What history is telling us about this season ...

[griddy]

The pundits seem in agreement about what to expect from this year’s Orange, which is to say, not much.

But looking back at the past three seasons suggests that what looks certain or even probable before the first kickoff often turns out wrong.

Four seasons ago, the team was mediocre at best — but it had one of the biggest wins in school history, beating No. 2 ranked Clemson. Who saw that coming?

Who saw that magical 10-3 season coming? And I certainly did not anticipate the early disaster of last season, especially the Maryland debacle. I’m encouraged the team got better as the season went on.

So, maybe in three months, we’ll look back and be able to say the offensive line was not the disaster the skeptics predicted, among other prognostications that may be proven wrong.

That’s why they play the games. Go Orange!

 

[orangepassion]

I think if the OL holds up, we can be pretty good. Can't afford OL injuries in the first 3 games, especially at OT. What's nice is that if we get through the first 3 games unscathed there, we then have a bye and maybe Davis and/or Bleich is ready afterwards.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I'm pinning my hopes on the fact that we seem to have run a very organized camp. Sure, players sat out a few days, but that may even be indicative of how together the team is.

 

[SU94]

I think if the OL holds up, we can be pretty good. Can't afford OL injuries in the first 3 games, especially at OT. What's nice is that if we get through the first 3 games unscathed there, we then have a bye and maybe Davis and/or Bleich is ready afterwards.

We are also not the only program with opt-outs.

 

[AngryOtto]

I feel this season is a mulligan year. Don’t get me wrong I want su to win every game. However this year allows the team to gain experience with the players and new systems and depth with out any loss of eligibility. It is a win win for programs like su.

 

[GoSU96]

I feel this season is a mulligan year. Don’t get me wrong I want su to win every game. However this year allows the team to gain experience with the players and new systems and depth with out any loss of eligibility. It is a win win for programs like su.

10 scrimmages. Play a lot of guys, raise the bottom of the roster

 

[dasher]

10 scrimmages. Play a lot of guys, raise the bottom of the roster

Can't agree with that. It's still a season. And wins matter.

 

[Libero2]

Can't agree with that. It's still a season. And wins matter.

As long as there is recruiting, wins matter.

It would be critical if we could win 6-7 games playing an all ACC schedule not just for closing this class, but starting next cycle strong.

 

[UpstateSM]

Can't agree with that. It's still a season. And wins matter.

Agreed. You win in college sports by recruiting and its much easier to recruit when you're winning. If you're playing games that are on tv and people care about you play to win.

If we beat UNC on Saturday I think people who disagree might change their thoughts.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

Can't agree with that. It's still a season. And wins matter.

Do they this season? I consider it a victory if things are safe enough for us to play every game.

 

[sutomcat]

10 scrimmages. Play a lot of guys, raise the bottom of the roster

If there was ever a year where it makes sense to sacrifice short term to focus on developing for the following years, it is 2020.

 

[GoSU96]

If there was ever a year where it makes sense to sacrifice short term to focus on developing for the following years, it is 2020.

If things go well on the health front, and every trend shows that it's getting better by the day, then maybe at the end of the year there are some bowl and/or cross over games with the other conferences.

 

[AngryOtto]

Wins are important but so is playing time. If potential recruits see freshman playing it could lead to higher level recruits wanting to come to su.

 

[721Comstock]

Wins are important but so is playing time. If potential recruits see freshman playing it could lead to higher level recruits wanting to come to su.

THIS.

Dino can point to guys like Cisco and Trill, Mikel and the other guys from last season, and now all the guys who get run this year, and say -
YOU could potentially come in and play that much as a Frosh, if you're good enough, and work hard enough.

 

[Wrinkle]

14th in ACC is a joke. O-line will be better, Devito will be better. Very excited for 3-3-5 but can't have been easy to implement in this strange off-season. If we play the defense as it is intended, with aggression and lots of cover 1 and cover 0 blitzing, will at least be fun to watch

 

[dasher]

Wins are important but so is playing time. If potential recruits see freshman playing it could lead to higher level recruits wanting to come to su.

More than wins? freshman not playing doesn't seem to hurt winning programs. It didn't hurt us when we were good. I think it is important that we win games this year. We have had 3 of 4 seasons under this staff that were losing seasons. We have to develop a winning culture. I know it is going to be a tough year. But 5 or 6 wins is attainable. It's going to be a tough year for just about anyone.

 

[storange]

Can't agree with that. It's still a season. And wins matter.

If I’m Dino I’m fighting for a 500 season. It would be 4 losing seasons in 5 years. Not that I think his job is in jeopardy but still , also there are Seniors and others that are going to graduate and not use the free year. Quite a few I would think if Pro careers are not ahead. Play to win.

 

[UpstateSM]

Wins are important but so is playing time. If potential recruits see freshman playing it could lead to higher level recruits wanting to come to su.

If that theory held true our recruiting and overall success would have improved a long time ago. Winning is king, especially if you're selling Syracuse and its (largely) fair-weather fans and attendance rather than warm and sunny with diehard fans.

 

[GoSU96]

If that theory held true our recruiting and overall success would have improved a long time ago. Winning is king, especially if you're selling Syracuse and its (largely) fair-weather fans and attendance rather than warm and sunny with diehard fans.

what attendance? College football is a tv show this year. They are installing a new defense with no spring installation period and a chicken wire and duct Tape OL.

if they get five wins it will be a miracle this year. Play the long game

 

[orangepassion]

If I’m Dino I’m fighting for a 500 season. It would be 4 losing seasons in 5 years. Not that I think his job is in jeopardy but still , also there are Seniors and others that are going to graduate and not use the free year. Quite a few I would think if Pro careers are not ahead. Play to win.

 

[syrBossHogg]

Dino coaches to win, I don't see him playing freshmen/sophomores unless their play in practice warrants it.

 

[UpstateSM]

what attendance? College football is a tv show this year. They are installing a new defense with no spring installation period and a chicken wire and duct Tape OL.

if they get five wins it will be a miracle this year. Play the long game

That has nothing to do with what I said. It's not about this season alone.

 

[storange]

Herm gets it, if your 0-9 you fight your ass off to get to 1-9, That’s how I played, coached, and how I look at it as a fan.

 

[orangepassion]

Herm gets it, if your 0-9 you fight your ass off to get to 1-9, That’s how I played, coached, and how I look at it as a fan.

Especially if you're not getting a better draft pick

 

[orangemass]

Do we have a feel how many of the seniors will take advantage of the extra year?