Very bullish on SU's offense the next 2 years and here's why

[orangepassion]

Not only do we have a ton of returning starters/contributors, many of them have at least 2 years of eligibility remaining.

QB-Hunt has close to a year of experience under his belt and 2 more years
RB-PTG, Morris, and Mcfarlane have experience with the latter 2 having 3 more years left
WR-Broyld, Estime, and Cornelius give us 3 guys with some experience with multiple years left. Additionally, I believe WR will be our strongest haul of recruits in many years, if not ever (Time will tell)
TE-Parris got a ton of time and has 3 years left
OL-The key is Emerich who got a little experience when Macky was hurt. if he's decent, we have 4 guys starting who have at least 2 more years left. Having Hickey back should let Lasker and Knapp grow into the role and get more development before they start.

If guys can stay reasonably healthy (Particularly Hunt), I think we should be in for great things these next couple of years from the offense. Looking back on it now, considering the youth of the contributing roster on offense as well as its practically new staff, it shouldn't be surprising it took us a while to find our stride.

 

[VirginiaOrange]

Not only do we have a ton of returning starters/contributors, many of them have at least 2 years of eligibility remaining.

QB-Hunt has close to a year of experience under his belt and 2 more years
RB-PTG, Morris, and Mcfarlane have experience with the latter 2 having 3 more years left
WR-Broyld, Estime, and Cornelius give us 3 guys with some experience with multiple years left. Additionally, I believe WR will be our strongest haul of recruits in many years, if not ever (Time will tell)
TE-Parris got a ton of time and has 3 years left
OL-The key is Emerich who got a little experience when Macky was hurt. if he's decent, we have 4 guys starting who have at least 2 more years left. Having Hickey back should let Lasker and Knapp grow into the role and get more development before they start.

If guys can stay reasonably healthy (Particularly Hunt), I think we should be in for great things these next couple of years from the offense. Looking back on it now, considering the youth of the contributing roster on offense as well as its practically new staff, it shouldn't be surprising it took us a while to find our stride.

The main thing is that for the first time in many years SU will have options at every position should someone falter or get hurt. Every position has multiple guys who appear to have the ability to contribute. When was the last time SU went into the fall with what appear to be 5 legitimate QBs? There are WRs from last year's freshmen class that no one mentions who will contribute this year - Avant and Winfield both had multiple legit offers - not to mention the true freshmen. There are two solid tight ends that redshirted. And if the huge "sleeper" OL recruits like McGloster or Burton (he was on the sideline at the MD game and is a monster) ever pan out, look out.

And play anyone who can contribute. Did anyone else notice how many huge plays - especially special teams plays - were made in big bowls by true freshmen?

 

[IthacaBarrel]

The main thing is that for the first time in many years SU will have options at every position should someone falter or get hurt. Every position has multiple guys who appear to have the ability to contribute. When was the last time SU went into the fall with what appear to be 5 legitimate QBs? There are WRs from last year's freshmen class that no one mentions who will contribute this year - Avant and Winfield both had multiple legit offers - not to mention the true freshmen. There are two solid tight ends that redshirted. And if the huge "sleeper" OL recruits like McGloster or Burton (he was on the sideline at the MD game and is a monster) ever pan out, look out.

And play anyone who can contribute. Did anyone else notice how many huge plays - especially special teams plays - were made in big bowls by true freshmen?

I think it comes down to putting more pressure on a defense with multiple guys that can propose a serious threat along with explosive plays. You cant dip and dunk down the field, it's too much to ask an O line and a qb. Mike Williams is the best WR I have ever seen at Syracuse ( didn't say he is the best pro) but he was only 1 guy, you need 2-3 guys that can put pressure on a defense, I think we will improve in this area next year. guys at RB will be a threat as well.

Playmakers that can make play with the ball in their hands anywhere anytime.

 

[CousCuse]

The main thing is that for the first time in many years SU will have options at every position should someone falter or get hurt. Every position has multiple guys who appear to have the ability to contribute. When was the last time SU went into the fall with what appear to be 5 legitimate QBs? There are WRs from last year's freshmen class that no one mentions who will contribute this year - Avant and Winfield both had multiple legit offers - not to mention the true freshmen. There are two solid tight ends that redshirted. And if the huge "sleeper" OL recruits like McGloster or Burton (he was on the sideline at the MD game and is a monster) ever pan out, look out.

And play anyone who can contribute. Did anyone else notice how many huge plays - especially special teams plays - were made in big bowls by true freshmen?

You mean like Brisley's punt return. I don't know where people have worked , but if you put new hires ahead of existing staff, it causes problems with trust and loyalty.

 

[sufandu]

You mean like Brisley's punt return. I don't know where people have worked , but if you put new hires ahead of existing staff, it causes problems with trust and loyalty.

