This season just has a different vibe...

[RF2044]

...than last year, when we entered camp as the walking wounded. With so many injuries to key players, the objective seemed to be just get to the regular season. Seemed like just about our entire secondary was injured at one point in preseason camp last year. Season got off on the wrong foot from the jump.

This year, it feels entirely different. Sounds like the 5 game losing streak really stuck in the team's craw, and that it served as motivation all offseason. Players seem to be bigger, stronger, and in outstanding condition. We're fielding a full sized roster for the first time in years, and we've got better depth than we've had in a long time. The squad seems poised to accomplish big things this year.

I know, I know--we're only made it through one week of camp, so it is too premature to get carried away.

But I can't help but feel like this thing is on the cusp of really taking off. It might not entirely happen this year, but with the talent we seem to be amassing at just about every positional unit it wouldn't surprise me to see things pop. Maybe even this year.


Let's Go Orange!!!

 

[jcuse44]

I was thinkin the same thing myself...not saying we are going to win 10 games or anything, but this season has a weird feeling about it. Maybe it could be the turnaround year for Marrone that coach Mac experienced and led to some great teams. Fingers crossed

 

[BORZAK]

I SAY 8-4 TURN THE CORNER BIG.

 

[TexanMark]

I SAY 8-4 TURN THE CORNER BIG.

I'm starting to think that too! I thoght 5-6-7 wins now I'm thinking 7 or 8 wins...even the coaches seem more upbeat. I'm seeing 3-1 for September and a huge win against Pitt to start the season.

 

[RF2044]

I'm starting to think that too! I thoght 5-6-7 wins now I'm thinking 7 or 8 wins...even the coaches seem more upbeat. I'm seeing 3-1 for September and a huge win against Pitt to start the season.

A LOT depends on how the OL is able to perform in September, without Pugh. I'm pretty sure that we're going to be solid at every other position.

3-1 would really position us well for bowl contention.

 

[Cuseregular]

when one has a once in a...(enter your favorite time frame here) athlete who has the potential to be a game changer type talent (AB) then the feeling you have can come to fruition. WIth last years team even with all the problems and it would have meant a bowl game.

As for this year add in the changes in a positive way occuring elsewhere (and if they can avoid too many injuries), then well we can talk about the W numbers about where texmark mentions I would have to think. However as an old wise poster once said in years past, lets not count the chickens....

 

[Rocco]

Amen... Give DM an extension right now to keep the momentum going into the season. He has made me more excited for SU football than I've been in the last 10+ years. Love it.

 

[Cuseregular]

Amen... Give DM an extension right now to keep the momentum going into the season. He has made me more excited for SU football than I've been in the last 10+ years. Love it.

Amen... Give DM an extension right now to keep the momentum going into the season. He has made me more excited for SU football than I've been in the last 10+ years. Love it.

I hear you man, between this and the music thread I can't freaking wait to see them come out to the field with whatever tune they end up picking. Combined with the dome enhancements...haven't looked forward to a season more than this one in a long time.

 

[JeremyCuse]

Love the optimisim and I think you really make some great points about better depth and the team having a chip on there shoulder from last years epic collapse. However, I have to say its way way way to early to have a good feeling about injuries and this years team. We haven't had one play with pads on less a couple practices and a scrimmage. With our unfortunate injury history I won't feel safe until I see the depth chart right before the Noon kickoff on 9/1/12.

All teams have injuries but I think Syracuse has been especially snake bit, we all know the examples so I wont list them here but I cant remember the last preseason August practice where we didnt lose at least 1-2 players for the year due to injury on the field or some freakish thing off of it. A lot of it is luck but if SU can have a normal or even a minimal injury year we could hit that 7-5 8-4 mark that we think maybe in reach if things go right.

 

[SoBristol]

...than last year, when we entered camp as the walking wounded. With so many injuries to key players, the objective seemed to be just get to the regular season. Seemed like just about our entire secondary was injured at one point in preseason camp last year. Season got off on the wrong foot from the jump.

...


Let's Go Orange!!!

And yet, last season, we started 5-2 and seemed to be on the upswing after WVa.

I agree the tone is better, and the depth is better. There are open questions (OTs, new MLB, new FS, can the JUCOs actually play and help the DL) but we are more set at this point than many rivals.

The defense is more experienced (LB and CB in particular); for a change, the offense has some talent in reserve.

 

[OrangePA]

...than last year, when we entered camp as the walking wounded. With so many injuries to key players, the objective seemed to be just get to the regular season. Seemed like just about our entire secondary was injured at one point in preseason camp last year. Season got off on the wrong foot from the jump.

This year, it feels entirely different. Sounds like the 5 game losing streak really stuck in the team's craw, and that it served as motivation all offseason. Players seem to be bigger, stronger, and in outstanding condition. We're fielding a full sized roster for the first time in years, and we've got better depth than we've had in a long time. The squad seems poised to accomplish big things this year.

I know, I know--we're only made it through one week of camp, so it is too premature to get carried away.

But I can't help but feel like this thing is on the cusp of really taking off. It might not entirely happen this year, but with the talent we seem to be amassing at just about every positional unit it wouldn't surprise me to see things pop. Maybe even this year.


Let's Go Orange!!!

I think you're right.

There is a different vibe.

I think it's a combination of a few things: (1) a determination to rebound from the five losses; (2) experience on the defensive side; (3) the accumulation of young talent over the last two years - we are bigger, stronger and faster - see Ashton Broyld; (4) the fact that we have a full roster and (5) the transfers - Funderburke, MPB, Zian, Walls (when he gets here), Raymon - they just seem big and talented.