Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="CIL, post: 3164200, member: 22"] I think what JO is writing, and something I will reiterate - is that the interior of our DL is vastly undersized for the ACC. Think about how much differently the defense performed with Chris Slayton in the middle...it changes a lot of things opposing offenses can do against this defense. Including blocking schemes on the offensive line. As good as Slayton was, he is replaceable and Syracuse should be able to find players like him. Remember, he was a late round pick who is now on the Giants practice squad. We will absolutely working the transfer portal and JUCO ranks for kids that can contribute immediately and play NT. We need a run stuffer in the worst way. They do not have to be a dynamic first round pick for this defense to work - but they have to be able to hold at the point of attack. Im a little more optimistic about the state of the offense line going forward. To echo JO, having 2 freshman starting is a recipe for losses. That being said, Bergeron and Vet are beginning to look the part of very solid ACc caliber linemen going forward. I would expect an addition here from the transfer portal or JUCO ranks as well, but I do not see a massive search that will be taking place like the defensive side of the ball in the offseason. Finally - I think Dino is going to have to make the transition to finding Quarterbacks that possess mobility to truly compete in the ACC. As JO wrote above, Dino’s teams thrive on the power running game. I’m not sure we will ever have the consistent OL talent here to make that a staple year in and year out - however, you can keep defenses honest with the zone read and RPO game. Yesterday, Tommy pulled the ball and had all day to run. While he is quick, I wouldn’t say heis an instinctive runner that can make people miss. Adding that element to this offense will make Dino’s teams that more dynamic. [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?