Turn back time - December, 2008

[kingottoiii]

Your post is full of assumptions about this year's team, many of which I don't agree with.

Really? You think playing Akron, Colgate, and Maine weren't a factor in getting to 7-5? We are essentially replacing those three with Stony Brook, USC, and Mizzou. That alone could be the difference between 5-7 and 7-5. You think we have a RB even close to DC3? Heck I don't even think we have a RB as good as his backup that year. You think our D will be as good as the 2010 version? That D was a veteran D while this year we are still young. And IMO the LBs were much better in 2010. Or maybe you think winning CFB games by scoring less than 20 points isn't an anomaly?

 

[Cuseman78]

Really? You think playing Akron, Colgate, and Maine weren't a factor in getting to 7-5? We are essentially replacing those three with Stony Brook, USC, and Mizzou. That alone could be the difference between 5-7 and 7-5. You think we have a RB even close to DC3? Heck I don't even think we have a RB as good as his backup that year. You think our D will be as good as the 2010 version? That D was a veteran D while this year we are still young. And IMO the LBs were much better in 2010. Or maybe you think winning CFB games by scoring less than 20 points isn't an anomaly?

You seem to have already figured out how the year will go, how the D will play, how bad the OL will be, etc. There are clearly unknowns and unprovens, but unlike you, I don't think that necessarily is a bad thing. Some of our young guys will pan out, improve, etc. Maybe Hickey comes in and is a stud. Maybe Jerome Smith comes in and reminds us of Delone Carter. Maybe Micah Robinson has a big year. Again, these are all unknowns, but it doesn't mean that nobody is going to turn out. And regarding our schedule, I stand by my statement that the SOS is not as difficult as most think. We can beat 11 of 12 teams on our schedule.

 

[JeremyCuse]

Really? You think playing Akron, Colgate, and Maine weren't a factor in getting to 7-5? We are essentially replacing those three with Stony Brook, USC, and Mizzou. That alone could be the difference between 5-7 and 7-5. You think we have a RB even close to DC3? Heck I don't even think we have a RB as good as his backup that year. You think our D will be as good as the 2010 version? That D was a veteran D while this year we are still young. And IMO the LBs were much better in 2010. Or maybe you think winning CFB games by scoring less than 20 points isn't an anomaly?

Hard to argue against any of that. Definitely a cold hard look at this coming year.

 

[kingottoiii]

You seem to have already figured out how the year will go, how the D will play, how bad the OL will be, etc. There are clearly unknowns and unprovens, but unlike you, I don't think that necessarily is a bad thing. Some of our young guys will pan out, improve, etc. Maybe Hickey comes in and is a stud. Maybe Jerome Smith comes in and reminds us of Delone Carter. Maybe Micah Robinson has a big year. Again, these are all unknowns, but it doesn't mean that nobody is going to turn out. And regarding our schedule, I stand by my statement that the SOS is not as difficult as most think. We can beat 11 of 12 teams on our schedule.

When we have a ton of unknowns isn't it a big assumption that all of them turn out smelling like roses? We have a lot of question marks all over the field. There will be surprises but there will also be disappointments. You are also asking a bunch of young players to all step up at the same time. Some will, but it is more likely that most of these guys are a year away.

I agree with the schedule not being too hard. IMO you cannot use our schedule as an excuse. I was just pointing out that our "good year" was largely a result of a weak schedule and we weren't as good as our record showed. It was an RUesque season.

 

[All4SU]

If we go 3-9, which I think is a distinct possibility, I think he's gone.

I don't think there is any chance no matter what the record is this year. Just the same, I'm expecting a .500 record.

 

[SU2NASA]

I don't think there is any chance no matter what the record is this year. Just the same, I'm expecting a .500 record.

There's a reason he hasn't been given an extension yet, and it's not because they forgot about it.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

I don't think he is going anywhere and I don't think there is any chance we go 3-9. I just don't. Last year was a really bad year, we played two good games, IMO. USC and WVU. We played a a good 4th versus WF. Like I said, last year was actually worse than the record indicated. I think we have a respectable year. marrone may not be the second coming but he isn't going to completly suck either. 6 wins and extension for Mr Marrone this year. am kind oflike Philly though, I must admit my interest is waivering just a bit. WIll always have the seasons but I just know if I will continue to donate as I have the past 3-4 years. Not making the home opener as I will be in Vermont by choice enjoying the last weekend of summer

 

[Scooch]

I don't think he is going anywhere and I don't think there is any chance we go 3-9. I just don't. Last year was a really bad year, we played two good games, IMO. USC and WVU. We played a a good 4th versus WF. Like I said, last year was actually worse than the record indicated. I think we have a respectable year. marrone may not be the second coming but he isn't going to completly suck either. 6 wins and extension for Mr Marrone this year. am kind oflike Philly though, I must admit my interest is waivering just a bit. WIll always have the seasons but I just know if I will continue to donate as I have the past 3-4 years. Not making the home opener as I will be in Vermont by choice enjoying the last weekend of summer

Thank God someone else sees last year as I do.

Sometimes this place makes me feel like...

