This is a bad team right now

[AngryOtto]

The team has issues but it seems like a lot of posters do not think the team will improve week to week. Not saying others teams won’t but we are young or have late transfer at a number of positions. The more they play the better the team will get.
Fran does not accept mediocrity. He will continue to work to fix the issues. On the Oline losing Mack has hurt. Maybe they move spoon back to LT. Pringle looked okay at RT. He is a redshirt freshman. Washington did well. Only a freshman and lower comp but positive sign going forward for the season. Collins and Ferguson were late additions to the line. More reps and hopefully they gel.
Robinson has been bringing more pressure the last couple of games. Still need improvement. Again our starting LBs are a late transfer and a freshman. A sign things will improve. Same at cb.
I am not expecting a vast improvement Saturday but as the season goes on I could see lots of improvement in the areas of weakness.

 

[newmexicuse]

Its all about the expectations. After last season, expectations got raised too high. McCord over an "average" QB probably gave us three extra wins. Not to mention that we had great playmakers such as Allen, Meeks, Pena, and Gadsden. D also had some guys like Wax and Barron. Hard to replace them all.

My expectations for this season were to just be .500 or so and make a bowl. Unrealistic to expect more.

College FB has become a QB game and IMHO the jury is out on Angeli. I think the kid can throw, but I think he lacks "warrior" qualities. Bottom line is that I think he will be quite serviceable IF the O-line can keep him upright enough. Big IF.

As for the rest of the roster, Fran has improved it, but it is still basically mid-tier ACC at best. We are far from being an elite team and we should not feel that last season's 10-3 represented a permanent jump for the program at this time.

Sorry guys, but that is my take.

 

[Scooch]

We can still win 6 games. That’s the ceiling and that’s the goal.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

We can still win 6 games. That’s the ceiling and that’s the goal.

I don't understand the fans penciling in automatic losses. College football isn't perfectly predictable. The chances are pretty high now that we're beyond UCONN and Colgate by the end of the season we'll have won a game or two we "shouldn't" have, and will have lost a game or two from the peer set.

 

[sufan59]

Its all about the expectations. After last season, expectations got raised too high. McCord over an "average" QB probably gave us three extra wins. Not to mention that we had great playmakers such as Allen, Meeks, Pena, and Gadsden. D also had some guys like Wax and Barron. Hard to replace them all.

My expectations for this season were to just be .500 or so and make a bowl. Unrealistic to expect more.

College FB has become a QB game and IMHO the jury is out on Angeli. I think the kid can throw, but I think he lacks "warrior" qualities. Bottom line is that I think he will be quite serviceable IF the O-line can keep him upright enough. Big IF.

As for the rest of the roster, Fran has improved it, but it is still basically mid-tier ACC at best. We are far from being an elite team and we should not feel that last season's 10-3 represented a permanent jump for the program at this time.

Sorry guys, but that is my take.

What Angeli did down the stretch against UConn, granted it’s UConn that lost to Delaware this past week, was pretty warrior of him. Yes we had a lot of great playmakers last season. Guess what, we have several new playmakers on this roster that can match or even be better than their predecessors. I’m tired of hearing about the talent deficiencies. I think overall, we are more talented (Doesn’t always mean better results). We have experience deficiencies. We don’t know when or if it will click this season. But if it does click, I think we are even more dangerous this season than last season. Regarding record, I truly look at this week by week. I came into this season seeing a very low floor and very high ceiling. I didn’t see the very low floor going into last season. Those two possibilities are still on the table. We were playing playoff level football in the last 4 games including the bowl game last season. We got better and more balanced overall by the end of last season. Why can’t this happen this season. Remember, this years team came together much later (literally) than last years team.

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

The last three games of a college season are often determined by who is healthier. It’s too early to call most games a lock either way. Miami is still coached by Cristobal so I don't care how talented they are, we always have a chance against that moron.

 

[Scooch]

I don't understand the fans penciling in automatic losses. College football isn't perfectly predictable. The chances are pretty high now that we're beyond UCONN and Colgate by the end of the season we'll have won a game or two we "shouldn't" have, and will have lost a game or two from the peer set.

I’m not penciling in anything. I just believe this team has obvious and severe limitations. I’m rooting for us to win out. But I’m not going to lose my mind if we only win 6.

