Cuseregular
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- Aug 21, 2011
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A bit.
What a wonderful problem to have compared to past problems with the program and I am not normally the one to sound the alarm for concern but haven't seen anything to this effect yet. It has been absolutely exhilarating to read see and hear the unbridled optimism and enthusiasm going on in this town and on here. In all my years following the program (which is many back to 1973), I've never seen the optimism and excitement at the level it is right now (NEVER!).
And there is a very good reason for a lot optimism no question for all of the reasons that have been pointed out on here and in the articles on the on the program whether it be an easier schedule, some good returning talent, etc. That said it is going to be very difficult to maintain and meet last year's level of success, have so few injuries, such a good turnover ratio again, etc., and especially so when you lose "program" type players, in this case one on each side of the ball.
It is hard to underestimate the loss of these program changing players in Dungey and slayton not only with their on the field performance but also influences with their leadership off the field as well in the intangibles area. I have no doubt there are more than capable players in place but it is just so hard to not lose a beat when you lose these kinds of kids (which in my mind Babers was expressing concern over in his interview with Rome today).
So I can't help but feel the gif above applies with the need to temper our enthusiasms a bit, at least a little bit, especially since we are not and will no longer sneak up on anyone getting their "A" game performances now. Specifically I'm not sure we get to 2-0 out of the gate even though it is certainly obvious the overall trend of the program is exactly where it needs to be, I'm thinking that we end up with a 8-4, 7-5 type of season which given all the factors in play I'd be ok with and think would be acceptable at this point in the program's resurrection.
Anything more or better would be icing on the cake and would solidify in my mind that not only do we have one of the best coaches in the country, but probably the best. Regardless if I'm right or wrong it's absolutely awesome to be a Syracuse football fan right now.
I am reveling in the fact that I have been able to be prolific lately in sending out every link possible to all the past naysayers in my sphere who said what is happening, and has happened, was not possible. That Babers would leave after last year, etc, so it's been fun anytime there is an article about the teams rankings, program direction or even as a Darkhorse contender for the playoff to send those links off into the ethers of the Internet to whomever didn't think what is happening was even possible.
So It's all good Cuse fans, and even though I think we need to hit the brakes a bit, let me say thank you Dino for our relevance once again, thank you AD Wildhack for your stewardship, and thank you fans for stepping up to the plate and allowing Dino to even make the semi true statement about a sold out (Syracuse University) "Dome" for every game....let's enjoy the hell out of the ride that the next few months will bring! Go Cuse.
What a wonderful problem to have compared to past problems with the program and I am not normally the one to sound the alarm for concern but haven't seen anything to this effect yet. It has been absolutely exhilarating to read see and hear the unbridled optimism and enthusiasm going on in this town and on here. In all my years following the program (which is many back to 1973), I've never seen the optimism and excitement at the level it is right now (NEVER!).
And there is a very good reason for a lot optimism no question for all of the reasons that have been pointed out on here and in the articles on the on the program whether it be an easier schedule, some good returning talent, etc. That said it is going to be very difficult to maintain and meet last year's level of success, have so few injuries, such a good turnover ratio again, etc., and especially so when you lose "program" type players, in this case one on each side of the ball.
It is hard to underestimate the loss of these program changing players in Dungey and slayton not only with their on the field performance but also influences with their leadership off the field as well in the intangibles area. I have no doubt there are more than capable players in place but it is just so hard to not lose a beat when you lose these kinds of kids (which in my mind Babers was expressing concern over in his interview with Rome today).
So I can't help but feel the gif above applies with the need to temper our enthusiasms a bit, at least a little bit, especially since we are not and will no longer sneak up on anyone getting their "A" game performances now. Specifically I'm not sure we get to 2-0 out of the gate even though it is certainly obvious the overall trend of the program is exactly where it needs to be, I'm thinking that we end up with a 8-4, 7-5 type of season which given all the factors in play I'd be ok with and think would be acceptable at this point in the program's resurrection.
Anything more or better would be icing on the cake and would solidify in my mind that not only do we have one of the best coaches in the country, but probably the best. Regardless if I'm right or wrong it's absolutely awesome to be a Syracuse football fan right now.
I am reveling in the fact that I have been able to be prolific lately in sending out every link possible to all the past naysayers in my sphere who said what is happening, and has happened, was not possible. That Babers would leave after last year, etc, so it's been fun anytime there is an article about the teams rankings, program direction or even as a Darkhorse contender for the playoff to send those links off into the ethers of the Internet to whomever didn't think what is happening was even possible.
So It's all good Cuse fans, and even though I think we need to hit the brakes a bit, let me say thank you Dino for our relevance once again, thank you AD Wildhack for your stewardship, and thank you fans for stepping up to the plate and allowing Dino to even make the semi true statement about a sold out (Syracuse University) "Dome" for every game....let's enjoy the hell out of the ride that the next few months will bring! Go Cuse.
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