Jersey Orange
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The FSU game is clearly one of the most important games in recent memory. A win results in a presumptive bowl appearence, more national coverage, additional recruiting “buzz”, increased attendance and great forward momentum.
At the same time, there are no such things as “must-win” games. A former coach once gave me great advice about these types of games - “don’t win because we need to, win because we CAN”. We all know that Syracuse can win this game - now it is time to deliver and get back on the national radar.
Couple of quick notes:
- This is going to be a tough game for FSU, playing at noon in the Carrier Dome, with a new coaching staff and defensive coordinator. Playing in their third game under the new FSU staff and clearly still getting used to a new defensive scheme, expect Dino to use the ultra-tempo, multiple formations and lots of misdirection to take advantage of the lack of general gap discipline in the FSU defense. This is where the 3rd year in the system and senior QB plays MAJOR dividends.
- I expect a fair amount of quick screens to open up seam passes to Ravian Pierce - which thus far has not been a large part of the offense.
- I doubt that Willie Taggart believes he can materially slow down the Syracuse offense. I expect him to fling the ball deep (and even force the ball deep) fairly often and then mix in well-timed of HB screen passes as the safeties over-compensate to maintain proper depth to rectify the issues on 9-routes we saw at WMU. LB’s must focus very closely on their keys in this game or you will see BIG gains in the screen game.
- Really excited to see what Custis can do against FSU. When you go against really fast corners, those big guys that can catch the ball when covered are so valuable. I expect Nykeim Johnson to play a big role in this game at some point in the screen game and on reverses.
- One thing that makes me feel good about this game is the special teams play. Typically, the speed and depth on special teams is skewed greatly in favor of FSU. Not sure that this is the case this year, as Custis, Cullen and L. Williams among others are as good as it gets at their roles. Have been really impressed in this area. Cullen in particular - JR Johnson part 2.
- I expect a lot of Dungey runs. Lots of mid-line zone reads and read-options to set up the RPO.
- I also expect a LOT out of the D-Line. We know these guys can get after it when the adrenaline hits and they are playing in the Dome and on turf (ask Kelly Bryant from Clemson).
- The defense has to play extremely discliplined and passive. Strong gap-control and zone discipline to force FSU to sustain drives and give the front-four time to get after Francois. To me, the LBs will have a major impact on SU’s ability to win this game as they are going to have to control the run game without a ton of safety support.
Finally, we know that Syracuse under Dino has been able to RISE UP in these big games. I expect Dungey to will Syracuse to victory behind a very strong offensive showing that ultimately showcases the Babers offense in full.
Looking forward to Saturday.
At the same time, there are no such things as “must-win” games. A former coach once gave me great advice about these types of games - “don’t win because we need to, win because we CAN”. We all know that Syracuse can win this game - now it is time to deliver and get back on the national radar.
Couple of quick notes:
- This is going to be a tough game for FSU, playing at noon in the Carrier Dome, with a new coaching staff and defensive coordinator. Playing in their third game under the new FSU staff and clearly still getting used to a new defensive scheme, expect Dino to use the ultra-tempo, multiple formations and lots of misdirection to take advantage of the lack of general gap discipline in the FSU defense. This is where the 3rd year in the system and senior QB plays MAJOR dividends.
- I expect a fair amount of quick screens to open up seam passes to Ravian Pierce - which thus far has not been a large part of the offense.
- I doubt that Willie Taggart believes he can materially slow down the Syracuse offense. I expect him to fling the ball deep (and even force the ball deep) fairly often and then mix in well-timed of HB screen passes as the safeties over-compensate to maintain proper depth to rectify the issues on 9-routes we saw at WMU. LB’s must focus very closely on their keys in this game or you will see BIG gains in the screen game.
- Really excited to see what Custis can do against FSU. When you go against really fast corners, those big guys that can catch the ball when covered are so valuable. I expect Nykeim Johnson to play a big role in this game at some point in the screen game and on reverses.
- One thing that makes me feel good about this game is the special teams play. Typically, the speed and depth on special teams is skewed greatly in favor of FSU. Not sure that this is the case this year, as Custis, Cullen and L. Williams among others are as good as it gets at their roles. Have been really impressed in this area. Cullen in particular - JR Johnson part 2.
- I expect a lot of Dungey runs. Lots of mid-line zone reads and read-options to set up the RPO.
- I also expect a LOT out of the D-Line. We know these guys can get after it when the adrenaline hits and they are playing in the Dome and on turf (ask Kelly Bryant from Clemson).
- The defense has to play extremely discliplined and passive. Strong gap-control and zone discipline to force FSU to sustain drives and give the front-four time to get after Francois. To me, the LBs will have a major impact on SU’s ability to win this game as they are going to have to control the run game without a ton of safety support.
Finally, we know that Syracuse under Dino has been able to RISE UP in these big games. I expect Dungey to will Syracuse to victory behind a very strong offensive showing that ultimately showcases the Babers offense in full.
Looking forward to Saturday.