 

[newmexicuse]

What Angeli did down the stretch against UConn, granted it’s UConn that lost to Delaware this past week, was pretty warrior of him. Yes we had a lot of great playmakers last season. Guess what, we have several new playmakers on this roster that can match or even be better than their predecessors. I’m tired of hearing about the talent deficiencies. I think overall, we are more talented (Doesn’t always mean better results). We have experience deficiencies. We don’t know when or if it will click this season. But if it does click, I think we are even more dangerous this season than last season. Regarding record, I truly look at this week by week. I came into this season seeing a very low floor and very high ceiling. I didn’t see the very low floor going into last season. Those two possibilities are still on the table. We were playing playoff level football in the last 4 games including the bowl game last season. We got better and more balanced overall by the end of last season. Why can’t this happen this season. Remember, this years team came together much later (literally) than last years team.

A lot of interesting comments in your post. But really, Angelo is a warrior because of one good quarter against mighty UConn ????

what plays will he make when the rush comes against better foes ? Will he fight for yards to get the first down when protection breaks down ? Is he even physically capable of making a hose kinds of plays ? Will he stand and deliver when he is going to get creamed ??

Sorry, but I got to see it happen. Really hope u r right.

 

[Blanko97]

I don't understand the fans penciling in automatic losses. College football isn't perfectly predictable. The chances are pretty high now that we're beyond UCONN and Colgate by the end of the season we'll have won a game or two we "shouldn't" have, and will have lost a game or two from the peer set.

Its not perfectly predictable, but it isnt nearly as random as some might want to think. The more talented team wins the majority of the time, and it becomes more pronounced the bigger the talent gap grows. For every App state upset of Michigan, there are 200 games that end up being 30 point blowouts in favor of the favorites. You can be on the winning side of those unfavorable odds, but with the product we've seen on the field it doesn't appear we are going to be on the winning side multiple times going forward this year. 6 - 6 is not bad, the teams we play are simply better and thats okay, we always knew this year was going to be a slog.

 

[NKR1978]

We can still win 6 games. That’s the ceiling and that’s the goal.

4 straight years of bowl games isn't a bad situation to be in.

 

[hoopsupstate]

The team has issues but it seems like a lot of posters do not think the team will improve week to week. Not saying others teams won’t but we are young or have late transfer at a number of positions. The more they play the better the team will get.
Fran does not accept mediocrity. He will continue to work to fix the issues. On the Oline losing Mack has hurt. Maybe they move spoon back to LT. Pringle looked okay at RT. He is a redshirt freshman. Washington did well. Only a freshman and lower comp but positive sign going forward for the season. Collins and Ferguson were late additions to the line. More reps and hopefully they gel.
Robinson has been bringing more pressure the last couple of games. Still need improvement. Again our starting LBs are a late transfer and a freshman. A sign things will improve. Same at cb.
I am not expecting a vast improvement Saturday but as the season goes on I could see lots of improvement in the areas of weakness.

We should improve. We play two freshmen linebackers and a freshman defensive back. The other corner is a sophomore and our experienced safety has missed the past two games. We still have not seen two of our second string receivers. Our best running back didn’t play against Colgate and our starting quarterback has started four games in his career. I think this bodes well the rest of the season. All these guys should get better. Our starting offensive lines still hasn’t played two games together. Will the schedule be tough? Yes, but stop all the doom and gloom.

 

[Archbold44]

I don't understand the fans penciling in automatic losses. College football isn't perfectly predictable. The chances are pretty high now that we're beyond UCONN and Colgate by the end of the season we'll have won a game or two we "shouldn't" have, and will have lost a game or two from the peer set.

Nothing is automatic. But, by the same token, we lost to Pitt and BC last year. They are often rivalry type games where the favorite does not necessarily win. Why are those automatic wins? Duke won 9 games last year (1-2 but possibly playing 2 playoff teams) and UNC has Belichick (2-1 after that bad start). To go 4-0 against those teams is far from certain. And if we did sweep them, that gets us to... 6 wins. Unless we can steal a road win, that is our ceiling.

If we beat Clemson... 17 pt favorites... why is it so unlikely we would not lose a home game to stay at 6-6. I mean, this team could end up 3-3 on the road/neutral (Clemson, SMU, and a shocking upset over one of Miami, ND, or Ga Tech), but then go 3-3 at home because Pitt and BC have our number and Duke or UNC are greeted with a UConn middle 30 minutes performance out of us. Still gets you to 6 wins.

 

[CuseCactus]

The sharp upgrade in athletes and speed is completely apparent. Syracuse hasn’t had talent like this since 2003.

Angeli is improving. The receivers are improving - and there are many options. And Willis is going to be a first class back - once he figures out blocking schemes.

Yes - the schedule is a B*tch. But to compare this group, and the energy around the Program to what it was 10 years ago is like comparing an orange to a grape.

 

[Yeti]

We can still win 6 games. That’s the ceiling and that’s the goal.

