Syracuse football keeping an eye on 2019 while preparing for West Virginia

[RMH44]

He doesn't have to be tough to take down. He only needs to take what's there and then get on the ground. If he makes the right read and gets 4-5 yards when it's there (he often got more than that this past year), that'll keep the defense honest and keep things open for the other aspects of the offense. He should only need to run as a change up, not be the hero like Dungey was forced to do too often.

For me, TD's athletic ability isn't in question...the kid is talented. As I've said many times, I think his success is directly correlated to the development of the OL.

Imagine TD standing in a clean pocket like Tua had most of the year. He'd be throwing darts all over the place.

Now...imagine TD playing behind last year's OL where his improvisational ability is forced to the forefront. Can he be effective in this scenario? Hopefully the OL's development makes all this moot.

 

[reedny]

He doesn't have to be tough to take down. He only needs to take what's there and then get on the ground. If he makes the right read and gets 4-5 yards when it's there (he often got more than that this past year), that'll keep the defense honest and keep things open for the other aspects of the offense. He should only need to run as a change up, not be the hero like Dungey was forced to do too often.

No doubt he's not going to be he same kind of hero - running over people. So sure .. he'll have to find success his own way as you point out. Reads, getting on the ground on scrambles, more accurate throws, better receivers. Lots of offensive skill-player upgrades will be needed (and are on the way) for TD not to have to overcome all the problems that Dungey masked.

 

[Cusefan69]

Devito can certainly run and scramble better than the Fat Pirate did for Dino at BGSU.
And that dude put up video game #'s. No reason Tommy D can't do likewise.

And his running is very underrated - no, he's not the elusive, intuitive runner Dungey is, but he's not a statue back there either.
Kid has wheels. And he is a fantastic athlete.

Agree and to be clear, the QB run is part of the offense. Easily one third of EDs runs this season and last were called plays. A QB with decent run skills is a plus in HCDFB’s offense. The problem was at least one third were also the result of poor blocking by the line. The oline was much better this year then lastbut that is relative from where you start from. I expect DeVito will need to run some next year, planned or not.

 

[721Comstock]

Agree and to be clear, the QB run is part of the offense. Easily one third of EDs runs this season and last were called plays. A QB with decent run skills is a plus in HCDFB’s offense. The problem was at least one third were also the result of poor blocking by the line. The oline was much better this year then lastbut that is relative from where you start from. I expect DeVito will need to run some next year, planned or not.

Well, it's a RPO read-option offense - the QB is supposed to "take what the D gives", and if that means QB run, so be it. Dungey may have been quick/prone to call his own #, because he can, but Devito will likely be more prone to either getting it out quicker when passing, or letting options open up before running himself.

Pretty much EVERY college QB is gonna hafta run some, planned or not.
Even 'Bama's O-Line can't keep the QB clean forever, and we certainly aren't 'Bama.

 

[timkay99]

No doubt he's not going to be he same kind of hero - running over people. So sure .. he'll have to find success his own way as you point out. Reads, getting on the ground on scrambles, more accurate throws, better receivers. Lots of team-level improvements are needed for TD not to have to overcome all the problems Dungey masked.

IMO, the key for Devito, which I personally thought he struggled with because of the speed of the game as a freshman, is learning how to move within the pocket and buy himself time to make a throw. Pocket presence is one of those things that comes with game reps, so hopefully getting a lot of runs with the 1's next year will help!

 

[Dinkyspond]

The line on my ESPN now says Syracuse, -1.0 vs. WVU. Lot of money has gone Cuse's way with the sitouts and Jennings injury. Let's take care of business and bring home victory #10

 

[Xanadu]

Good points ... although 6'4 230 is a lot harder to take down than 6'2 210. No question Dungey's mobility and size were a huge part of our success ... first downs, red zone, amazing scrambles. We're going to miss that.

I’d rather have a kid that makes smart decisions to take care of his body while being capable to pick up necessary yards in most scenarios. QBs should not be relied on to bowl anyone over in the running game at any level of football.

 

[All4SU]

TD will be fine as long as he gets comfortable eluding a rush.

