Some quick postgame thoughts

[SmilinBob]

Devito had horrible snaps to deal with on almost every play.

 

[P Vasiloff]

I didnt comment on Chance being a gamer. My comment was about Tommy.

Your comment stated DeVito might get beat out by Aime next year. Just wondering what your basing it on?

 

[Orangeman]

When given time, ED can make all throws...contrary to the opinions of some board experts. All you need to watch are the td passes to N Johnson and the last back shoulder td pass to Custis.

Indeed. I was wrong about that, and happy to be so!

My one concern is that he doesn't step up in the pocket enough, but instead flows outside the tackle/blocking too soon...

 

[JoeSU]

Devito had horrible snaps to deal with on almost every play.

Yep. Back-up center #71 (Keaton Darney) needs to work on this.
The idea behind having Devito line-up in the shotgun is that he is afforded a better view downfield. The bad snaps totally destroys this advantage.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

A few meaningless, useless observations (or random thoughts) from game day:

• "Take me to Crouse" is one of the strangest advertising slogans ever;
• Really dug the girl who did that in-game broadcast with James Mungro (Aneesha maybe?). Good energy and enthusiasm without being obnoxious or overwhelming;
• The attempts at keeping fans engaged during timeouts were appreciated (if not always executed-well), but all they really need to do is trot out some one from the stands to try to field punts;
• The one thing the Athletic Department consistently does well is the Hometown Hero spots;
• 13 "retired" basketball jerseys seems like a lot for a program with one championship (I count 5 sure things [Bing, Washington, Douglas, Moten, Anthony] and one borderline [Coleman]); and
• Thought the coaching staff looked snazzy in the white polo/navy slacks combo.

 

[Xanadu]

A few observations after a game that ultimately won't be much of a barometer as we head into ACC play next week. Having said that, it's still worth noting what looked good/bad since, at the end of the day, you still have to go out and win this game.

-- For two weeks, this team has done a lot of little things right. Whatever Wagner is or isn't, they cost themselves any opportunity of hanging in the game by muffing two snaps, dropping a bunch of passes and turning the ball over a bunch. Cuse, meanwhile, took care of the ball for the most part, tackled decently, played four full quarters, did a nice job on the two short kickoffs, made a long FG ... just did a lot of those things that get lost in a huge blowout, but are important factors when you add them all up.

-- Special teams has been, by far, the most impressive unit on this team. Cordy had a long punt return and did a nice job picking up the punt at the end of the half and getting four yards while also not allowing another 5-10 seconds to drain off the clock. Riley had the nice return (both returns had something to do with the difference in talent between a P5 school and an FCS school, but still ...). The FG unit looked excellent for a second straight week, the coverage units didn't get tested but were fine for what was required, there was the big blocked punt and then the clothesline of the punter on the other. We had the one beautiful punt that was faircaught at the 15. Just a second straight week of flawless play there and by far -- by a country mile -- the best unit on this team.

-- Jarveon Howard is our best runner. I don't know about how well he blocks or knows the playbook or secures the ball, etc. I also know he's not Bo Jackson from Super Tecmo, but we need to be better running the ball and I'd be really surprised if he isn't the one splitting carries with Neal at some point this season. I'd actually like to see him get the most carries.

-- On the flip side, Neal is OK. Not bad in terms of hitting a hole, but doesn't have much power and has almost no wiggle. Groh made the point that he's got to make a man at the second level miss at some point. He doesn't do this. His long runs are the ones where you don't get touched and you just run. Strickland is less than OK, IMO. Not trying to crush the kid and he made a real nice cut on his longer TD run, setting up the defender outside, planting and busting up the middle for the score. But the play before that he got pulled down, from behind, with a full head of steam by a player from Wagner and landed on his backside. He's just not an ACC level RB, IMO.

-- Dungey doesn't look pretty very often but he's a guy who makes plays. Thought he did a nice job after getting pummeled on that one run in the end zone by 17 Wagner defenders, of avoiding getting hit the rest of the day. Hard guy to grade b/c he's unconventional but another nice game from him.

