because they have a system. Unlike offense, we do have a identity on defense. We are an attack, gap pressure team that run to the ball and create havoc. The kids know it and believe in it. That alone helps offset some experience that we lost. Just trying to give people a positive outlook. We cant always be negative.

 

[retro44]

I guess the first thing I thought when reading the article was that I didnt realize we were that good statistically in 2014. We've been consistently solid on defense since Shafer got here. Our offense and overall record was so bad that you forget we were one of the better 25 teams in the country on defense. I didnt say what we will do in 2015. We dont know. I cant predict the future. lol. What I am saying is its okay to be a (little) bit more optmistic about the defense. We do have a system that weve been running since 2009. New DC but same philosophies and principles. Good programs lose players every year, put in younger guys and end up having a better statistical year than before because they have a system. Unlike offense, we do have a identity on defense. We are an attack, gap pressure team that run to the ball and create havoc. The kids know it and believe in it. That alone helps offset some experience that we lost. Just trying to give people a positive outlook. We cant always be negative.

That defense could have been rated much higher if we had a middle of the road offense......That's why I am not so worried about the defense this year as the coaching knows exactly what is needed to be done.

 

[money3189]

That defense could have been rated much higher if we had a middle of the road offense...That's why I am not so worried about the defense this year as the coaching knows exactly what is needed to be done.

Exactly. We have a experienced DC and a head coach that's defensive minded. Between these two I have to believe they can get the most out of the current players.

 

[rocklloyd]

He must be their version of Poliquin.

Did he mention that Syracuse was a nice burg?

Full of the "unwashed"

 

[qdawgg]

Its just depth Im worried about there.

Definitely scary, things could go bad really quick if we suffer some key injuries or injuries at certain positions.

 

[djorange1989]

Yep. I feel the same. Have said a few times I don't think we see a huge drop off on the defensive side of the ball. The players may be younger, but imo they are slightly more talented. Better talent should negate some of the inexperience.

Defense isn't the side of the ball i'm worried about.

Well said. Our D will be ok and they get to work some kinks out against a horrific 1-11 FCS team, a conference foe who's offense was worse than ours last year, a team we held to 3 pts last year who has a new HC and has lost their stud WR, and a USF team who was horrible on offense last year too. Only LSU will be a huge challenge the first 5 games as far as offensive talent. If our offense is even decent we will get back to a bowl IMO

 

[tipphill]

the article is on the money, period. no orange koolaid thank you. hcss needs at least a winning season---and i am hoping the best for him---and me

 

[CanadianSU]

yawn. Are we ranked bad at something coming off a 3-9 season, shocking !!

 

[Full_Rebar]

Feeling of uncertainty when you hear how many guys we have to replace on D but the more and more I think about it, I think we will surprise people. For the same reason you mentioned. I think we can be as good or better on the DL. Its just depth Im worried about there. Im honestly confident at LB. Hodge and Franklin can be just as good as Davis and Lynch. Its the other LB spot Im nervous about. In the secondary, we will be serviceable at CB. I think everyone is worried about the safety positions and for good reasons.

Agree. I worry about the depth at DT and safety. I really hope Thompson is able to stay at DE (except for 3rd downs to get more pass rushers on the field).

You are also right about the defensive identity, and I hope people understand this is why a lot of people here have concerns about the offense and the constant changing. Hopefully this year is the start of something on that side

 

[SoBristol]

I guess the first thing I thought when reading the article was that I didnt realize we were that good statistically in 2014. We've been consistently solid on defense since Shafer got here. Our offense and overall record was so bad that you forget we were one of the better 25 teams in the country on defense. I didnt say what we will do in 2015. We dont know. I cant predict the future. lol. What I am saying is its okay to be a (little) bit more optmistic about the defense. We do have a system that weve been running since 2009. New DC but same philosophies and principles. Good programs lose players every year, put in younger guys and end up having a better statistical year than before because they have a system. Unlike offense, we do have a identity on defense. We are an attack, gap pressure team that run to the ball and create havoc. The kids know it and believe in it. That alone helps offset some experience that we lost. Just trying to give people a positive outlook. We cant always be negative.

I don't believe identity wins games unless the defense stops the run and the secondary has adequate talent. I am optimistic because we have several weapons on offense and if Estime, Phillips, and Ishmael are healthy the identity will come. It is about talent around a senior QB -

 

[RICuse44]

I absolutely, 100% agree that we have the right scheme on defense for college football and it makes an enormous difference for us.

I see what you did there.

 

[RF2044]

I don't believe identity wins games unless the defense stops the run and the secondary has adequate talent. I am optimistic because we have several weapons on offense and if Estime, Phillips, and Ishmael are healthy the identity will come. It is about talent around a senior QB -

It's also about system and offensive unit execution--both of which were subpar last year.

I do agree that Hunt has a LOT to prove. A year of having Lester prove that he has the chops at OC and Hunt having a solid year at QB would go a long way toward us reaching bowl eligibility. I hope both happen, but after last year I'm not optimistic--doesn't mean it won't happen, but I am in "Missouri" mode, and want to see it on the field before I get too high or low.