 

[P Vasiloff]

These bowl practices have been very important to the Syracuse University Offense that will take the field in 2019. That little extra time to get used to the senior leadership not being there and forcing the underclassmen to step up and assume leadership roles. It will be a much easier transition into Spring Football for the underclassmen. Coach Babers and his Staff were very forward in their thinking regarding splitting the practice time between a West Virginia bowl game plan and familiarizing the underclassmen on what lies ahead. Great job coaches. Go Orange!!!!!

 

[Jake]

Any word on Cordy? Is he back with the team?

I have heard his Syracuse career is over.

 

[cusefan88]

This DeVito talk is hilarious. The offense going forward is what Babers actually wants, not what he inherited with Dungey (who is a warrior). It's going to be fun.

 

[OrangeinBoston]

This DeVito talk is hilarious. The offense going forward is what Babers actually wants, not what he inherited with Dungey (who is a warrior). It's going to be fun.

OL...OL...OL...

 

[Consigliere]

I have heard his Syracuse career is over.

Certainly looks that way. Gave his heart, soul and body to the program. Hope all works out for the giant!

 

[upperdeck]

dino implied it in his PC as well

 

[SU in Hershey]

Certainly looks that way. Gave his heart, soul and body to the program. Hope all works out for the giant!

Agreed. And he should do what’s best for him. Selfishly, I don’t want to play against him next year so please don’t transfer to one of our 2019 opponents!

 

[FloridaFan]

Devito was able to run at times in the games he played. I don’t see why everyone thinks devito is a statue in the backfield

 

[reedny]

Devito was able to run at times in the games he played. I don’t see why everyone thinks devito is a statue in the backfield

No one's saying he's a stiff. He isn't. He's just not Dungey - in the respect of having the size, field-vision and moves to improvise 1st downs and touchdowns on the ground in clutch situations. Obviously, TD has some straight-line speed and other talents and he may turn out to be a better overall QB in this offense. The hope is that his accuracy and arm strength are good enough to make scrambles an exception. Great. I'm still concerned about late-game situations when his receivers aren't open - like the ND/WMU games when he struggled.

 

[FloridaFan]

To me the ND game was a fluke. Coming in as a backup as dungey is hurt and dropping a TD pass the first time and your WR giving up a INT probably hurts your confidence in your game. If they catch that first TD or don’t give up the pick the game is different imo

 

[care taker]

I don’t get involved in Qb talk but TD doesn’t get rattled or lack confidence . He is a better athlete than u have seen . Rest assured TD will be a humble leader who will do his job at an elite level . Merry Christmas everyone enjoy the bowl

 

[care taker]

Off topic but is Finley playing in his bowl game vs A&M ?

 

[MSOrange]

Off topic but is Finley playing in his bowl game vs A&M ?

Yes he's playing

Wolfpack QB Finley will play in Gator Bowl game – The North State Journal

 

[care taker]

Yes he's playing

Wolfpack QB Finley will play in Gator Bowl game – The North State Journal

Good for him

 

[Ish88888]

My personal concern is Devito takes scrambling and QB runs off the option kinda off the table. Not completely but Dungey was an incredible athlete. I tend to like college QBs that can run. It eases things picking up 3rd downs with an athletic QB. Devito has a better arm but just incrementally and Dungey was a Sr. While Devito will just be a So. Experience wise Devito may struggle a bit. I did notice Dungey did miss some open passes that I hope Devito sees. Overall Devito will be solid but I don't think his So. self will be as good as a Sr Dungey. Close but not quite as good. We will need our run game with Adams, Neal, and Howard to do more of the heavy lifting.

Spot on and for all the talk of improving on a potential 10-3, there will most likely be a bit of a reset next season assimilating TD into the O.

 

[Ish88888]

I don’t get involved in Qb talk but TD doesn’t get rattled or lack confidence . He is a better athlete than u have seen . Rest assured TD will be a humble leader who will do his job at an elite level . Merry Christmas everyone enjoy the bowl

I Agree, the ND D is legit, that's why i am all in on ND +13.

 

[orangepassion]

TD is supposed to be faster than Dungey. The question is: Does he have his instincts and toughness as a runner. Dungey isn't a speed demon, but has great instincts to make defenders miss and the willingness and toughness to run. Think he'll be fine, but time will tell.