-- Tommy? Not sure. He didn't get much help but he didn't do too much either. I'm sure he'll be fine but still would love to see him come in and taste a little success before the calendar turns to October.

-- Nice to see some younger WRs get in the game. Not sure Taj's TD reception means he's headed for a Marvin Harrison-like career, but it's worth noting that he smelled the goalline there and got into the end zone. Thought Nykeim showed speed we' don't see from the other guys -- Custis included -- on that shovel pass/end-around deal. Outran the pursuit from the inside and turned in a really nice gain. Also ran past the defense and created a ton of separation on the TD catch. Would love to see if that translates for those two in bigger games down the road.

-- Solid game for Custis, terrible again for Butler and Riley is so small he looks outmatched physically (not in terms of speed, but sheer size and strength) even against an FCS team.

-- Ravian Pierce -- one catch, 3 yards. Should have made a play on that throw in the end zone but also feel like we may need to do a better job of forcefeeding him a few touches.

-- OL was OK, still reserving judgement. DL was excellent even with just two sacks. Need to see them next week to get an accurate gauge on what we have there, but at least nice to see them dominating tonight. Nice play by Richards on the pick.

-- LBs -- thought the activity was good but the tackling was only OK. Probably an issue all year for that group

-- Young DBs made some plays, which is great. Hopefully that leads to some confidence. Frederick actually got picked on a little with that back-shoulder throw. Jury still out there too, but some promising kids looking down the road, IMO.

Overall: These games can be tricky b/c if you don't win 62-10 everyone will be wringing their hands but when you do win by that margin everyone says it doesn't count. I'd say, at the end of the day, that there remain concerns at RB/WR/LB and maybe DB, and I know we're improved but I'm not sure we're really good at OL and DL, BUT there is at least a slim chance that they can battle with FSU and dream of a 3-0 start, which would be really nice heading into a game we should win against UConn. Will be interesting to watch regardless.

Couple observations:

- Howard is the only back that hits the hole with his head up. That’s the big difference. Neal and Strickland always hit the hole with their head down, often missing the hole entirely.

- WR will be fine. I think Butler will get there and the frosh will continue to develop. I don’t think Butler is just out of it, he is engaged and cheering on his teammates making big plays. He just lack confidence in his play. That being said, we will see NJ starter from here out.

- LB corps is soft, need to play clean. Mainly Guthrie is missing plays consistently. I think we might see Shy get more run.

- I think they are hiding Pierce right now. Babers knows what he has there and he needs to know what he has at WR. That is why he is not as involved in the passing game.

- we have yet to see a clean game from the entire team. I think the presser with the players is a good look at the mindset and it is clear they are hungry.

This is an 8+ win team if they can start putting things together.

 

[kcsu]

Your comment stated DeVito might get beat out by Aime next year. Just wondering what your basing it on?

First. I think Tommy starts next year. I have heard that Chance is one heck of an athlete who has opened some eyes. He is a true dual threat.

 

[rrlbees]

Couple observations:

- Howard is the only back that hits the hole with his head up. That’s the big difference. Neal and Strickland always hit the hole with their head down, often missing the hole entirely.

- WR will be fine. I think Butler will get there and the frosh will continue to develop. I don’t think Butler is just out of it, he is engaged and cheering on his teammates making big plays. He just lack confidence in his play. That being said, we will see NJ starter from here out.

- LB corps is soft, need to play clean. Mainly Guthrie is missing plays consistently. I think we might see Shy get more run.

- I think they are hiding Pierce right now. Babers knows what he has there and he needs to know what he has at WR. That is why he is not as involved in the passing game.

- we have yet to see a clean game from the entire team. I think the presser with the players is a good look at the mindset and it is clear they are hungry.

This is an 8+ win team if they can start putting things together.

Never understood the whole hits the hole with their head down. Look at the game highlights, the 2nd Strick TD is a clear video of him and his head is up. Maybe when a RB runs into a pile the head goes down.