 

[money3189]

I don't believe identity wins games unless the defense stops the run and the secondary has adequate talent. I am optimistic because we have several weapons on offense and if Estime, Phillips, and Ishmael are healthy the identity will come. It is about talent around a senior QB -

lol, I didnt say identity wins games, I said systems and schemes can. Not sure what we are getting with the offense. We dont know how players will fit and how well they will execute. Its systems that make players better than they are. Systems helps the learning curve and develops players. It helps the players execute plays at a higher level. I rather be more optimistc with the defense than offense because there's a proven system. We have recruited players designed to fit it. The players we have on offense were not recruited for this specific scheme.

 

[SoBristol]

lol, I didnt say identity wins games, I said systems and schemes can. Not sure what we are getting with the offense. We dont know how players will fit and how well they will execute. Its systems that make players better than they are. Systems helps the learning curve and develops players. It helps the players execute plays at a higher level. I rather be more optimistc with the defense than offense because there's a proven system. We have recruited players designed to fit it. The players we have on offense were not recruited for this specific scheme.

Yes we don't know much about the offense - except Rex Culpepper said it was similar to what his high school does! So get video from Rex's season.
Seriously, we have to expect Lester will fit the formation and plays to what his players can do. He has 4 OL who have started, A veteran QB, a veteran TE, better weapons, 2 RBs who have run for 300 yards in a back-up role. Some of the back-up (Enoicy and Custis in particular) will be very good.
On defense, we are small and inexperienced. But we have "identity".

 

[orangencpolice]

I wonder if that was a hit piece aimed at getting Washington to reconsider and also to influence Neal? Why else would they write an article about Syracuse football in a North Carolina paper? I can't imagine many people caring down there.

The local people don't care about SU sports. You are right, probably a ploy to get Washington to reconsider UNC. I didn't read the article yet but this is the only reason I can see. Also to influence others not to consider SU as well.

 

[baggerbob]

Yes we don't know much about the offense - except Rex Culpepper said it was similar to what his high school does! So get video from Rex's season.
Seriously, we have to expect Lester will fit the formation and plays to what his players can do. He has 4 OL who have started, A veteran QB, a veteran TE, better weapons, 2 RBs who have run for 300 yards in a back-up role. Some of the back-up (Enoicy and Custis in particular) will be very good.
On defense, we are small and inexperienced. But we have "identity".

John Raymon is a load in the middle of the defensive line, not small, and Thompson has good size for a defensive end Simmons is a 5th year senior.

 

[orangencpolice]

I read it. Most of it is true but I still think they beat up the program for outside reasons. Some of thelocals down here are mad that we were added to their beloved conference. The UNC fans like us better than Duke, but really don't want us to succeed.

 

[SoBristol]

John Raymon is a load in the middle of the defensive line, not small, and Thompson has good size for a defensive end Simmons is a 5th year senior.

Thompson is very good (best we have), Franklin should be fine as MLB. Raymon is a load who has had knee injuries (twice) -- so durability is an issue and a lot depends on the second year DTs. The LBs are young. The secondary takes a big step back from 2014. Can expect to return to our usual defense in 2016, but this is a transition year per the coaches. And with all we lost to graduation, it almost has to be. I am glad others are optimistic about the defensive side but I agree with the coaches -- a transitional year for a young defense.
The proof won't come until October-November, but I believe our offense will surprise. Throw out the 2014 stats (after Hunt went out), and look at the promise of the returning players.

 

[TheCusian]

Thompson is very good (best we have), Franklin should be fine as MLB. Raymon is a load who has had knee injuries (twice) -- so durability is an issue and a lot depends on the second year DTs. The LBs are young. The secondary takes a big step back from 2014. Can expect to return to our usual defense in 2016, but this is a transition year per the coaches. And with all we lost to graduation, it almost has to be. I am glad others are optimistic about the defensive side but I agree with the coaches -- a transitional year for a young defense. The proof won't come until October-November, but I believe our offense will surprise. Throw out the 2014 stats (after Hunt went out), and look at the promise of the returning players.

Daoust believes the line will be fine - talent is not a problem. Depth is.

I think Franklin will be more that fine. Our LB's will be a strength. I think we're very experienced at CB (though we need them to play better). Safety is a concern for sure.

I think we surprise on both sides of the ball, shoot out to a 5-1 record. Followed by a very tough second half of the season. More tape on offense, depth on D starts to hurt, tougher opponents = eeking out 1-2 wins for bowl eligibility. But overall (most) people have renewed faith in staff.

 

[SWC75]

Win some football games and we won't have to read articles like that.

 

[KaiserUEO]

Not my point. If I am a running back from N.C. and read that article, in a North Carolina paper. I might think it was aimed at me.

i found a picture of dash...

 

[dasher]

i found a picture of dash...

I don't get it but okay.

 

[KaiserUEO]

I don't get it but okay.

center of the universe, you seemed to feel as if the article was written directly to you or directly to a recruit.

it was just part of a series...