Not sure where you're going with this. Are you suggesting freshman shouldn't play, even if they're better than upperclassmen?

 

[Pyle]

You mean like Brisley's punt return. I don't know where people have worked , but if you put new hires ahead of existing staff, it causes problems with trust and loyalty.

If you keep underperforming staff in place it can cause problems with performance as well.

 

[CousCuse]

Not sure where you're going with this. Are you suggesting freshman shouldn't play, even if they're better than upperclassmen?

Not every freshman that is supposed to be better pans out. What about the hard work and sacrifice and dedication of the current players , that's all out the window.

 

[sufandu]

Not every freshman that is supposed to be better pans out. What about the hard work and sacrifice and dedication of the current players , that's all out the window.

Never said that. The best player plays. That's the way it works in sports. Your initial comment came across, to me at least, as saying that freshman that are better than the older players at their position should still sit behind them.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I'm optimistic because -

1. 80% of an o-line that performed pretty well is back, and hopefully we've groomed a new center successfully
2. We return more game experience at QB this upcoming season than last, as well as new blood at the position
3. I've always felt that the Morris/McFarlane combo would turn out to be much more potent than Smith/PTG, and we still even bring back PTG
4. Tight ends, who knows, but I'm an optimist
5. We only lose Clark and are bringing in a ton of highly regarded prospects
6. McDonald improved as the season went on, and I have no reason to believe he won't continue to improve

So, yeah, I think we can take a step forward offensively next season.

That said, McDonald needs to avoid the temptation to make field trips over to any NFL teams.

 

[Crusty]

You mean like Brisley's punt return. I don't know where people have worked , but if you put new hires ahead of existing staff, it causes problems with trust and loyalty.

If you worked anywhere that has a great deal of competition, loyalty and trust plays second fiddle to ability.

 

[Crusty]

I'm optimistic because -

1. 80% of an o-line that performed pretty well is back, and hopefully we've groomed a new center successfully
2. We return more game experience at QB this upcoming season than last, as well as new blood at the position
3. I've always felt that the Morris/McFarlane combo would turn out to be much more potent than Smith/PTG, and we still even bring back PTG
4. Tight ends, who knows, but I'm an optimist
5. We only lose Clark and are bringing in a ton of highly regarded prospects
6. McDonald improved as the season went on, and I have no reason to believe he won't continue to improve

So, yeah, I think we can take a step forward offensively next season.

That said, McDonald needs to avoid the temptation to make field trips over to any NFL teams.

During this dead period, I have been looking at a lot of year end stats, in particular the metrics required to make the top 25. It is a bit shocking to see how far away we are in offensive stats, even when adjusting for SOS. We need to find about 100 more yards per game and about 7 to 10 more PPG and that is assuming the defense gets a bit better. This against a backdrop of an improving conference.

I think we will get to a fourth bowl in a row (and win it) but we are not going to make any large jumps on the back of a few true freshman. So, better yes, but not by that much I am afraid. I am however, happy with slow and steady improvement. 2015 will probably be the year we have been waiting for so long.

 

[anomander]

During this dead period, I have been looking at a lot of year end stats, in particular the metrics required to make the top 25. It is a bit shocking to see how far away we are in offensive stats, even when adjusting for SOS. We need to find about 100 more yards per game and about 7 to 10 more PPG and that is assuming the defense gets a bit better. This against a backdrop of an improving conference.

I think we will get to a fourth bowl in a row (and win it) but we are not going to make any large jumps on the back of a few true freshman. So, better yes, but not by that much I am afraid. I am however, happy with slow and steady improvement. 2015 will probably be the year we have been waiting for so long.

imo I don't think the freshman will be key, but our seasoned offensive line could make a huge difference. Our run game should only improve, and the 2013 line was pretty good in pass pro throughout the season. With a whole year under McDonald's offense, and another season of gettng better you have to think this offensive line could be the strength of the team. We all know how important a strong OL is. You also have to consider we had freshman WR's in Estime and Cornelius contribute, especially at the end of the season when our offense got going. I wouldn't be shocked if we came close to those numbers you mentioned above. Probably not all the way there, but that's why I have been projecting 2015 as our "breakout year"

 

[Crusty]

imo I don't think the freshman will be key, but our seasoned offensive line could make a huge difference. Our run game should only improve, and the 2013 line was pretty good in pass pro throughout the season. With a whole year under McDonald's offense, and another season of gettng better you have to think this offensive line could be the strength of the team. We all know how important a strong OL is. You also have to consider we had freshman WR's in Estime and Cornelius contribute, especially at the end of the season when our offense got going. I wouldn't be shocked if we came close to those numbers you mentioned above. Probably not all the way there, but that's why I have been projecting 2015 as our "breakout year"

Yes, I know you have and I think you are correct. By then Hunt will be awesome and we will have seasoned receivers and RB's. Everyone will know the system. Just got to fight through next year. Can't wait for NSD.