The ceiling? The absolute best the season can go is 6 wins? This is a ridiculous line of thinking.

 

[Archbold44]

The ceiling? The absolute best the season can go is 6 wins? This is a ridiculous line of thinking.

The ceiling is probably 8 wins. Losses to Tennessee, Miami, and two of Clemson/SMU/Ga Tech/ND and sweep the home slate. Each chance for an upset that goes by is one less opportunity. This week is critical, as a mentally wounded Clemson team is about as good as we will get. On the other hand, our no pressure/10-yard cushion defense might be just what Clemson needs to turn their season around...

 

[HRE Otto IV]

The sharp upgrade in athletes and speed is completely apparent. Syracuse hasn’t had talent like this since 2003.

Angeli is improving. The receivers are improving - and there are many options. And Willis is going to be a first class back - once he figures out blocking schemes.

Yes - the schedule is a B*tch. But to compare this group, and the energy around the Program to what it was 10 years ago is like comparing an orange to a grape.

O side sure. But not the D side. It is hard to think of a team with worse overall D talent.

Have we had a worse front 7? Maybe the late GRob years but even those had a few studs, but no depth.

Some of the kids on this year's team might be good in a year or two, but right now as is this is a low talent D. There is potential for a strong future, not this year though.

 

[wfschrec]

We tend to forget that most of our "impact" transfers were picked up in the spring and still need to time to grow into the system and as the year goes on I expect things to improve just through sheer repetition.

 

[EnviroSciGuy]

The ceiling is probably 8 wins. Losses to Tennessee, Miami, and two of Clemson/SMU/Ga Tech/ND and sweep the home slate. Each chance for an upset that goes by is one less opportunity. This week is critical, as a mentally wounded Clemson team is about as good as we will get. On the other hand, our no pressure/10-yard cushion defense might be just what Clemson needs to turn their season around...

I'm not sure if they are mentally wounded; I could certainly see them coming out on Saturday looking for blood.

 

[wfschrec]

I'm not sure if they are mentally wounded; I could certainly see them coming out on Saturday looking for blood.

They sure didn't against Troy.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

I don't understand the fans penciling in automatic losses. College football isn't perfectly predictable. The chances are pretty high now that we're beyond UCONN and Colgate by the end of the season we'll have won a game or two we "shouldn't" have, and will have lost a game or two from the peer set.

Isn't speculating and predicting what we think the teams are going to do all part of an internet forum?

I think most understand you never know until they play the game and most people are fine being right or wrong, it's just banter really. Clearly, i don't think this team is very good, doesn't mean I don't want them to win or would be shocked either way.

 

[EnviroSciGuy]

They sure didn't against Troy.

Do you think things might be a little different for them playing a conference foe that they feel has somehow played them tough even when they shouldn't have?

Silly to even make the comparison.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I’m not penciling in anything. I just believe this team has obvious and severe limitations. I’m rooting for us to win out. But I’m not going to lose my mind if we only win 6.

Yeah, wasn't saying you were penciling in. The way to look at it is the goal is, if not to have a great season, to at least avoid a losing season. I'm seeing a lot of people say if we don't win out against Duke/UNC/BC/Pitt we're doomed, and that just might not be the case.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

O side sure. But not the D side. It is hard to think of a team with worse overall D talent.

Have we had a worse front 7? Maybe the late GRob years but even those had a few studs, but no depth.

Some of the kids on this year's team might be good in a year or two, but right now as is this is a low talent D. There is potential for a strong future, not this year though.

I think it's a poorly coached defense with some good young talent facing a very tough schedule. Not ideal

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Nothing is automatic. But, by the same token, we lost to Pitt and BC last year. They are often rivalry type games where the favorite does not necessarily win. Why are those automatic wins? Duke won 9 games last year (1-2 but possibly playing 2 playoff teams) and UNC has Belichick (2-1 after that bad start). To go 4-0 against those teams is far from certain. And if we did sweep them, that gets us to... 6 wins. Unless we can steal a road win, that is our ceiling.

If we beat Clemson... 17 pt favorites... why is it so unlikely we would not lose a home game to stay at 6-6. I mean, this team could end up 3-3 on the road/neutral (Clemson, SMU, and a shocking upset over one of Miami, ND, or Ga Tech), but then go 3-3 at home because Pitt and BC have our number and Duke or UNC are greeted with a UConn middle 30 minutes performance out of us. Still gets you to 6 wins.

I don't think we're in disagreement on anything.

I guess I'm saying we have 9 chances to get at least 4 more wins, but other posters have already conceded a few of those chances.

 

[NKR1978]

They sure didn't against Troy.

But now they're really really mad!