 

[rrlbees]

Not making the home opener as I will be in Vermont by choice enjoying the last weekend of summer

Nice.




Fan.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[SmilinBob]

I like Marrone as SU's coach and just basing my opinion on what I've heard/read he seems to be a good man that isn't superficial and gets to the point. I believe the more comfortable he gets in his HC role the more a lot of fans/recruits will like him and see him as a good guy that knows football and cares about SU and the kids that go there. With that, he isn't going to damage anything like Robinson did and what he does ain't sexy by any means but when you're trying to build a solid foundation you have to build a solid base and this is what I believe him to be doing.

That said, I really expected the oline guys to be the best part of his teams and we have yet to see that. I'd like to see more playmakers as well from his recruiting classes and we haven't seen that as of so far. I do find it ironic some have pointed out the easy wins when SU usually and will from here on have one of the toughest and deepest OOC SOS's. Yes, I want more wins in the big east but when you're playing a lot of tough teams OOC you get beat up and I think this has hurt us in the big east so it's really hard to judge DM because we've had shallow depth but it is time for him to rectify that and 2012 has to start being that timeline.

I like the speed he has started to build up here on the hill as well and that is one of the things that always pulls you away from the little guys, speed and size (yes of course talent as well). He should get an extension and have a chance to continue building this program up and I truly believe that in 4 years we'll laugh at these posts like people did Mac when they thought he should be let go or not extended. Marrone is far from perfect but I do like the direction he has this team going and no not the losing streak but constantly working hard and doing things like the Fort Drum trip for example.

 

[GoSU96]

When we have a ton of unknowns isn't it a big assumption that all of them turn out smelling like roses? We have a lot of question marks all over the field. There will be surprises but there will also be disappointments. You are also asking a bunch of young players to all step up at the same time. Some will, but it is more likely that most of these guys are a year away.

I agree with the schedule not being too hard. IMO you cannot use our schedule as an excuse. I was just pointing out that our "good year" was largely a result of a weak schedule and we weren't as good as our record showed. It was an RUesque season.

You don't need everything to go perfect to go .500.

There are only place on the field that you are asking "young" players to step up is on the OL, and when Pugh gets back in 2 or 5 spots. The RB's have all been in the program for a couple of years. It's not like they are handing the keys to Broyld and Morris and MacFarland day one. The QB, WR's, and TE's are Seniors and Juniors. The DT position well stocked with size and experience. The LB's are all in their second or more season. The starting DB's are Seniors and Juniors and the back ups have time as well.

The offense obviously has to be better running the ball than last year and needs to generate a handful of big chunk plays a game. I think with the WR's we have and packages that can feature Broyld they will be very good in the redzone. The place for improvement is getting some easier scoring opportunities instead of having to put together 10 play drives to score.

On defense, get off the field on 3rd better. If they were marginally better last year they have 2 or 3 more wins last year.

 

[IthacaBarrel]

Nice.




Fan.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

Good One, left it up to my kids and I don't blame them, another weekend swimming on the lake, and a Sunday in Saratoga at the races etc or sitting in an overheated dome watching a marginal product. We will be at USC the next weekend. I think they made the right choice.

 

[kingottoiii]

There are only place on the field that you are asking "young" players to step up is on the OL,

RB is both young and unproven. In an ideal world both Smith and PTG would be RS Sophs this year. I still consider that young. Also both have very few carries. Part of that has been injury. And while they were injured they certainly were not getting practice reps. The rest of the RBs are young. Our RBs have a combined 85 carries for 345 yards in their collective careers (4.06 ypc). Sorry but I find that to be a huge concern. Heck Hogue as a Frosh almost produced that all by himself.

WR has plenty back at the starters but after that what do we have? All young. You can't get by with just 2 WRs.

OL is a huge concern with youth. The level of OL talent SU can get in most cases shouldn't be playing until their RS JR years. Only Chibane fits that of the healthy OLmen. Pugh who the hell knows when we get him back. IMO everyone else will be playing earlier than they should and are too young. That doesn't mean that they won't be good OLmen in time. I just find it hard that it will be this year.

TE we have a guy who is a JR but has very little experience. Stevens does have plenty. Behind them are Frosh. When you have a 2 TE system that is a young unit.

DT is fine, no issues there.

DE we have no clue what the hell will happen here. Most likely we will have guys out of position playing. Not a youth issue but an issue none the less.

OLBs are too young. IMO both Davis and Lynch are playing well earlier than they should be. Yes they played a ton last year but that doesn't mean they are physically where they should be.

DB like DT is fine.

Also we have more underclassmen on the team than upperclassmen. So overall we are young.

 

[SoBristol]

You don't need everything to go perfect to go .500.

There are only place on the field that you are asking "young" players to step up is on the OL, and when Pugh gets back in 2 or 5 spots. The RB's have all been in the program for a couple of years. It's not like they are handing the keys to Broyld and Morris and MacFarland day one. The QB, WR's, and TE's are Seniors and Juniors. The DT position well stocked with size and experience. The LB's are all in their second or more season. The starting DB's are Seniors and Juniors and the back ups have time as well.