 

[LennX6]

I'm optimistic because -

1. 80% of an o-line that performed pretty well is back, and hopefully we've groomed a new center successfully
2. We return more game experience at QB this upcoming season than last, as well as new blood at the position
3. I've always felt that the Morris/McFarlane combo would turn out to be much more potent than Smith/PTG, and we still even bring back PTG
4. Tight ends, who knows, but I'm an optimist
5. We only lose Clark and are bringing in a ton of highly regarded prospects
6. McDonald improved as the season went on, and I have no reason to believe he won't continue to improve

So, yeah, I think we can take a step forward offensively next season.

That said, McDonald needs to avoid the temptation to make field trips over to any NFL teams.

Wide receivers are ready now, I agree, the running game may even be better next year. Kicking and Tight Ends, I would like to see a bit more there. Other than that, they'll be very good.

 

[CousCuse]

Crusty and Anomander you guys make me want to puke. The Orange is going to score 55 points in game 1 on Villanova , go to CMU 38-14 , beat the snot out of Randy Edsall and Maryland who disrespected us AFTER we beat them on their field. That brings us to Notre Dame in Metlife. Our team will go at them with everything we got. That's how I see 2014 unfolding , and at that point a Glory season is in the making.

 

[Crusty]

Crusty and Anomander you guys make me want to puke. The Orange is going to score 55 points in game 1 on Villanova , go to CMU 38-14 , beat the snot out of Randy Edsall and Maryland who disrespected us AFTER we beat them on their field. That brings us to Notre Dame in Metlife. Our team will go at them with everything we got. That's how I see 2014 unfolding , and at that point a Glory season is in the making.

Wait - Nova and CMU? What is your point? What is your definition of a glory season?

And if you want to have an adult discourse try to keep your insults to yourself. You just reveal yourself to be a juvenile with no manners.

 

[baggerbob]

In reality you had 2 first year players at WR, learning on the job. Ashton, Brisly were both learning as they were going along, now that they have a year of the system under their belt, I expect both to make a big jump.

 

[Chip]

I just wish Macky wasn't so desperately needed as long snapper as a true freshman. One more year of him would be make for a better transition to Emerich. Oh well.

On paper, the WRs we are bringing in should be better than any recent collection. Just going by stars, offers (even if they're lying, because that means they know how to tell more meaningful lies).

But yes, whether it translates on the field, time will tell. Still have to develop them, which is on both the player and the staff. More encouraging to start with more perceived talent. The days of 250 yard average offense appear to be well in the rear view mirror.

 

[bnoro]

Crusty and Anomander you guys make me want to puke. The Orange is going to score 55 points in game 1 on Villanova , go to CMU 38-14 , beat the snot out of Randy Edsall and Maryland who disrespected us AFTER we beat them on their field. That brings us to Notre Dame in Metlife. Our team will go at them with everything we got. That's how I see 2014 unfolding , and at that point a Glory season is in the making.

maryland disrespected us after we beat them?

 

[orangepassion]

2015 will probably be the year we have been waiting for so long.

I think this is a big year, b/c we are losing a ton on Defense after next year

 

[Crusty]

I think this is a big year, b/c we are losing a ton on Defense after next year

With the exception of one year, the D has pretty much been a statistical carbon copy each year. We seem to do just fine reloading. I thought 2013 was going to be a challenge and it turned out okay.

 

[dinosaurbbq]

Agree with all the other reasons to be hopeful and here's two more:

2nd year in this system and this team will absolutely cut down on those drive killing penalties. More than 7 per game. That's a lot.

Also, Players will know where to lineup for plays and what routes they are supposed to be running. Admittedly that helps the returning WR more than the incoming frosh, but I think the incoming frosh are better coming in and come in more advanced than the returning guys were when they started here.

 

[RF2044]

I just wish Macky wasn't so desperately needed as long snapper as a true freshman. One more year of him would be make for a better transition to Emerich. Oh well.

On paper, the WRs we are bringing in should be better than any recent collection. Just going by stars, offers (even if they're lying, because that means they know how to tell more meaningful lies).

But yes, whether it translates on the field, time will tell. Still have to develop them, which is on both the player and the staff. More encouraging to start with more perceived talent. The days of 250 yard average offense appear to be well in the rear view mirror.

True, but let's also keep in perspective that Emerich will be entering his THIRD YEAR in the program. He isn't some kid being tossed the wolves with us crossing our fingers that he'll hold up. He'll be a third year sophomore, who's been immersed in the S&C program, and who should know the offense.

Would love to have Macky around for another year, but as succession plans go, this is an ideal time on his development curve for a player like Emerich to ascend into a more prominent role.