 

[MadNY3]

A few observations after a game that ultimately won't be much of a barometer as we head into ACC play next week. Having said that, it's still worth noting what looked good/bad since, at the end of the day, you still have to go out and win this game.

-- For two weeks, this team has done a lot of little things right. Whatever Wagner is or isn't, they cost themselves any opportunity of hanging in the game by muffing two snaps, dropping a bunch of passes and turning the ball over a bunch. Cuse, meanwhile, took care of the ball for the most part, tackled decently, played four full quarters, did a nice job on the two short kickoffs, made a long FG ... just did a lot of those things that get lost in a huge blowout, but are important factors when you add them all up.

-- Special teams has been, by far, the most impressive unit on this team. Cordy had a long punt return and did a nice job picking up the punt at the end of the half and getting four yards while also not allowing another 5-10 seconds to drain off the clock. Riley had the nice return (both returns had something to do with the difference in talent between a P5 school and an FCS school, but still ...). The FG unit looked excellent for a second straight week, the coverage units didn't get tested but were fine for what was required, there was the big blocked punt and then the clothesline of the punter on the other. We had the one beautiful punt that was faircaught at the 15. Just a second straight week of flawless play there and by far -- by a country mile -- the best unit on this team.

-- Jarveon Howard is our best runner. I don't know about how well he blocks or knows the playbook or secures the ball, etc. I also know he's not Bo Jackson from Super Tecmo, but we need to be better running the ball and I'd be really surprised if he isn't the one splitting carries with Neal at some point this season. I'd actually like to see him get the most carries.

-- On the flip side, Neal is OK. Not bad in terms of hitting a hole, but doesn't have much power and has almost no wiggle. Groh made the point that he's got to make a man at the second level miss at some point. He doesn't do this. His long runs are the ones where you don't get touched and you just run. Strickland is less than OK, IMO. Not trying to crush the kid and he made a real nice cut on his longer TD run, setting up the defender outside, planting and busting up the middle for the score. But the play before that he got pulled down, from behind, with a full head of steam by a player from Wagner and landed on his backside. He's just not an ACC level RB, IMO.

-- Dungey doesn't look pretty very often but he's a guy who makes plays. Thought he did a nice job after getting pummeled on that one run in the end zone by 17 Wagner defenders, of avoiding getting hit the rest of the day. Hard guy to grade b/c he's unconventional but another nice game from him.

-- Tommy? Not sure. He didn't get much help but he didn't do too much either. I'm sure he'll be fine but still would love to see him come in and taste a little success before the calendar turns to October.

-- Nice to see some younger WRs get in the game. Not sure Taj's TD reception means he's headed for a Marvin Harrison-like career, but it's worth noting that he smelled the goalline there and got into the end zone. Thought Nykeim showed speed we' don't see from the other guys -- Custis included -- on that shovel pass/end-around deal. Outran the pursuit from the inside and turned in a really nice gain. Also ran past the defense and created a ton of separation on the TD catch. Would love to see if that translates for those two in bigger games down the road.

-- Solid game for Custis, terrible again for Butler and Riley is so small he looks outmatched physically (not in terms of speed, but sheer size and strength) even against an FCS team.

-- Ravian Pierce -- one catch, 3 yards. Should have made a play on that throw in the end zone but also feel like we may need to do a better job of forcefeeding him a few touches.

-- OL was OK, still reserving judgement. DL was excellent even with just two sacks. Need to see them next week to get an accurate gauge on what we have there, but at least nice to see them dominating tonight. Nice play by Richards on the pick.

-- LBs -- thought the activity was good but the tackling was only OK. Probably an issue all year for that group

-- Young DBs made some plays, which is great. Hopefully that leads to some confidence. Frederick actually got picked on a little with that back-shoulder throw. Jury still out there too, but some promising kids looking down the road, IMO.

