Rickie Collins

[SmilinBob]

I see this 2025 team as young but getting better each week especially if the OL and DL remain healthy.

Win wise who knows but if they stay healthy the second half of the season we will see the team heading into 26 as being one very very good football team that no team is going to want to play.

 

[AcAndAc]

I see this 2025 team as young but getting better each week especially if the OL and DL remain healthy.

Win wise who knows but if they stay healthy the second half of the season we will see the team heading into 26 as being one very very good football team that no team is going to want to play.

Hopefully. Staying healthy played bigger/faster elite teams is more difficult than playing lesser opponents. Especially, when we have younger and smaller players (due to age) that have not experienced the grind of a season. But if we get overwhelmed by that schedule... could be a very big step back to 3-4 wins. If so, harder to keep a team together through another offseason. Given our conference schedule, it is a bad season to be playing Tennessee or Notre Dame, much less both.

 

[CuseIn282xx]

The OL (and DL) lines will be noticeably approved. A RB can be secured through the portal. Good players at all positions are salivating to play here. Let's not clutch our pearls just yet.

 

[orangefog]

The OL (and DL) lines will be noticeably approved. A RB can be secured through the portal. Good players at all positions are salivating to play here. Let's not clutch our pearls just yet.

I've got a little Italian in me, I'm always clutching my pearls.

 

[RMH44]

The OL (and DL) lines will be noticeably approved. A RB can be secured through the portal. Good players at all positions are salivating to play here. Let's not clutch our pearls just yet.

I fully approve that the OL improves. ;-)

 

[NJCuse97]

Just to say it although I believe most here understand it; scheduling isn't done the year before the season being scheduled. We don't get to choose what games are home and away in conference (and that usually includes the ND element, where they push for home and neutral site games if possible). This schedule was 95% baked before HCFB was hired and this past season's success, or even the makeup of the team itself could not have been projected at that time, especially in light of the rapid change brought about with NIL and transfer rules. If all had "gone to plan" when this schedule was crafted, we'd be in what, year 9 with the same HC and SHOULD have been a well established program. '22 and '23 we were a bowl team (with a new positive outlook in '22 because we had TD and Shrader fighting it out). Nobody saw what was to come with our roster and on-field challenges.

 

[CuseIn282xx]

I've got a little Italian in me, I'm always clutching my pearls.

Italians aren't even close to the top of the pearl-clutching rankings.

 

[SUFaninNJ]

The OL (and DL) lines will be noticeably approved. A RB can be secured through the portal. Good players at all positions are salivating to play here. Let's not clutch our pearls just yet.

I think we’re pretty set at RB. I don’t expect Fran to add anyone there.

 

[djorange1989]

I think we’re pretty set at RB. I don’t expect Fran to add anyone there.

Agree, Willis and Nixon will be leading the way, Nixon will be very valuable out of the backfield.

 

[AZOrange]

Why would he enter the portal when he is next man up at Notre Dame??????

Is he? They’ve been saying for 3 years now…

 

[kcsu]

Is he? They’ve been saying for 3 years now…

He isn't in line to start.

 

[Idiocuse22&]

What’s wrong with being realistic? Have you seen anything from him that would counter that?

Have you seen anything from him that supports your statement?

 

[Idiocuse22&]

Last year we were loaded with an easy schedule and fought tooth and nail for 9 regular season wins. My eyes are pretty clear at what we lost and haven’t replaced with potentially 3-4 top 10 teams on the schedule. Let’s be a little realistic.

Did you pay any attention to College Football this year?
That argument died after week 4.

 

[SmilinBob]

Hopefully. Staying healthy played bigger/faster elite teams is more difficult than playing lesser opponents. Especially, when we have younger and smaller players (due to age) that have not experienced the grind of a season. But if we get overwhelmed by that schedule... could be a very big step back to 3-4 wins. If so, harder to keep a team together through another offseason. Given our conference schedule, it is a bad season to be playing Tennessee or Notre Dame, much less both.

I agree it's a rough schedule, no doubt, but you have to have a little faith in the coaching staff as well to get these guys ready to play each week.

 

[Shenexon]

First, I have to say that after 50 years of being an SU football fan, I still know diddly-squat about the technical aspects of the game. I read all of your analyses to learn about it and it makes me smarter until I forget what I’ve learned.