The offense obviously has to be better running the ball than last year and needs to generate a handful of big chunk plays a game. I think with the WR's we have and packages that can feature Broyld they will be very good in the redzone. The place for improvement is getting some easier scoring opportunities instead of having to put together 10 play drives to score.

On defense, get off the field on 3rd better. If they were marginally better last year they have 2 or 3 more wins last year.

I agree with a lot of that.
I understand the negativity -- it isn't a good idea for any coach to lose every game in November and close with a 5 game losing streak. Fans remember November.
I believe the units are each in better shape than a year ago, especially in terms of depth. Sure, we miss Provo, Bailey, Chandler and Phillip Thomas; have questions about the OL and the pass rush. But the DL is stouter; the LBs are back and better; the secondary has better depth to deal with the usual injuries; and even for the OL, there are several candidates with size to compete for roles.
We are short in true stars (like Hogue, Carter & Smith in 2010), but better in numbers.
There seem to be more guys like AAM, Broyld, Gulley, Morgan, Morris, Sloan, the JUCOs who are in the wings -- waiting for a chance.
I expect a slow start (keep in mind that Northwestern has outrecruited us) -- and then a team that, for a change, gets better.

 

[SoBristol]

RB is both young and unproven. In an ideal world both Smith and PTG would be RS Sophs this year. I still consider that young. Also both have very few carries. Part of that has been injury. And while they were injured they certainly were not getting practice reps. The rest of the RBs are young. Our RBs have a combined 85 carries for 345 yards in their collective careers (4.06 ypc). Sorry but I find that to be a huge concern. Heck Hogue as a Frosh almost produced that all by himself.

WR has plenty back at the starters but after that what do we have? All young. You can't get by with just 2 WRs.

OL is a huge concern with youth. The level of OL talent SU can get in most cases shouldn't be playing until their RS JR years. Only Chibane fits that of the healthy OLmen. Pugh who the hell knows when we get him back. IMO everyone else will be playing earlier than they should and are too young. That doesn't mean that they won't be good OLmen in time. I just find it hard that it will be this year.

TE we have a guy who is a JR but has very little experience. Stevens does have plenty. Behind them are Frosh. When you have a 2 TE system that is a young unit.

DT is fine, no issues there.

DE we have no clue what the hell will happen here. Most likely we will have guys out of position playing. Not a youth issue but an issue none the less.

OLBs are too young. IMO both Davis and Lynch are playing well earlier than they should be. Yes they played a ton last year but that doesn't mean they are physically where they should be.

DB like DT is fine.

Also we have more underclassmen on the team than upperclassmen. So overall we are young.

Sorry to differ, but -- so is every college team. It is not unusual for teams to have 25 frosh, 22-25 sophs, and fewer juniors and seniors and there is attrition when kids figure out the pecking order.
We are too young at LB (though we have a senior, and a junior with a PG year), and the right side of the OL. In every other unit, our experience level should be average compared to the teams on our schedule. USC for example was at least as young last season as we were.
DE for example should have Sharpe a senior, Goggins a senior, Robinson a junior and a Juco who is a junior. WR has two seniors, then West, a junior, and Kobena a soph. At TE, Stevens must be in his fifth year; Wales is a junior and saw a lot of time.
The problem isn't youth as much as talent. Marrone has played frosh at LB -- EJ Carter and Spruill both did well enough in their first years, and Bromley helped in his first year. We could use more frosh and sophs in the two deep -- recruits who are good enough to contribute early. We have had frosh RBs emerge (Joe Morris long ago; Bailey had 120 yds against ND as a frosh) and frosh WRs (Mike Williams; Sales; Lemon) and frosh DBs in many years.

 

[kingottoiii]

Sorry to differ, but -- so is every college team.

Just using UConn as an example

Starters (not including QB which is still wide open)

RS SRs - 7
SRs - 4
RS JRs - 3
JRs - 0
RS Sophs - 8
Sophs - 0
RS Frosh - 0
Frosh - 0

So not one starter is below an academic JR. We have four. They have 14 starters who are academic SRs or older. We have 12. While Pugh is out we will have 2 Sophs, a JR, and 2 SRs on the OL. UConn will have a RS SR, 2 RS JR, and 2 RS Sophs. So all five are academic JRs or older while we have 2.

 

[rrlbees]

Just using UConn as an example

Starters (not including QB which is still wide open)

RS SRs - 7
SRs - 4
RS JRs - 3
JRs - 0
RS Sophs - 8
Sophs - 0
RS Frosh - 0
Frosh - 0

So not one starter is below an academic JR. We have four. They have 14 starters who are academic SRs or older. We have 12. While Pugh is out we will have 2 Sophs, a JR, and 2 SRs on the OL. UConn will have a RS SR, 2 RS JR, and 2 RS Sophs. So all five are academic JRs or older while we have 2.

Thats because UConn sucks and can't recruit. The top teams play true frosh and RS frosh more than the middle of the road or crappy teams. They recruiit over kids all the time. I allso wonder if UConns numbers are impacted by having a new staff as of 1 1/2 ago.