Overall: These games can be tricky b/c if you don't win 62-10 everyone will be wringing their hands but when you do win by that margin everyone says it doesn't count. I'd say, at the end of the day, that there remain concerns at RB/WR/LB and maybe DB, and I know we're improved but I'm not sure we're really good at OL and DL, BUT there is at least a slim chance that they can battle with FSU and dream of a 3-0 start, which would be really nice heading into a game we should win against UConn. Will be interesting to watch regardless.

Agree on Pierce.

Don’t judge Riley on his physicality but his production. He did block the punt and contributed.

OL..Conway had a stretch where he struggled, which was concerning. Agree.

Butler must be getting touches for setting us some sort of option-pass for FSU.

Neal > Howard right now.

Nykeim knows how to catch.
Soooooo fluid.

 

[Xanadu]

Never understood the whole hits the hole with their head down. Look at the game highlights, the 2nd Strick TD is a clear video of him and his head is up. Maybe when a RB runs into a good a pile the head goes down.

I’m not saying it happens on every play, just that it is consistent. When Strickland and Moe run with their head up they get good chunk yardage, but that is not the norm.

Look at Howard, head up into the hole every play.

 

[rrlbees]

I’m not saying it happens on every play, just that it is consistent. When Strickland and Moe run with their head up they get good chunk yardage, but that is not the norm.

Look at Howard, head up into the hole every play.

Every time someone has made that comment, I’ve looked at highlights and I’ve never seen our RB run into a hole with their head down.

As to Howard he’s going to be a real good one but like every year with a new guy, regardless of position, I’ll wait and see. Playing with and against 2’s and 3’s is a tough read. Pierre was a lot of posters fav and he hasn’t popped yet.

 

[SoBeCuse]

Every time someone has made that comment, I’ve looked at highlights and I’ve never seen our RB run into a hole with their head down.

As to Howard he’s going to be a real good one but like every year with a new guy, regardless of position, I’ll wait and see. Playing with and against 2’s and 3’s is a tough read. Pierre was a lot of posters fav and he hasn’t popped yet.

Eh...you’re like the only one who says Frank doesn’t have a shaky handle so...

You’re right on that second TD Strick is OK. But, routinely, it’s like they close their eyes, head down, and run straight into a pile. So many chances to bounce things to the outside.

 

[Toga]

Eh...you’re like the only one who says Frank doesn’t have a shaky handle so...

You’re right on that second TD Strick is OK. But, routinely, it’s like they close their eyes, head down, and run straight into a pile. So many chances to bounce things to the outside.

The very first running play of the season had a big hole which could have been hit with one step to the right instead of the pile in the middle. Strickland is stronger this year though.

 

[rrlbees]

Eh...you’re like the only one who says Frank doesn’t have a shaky handle so...

You’re right on that second TD Strick is OK. But, routinely, it’s like they close their eyes, head down, and run straight into a pile. So many chances to bounce things to the outside.

You’re analysis is invalid based on your performance on the basketball forum.

 

[SoBeCuse]

You’re analysis is invalid based on your performance on the basketball forum.

Ha. Typical.

 

[rrlbees]

Ha. Typical.

You mean typical like when you make post game claims, are proven wrong, then disappear? Why in a football thread do you bring in basketball? Stay on topic.

 

[SoBeCuse]

You mean typical like when you make post game claims, are proven wrong, then disappear? Why in a football thread do you bring in basketball? Stay on topic.

We both have documented/archived parts of games to support our postion. I admitted on one occasion where I was challenged by you and was wrong. I really don’t disappear nor has anybody been truly proven wrong about anything. Plenty of others are in agreement as well certainly on my behalf as I’m sure yours. These are devisive topics. Plenty of people share both sides so there is SOME merit and validity to the discussion, obviously. Personal attacks just shouldn’t be happening needless to say. This includes any ‘posting credibility’ nonsense. As I said; many are in agreement. We all want wins, sustainability, bleed Orange, etc.