However, the thing that Fran has that we’ve lacked at times is a culture that inspires players to be the best version of themselves. He’s competed at a high level and clearly connects with the players to teach them how to compete successfully. He’s bringing in players that match his DART philosophy and expects to compete and win. I’m ok with that.

We’ve struggled for many years to be competitive with our peers, say nothing about how we’ve fared against really good teams. Fran is successfully recruiting more talented players to Syracuse than most of our recent coaches. I'm really happy about that, too.

I’m glad for a QB competition as our need to score points won’t be diminished next season, but am really hoping our defense gives the offense more opportunities than our competition. We had a lot of winning plays this season, but most were on offense. We need a tad more DART on defense. That’s MY technical analysis…

 

[SuFTW]

He isn't in line to start.

What do you say this based on? He is the current backup and looked good in the last game.
Who is in line then?

 

[Idiocuse22&]

I agree it's a rough schedule, no doubt, but you have to have a little faith in the coaching staff as well to get these guys ready to play each week.

It really looks like a very rough schedule...now. I highly doubt it will become moderately easy but in reality there is no way to predict how tough or easy it will become.
Especially now that rosters and coaching staffs flip like never seen before.
1 game at a time.
+keep producing that "bulletin board" material.

I know Im an idiot for saying bulletin board stuff is real...lol.

My bad Smilin bob...I responded to your post but it wasnt really directed at/ to you. Keep Smilin!

 

[Idiocuse22&]

The OL (and DL) lines will be noticeably approved. A RB can be secured through the portal. Good players at all positions are salivating to play here. Let's not clutch our pearls just yet.

Ya think? already? My feeling is some good players are... after talking with HCFB. Without that initial introduction, Im not sure there are any players that are even good or above good having us in mind at all. Good players that have a relationship with someone on our team are aware of us...but salivating?
Not yet.
I had a thought a while ago that given the relationship McCord and Ewers had...Ewers would consider us...lol. We may have been on the list but 6th $out of 6 teams.

* I agree with the OL/DL.
& I doubt we pick up a RB that would appear as a lock #1. I would be ecstatic with a big RB pickup. Im thinking itd be similar to QB situation. A quality pickup to improve competition. Given we have experienced Nixon that showed flashes, Willis with very positive potential, was it James the fresh. with speed? returner ☆edit☆ yes. plus in HS he was an RB/WR similar production in both. &Hart + whatever i am forgetting. Enough i believe to give us production and potential stud.
I have no idea but maybe James could be utilized more like an Erv Phillips. Making room for an add.

Let me tell ya...Im just very happy to be even thinking about SU football in mid January!

 

[IthacaMatt]

I’m skeptical. Spoke to an LSU fan about him and they weren’t impressed. Throwing motion is a problem.

He does seem to "wind up" his throws a bit.
Proper form is to basically throw from the ear with your elbow up.

 

[AZOrange]

What do you say this based on? He is the current backup and looked good in the last game.
Who is in line then?

He’s been passed over twice by portal qbs…

 

[SuFTW]

He’s been passed over twice by portal qbs…

So, that was last year and the year before. Who have they gotten from the portal to replace him for next year?

 

[JRHEETER]

There'$ alot of good rea$son$ we $igned on for the Tenne$$ee game

It’s also a massive showcase for the program.

Playing in a premiere kick off week game sponsored by Chick Fil A is a big deal.

It puts us in the national spotlight.


Speaking of, Coach Fran has a countdown clock to “beat Tennessee” for anyone who thinks he’s punting on this season

 

[SUfaninAZ]

It’s also a massive showcase for the program.

Playing in a premiere kick off week game sponsored by Chick Fil A is a big deal.

It puts us in the national spotlight.


Speaking of, Coach Fran has a countdown clock to “beat Tennessee” for anyone who thinks he’s punting on this season

“Punting” the season is so ridiculous to even hear. No coach of any kind would think that way.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

Have you seen anything from him that supports your statement?

I don't think it's a coincidence that the three really good seasons Syracuse football has had in the last 20 years (12,18, 24) all have some things in common. Most importantly is extremely strong senior/upper class leadership most especially at the QB position with some solid anchors on defense as well.

Not seeing any of that this year and you combine that with the schedule, I think it's tough to even see 6 wins. But hey to each his own.

 

[orange126]

So, that was last year and the year before. Who have they gotten from the portal to replace him for next year?

ESPN predicts CJ Carr , a redhsirt freshman will get the starting nod for whatever that is worth.