 

[CA Monk]

A few meaningless, useless observations (or random thoughts) from game day:

• "Take me to Crouse" is one of the strangest advertising slogans ever;
• Really dug the girl who did that in-game broadcast with James Mungro (Aneesha maybe?). Good energy and enthusiasm without being obnoxious or overwhelming;
• The attempts at keeping fans engaged during timeouts were appreciated (if not always executed-well), but all they really need to do is trot out some one from the stands to try to field punts;
• The one thing the Athletic Department consistently does well is the Hometown Hero spots;
• 13 "retired" basketball jerseys seems like a lot for a program with one championship (I count 5 sure things [Bing, Washington, Douglas, Moten, Anthony] and one borderline [Coleman]); and
• Thought the coaching staff looked snazzy in the white polo/navy slacks combo.

Your game day observations around the periphery are appreciated.
However, Douglas a sure thing and Coleman borderline? -- could only come from a shrmdouglvr. Spingarn HS has 2 retired jerseys.
Take me to Crouse...You're killin' me. That's why I have to go to Crouse.

 

[Orijinal]

My observations without having watched the 4th quarter:

Why did Babers wait so long to put in the 2's? Did he really have to give the first teamers run until they scored 59 points? Maybe he's just trying to keep the starters' stats up ...

Dungey missed 2 sure touchdowns just before his TD pass to Taj Harris in the first quarter. Messed up the handoff to Strickland and then missed a wide open man in the flat

Pierce was targeted a few times (at least 3 by my count) but made just one catch (TD)

What I saw from the second teamers at the end of the 3rd quarter was not promising. Offensive line should have done much more. Didn't see the 4th quarter though, so I could have missed some production from them

Taj Harris looks like an impressive receiver. Cannot believe he did not get A LOT more run in the game after his TD catch

Overall, the score was as it should have been ...but all relied on the first team offense to get the job done.

And how about Andre Szmyt the last 2 games?? This kid is astounding!

 

[supp]

I say move Strickland to WR. He's better in space.

 

[timkay99]

Pierre was a lot of posters fav and he hasn’t popped yet.

I bet if you looked at the comments after Pierre's game against Central Connecticut State last year, where he led Syracuse in rushing, the comments are very similar.

Maybe these games against FCS opponents actually don't mean anything from a player evaluation perspective and are most beneficial to get freshman game experience?

 

[RF2044]

Agree on Pierce.

Don’t judge Riley on his physicality but his production. He did block the punt and contributed.

OL..Conway had a stretch where he struggled, which was concerning. Agree.

Butler must be getting touches for setting us some sort of option-pass for FSU.

Neal > Howard right now.

Nykeim knows how to catch.
Soooooo fluid.

I'm guessing that not featuring Pierce was intentional these first two games. I'd be surprised if he isn't a major focal point of our offensive attack against Florida State.

 

[Chip]

• 13 "retired" basketball jerseys seems like a lot for a program with one championship (I count 5 sure things [Bing, Washington, Douglas, Moten, Anthony] and one borderline [Coleman]

I know it's the wrong board, but am I reading this right?

 

[SUbear]

The Tommy who has thrown 14 passes in his college career so far? Yep, that’s enough for a blanket comment like that

I do not know about you but I knew Dungey was a gamer the minute he stepped on the field when Hunt was injured, it only took a couple plays to see that. The jury is still out on Devito, but there are signs of potential. Every player developes at different rates, and a few just never do.

 

[Shrmdougluvr]

I know it's the wrong board, but am I reading this right?

Ok. Wont belabor the point since "Wrong board," but here was my rationale:

Bing - Legend, all time point scoring average, great NBA career;
Washington - Modern program icon;
Douglas - NCAA all time assist leader at end of career; 2nd team all-american; 3x all big east;
Moten - Big East all time point scorer at end of career; all time Syracuse point scorer; 3x all big east; 3rd team all american.

After reviewing Coleman's exploits, I would agree you have to "Retire" his jersey if you "Retire" Douglas and Moten.

Coleman - NCAA all time rebounder at end of career; Big East all time rebounder; 3x all big east; NCAA 1st team all american.