What is this team's identity?

[Fjoinkay]

The Nova game reminded me of Georgia Tech last season in many ways. Against GT the SU coaches applied the brakes on defense hoping to avoid the big play, and throughout the game the defense was slow to respond, almost mechanical, and GT gained what seemed like at least 5 yards a pop. Against Nova the SU staff put less pressure on the breaks, but the defense was nevertheless slowed somewhat and seemed to be missing something. I'm used to seeing more aggressive football than I saw Friday, but as frustrating as that was to watch I think the staff had a good plan on defense for the most part.

Nova's QB is very good using his feet whether it's by design or improvising, and at a certain point Friday the Nova staff clearly decided to let him improvise by design. I saw a lot of poor angles and plenty of missed tackles on the Nova QB, but for the most part the SU defense forced Nova to earn every yard. Nova's punt return for a touchdown was very painful especially with T-Hunt out of the game. I'm just excited that SU survived and can move on to play a more aggressive style of defense.

Wilson handled the situation very well, and I feel better about the backup QB situation. Sometimes ignorance isn't bliss.

I think it's difficult to evaluate the SU offense beyond the last few minutes of the second quarter obviously because T-Hunt was out. Obviously, 17 first downs in 4 quarters is well below expectations. To my eye T-Hunt appeared frustrated at times as the offense seemed out of synch. He clearly had high expectations entering the game, and I would guess he had expected to move the chains more and to put up more points early. I was fine with him appearing frustrated- up until he made his mistake. I think if T-Hunt had been able to make a better decision and stay in the game, the SU offense would have ended up with more first downs and more points.

However, as I see it T-Hunt in no way should beat himself up for his mistake. He needs to take responsibility for his actions and apologize to his teammates, and then he needs to spend some time during the week reflecting again and again on exactly what happened in his mind- both on that play and leading up to that play. His mood was a part of the equation when he reacted the way he did. Expectations always play a part in angry reactions. Also, in today's game for good reason QBs are rarely hit in practice and even during games they are protected in many ways. To have a defender rip off your helmet from behind is surprising for any offensive player and probably even more so for a QB. But that is no excuse. T-Hunt must respond better.

T-Hunt needs to use this as an opportunity to become familiar with his own emotions, so that in the future he can recognize his frustration and just let it pass out of his mind rather than react in his frustration. Next play! And this will help him keep his mind clear on broken plays and when he is forced out of the pocket. When things breakdown guys with clarity of mind are more likely to find the open tight end and avoid throwing to a receiver who is covered or whatever the case may be. But in no way should T-Hunt allow this to turn into shame which would likely end up becoming a long term issue for him mentally rather than just treating this as the opportunity to grow that it really is even if it is embarrassing and painful. I like how HCSS had T-Hunt's back after the game.

The football team has a week to reflect as well. What is this team's identity? Nova was a game where I think it was difficult for this team to be itself. As a fan watching the Nova game at times I hardly recognized this SU team. This week of practice could end up being a great chance for everyone to get some clarity. Last season I really enjoyed the way the team truly did grind and compete for a full 40 just about every game. I hope that characteristic remains a part of this team's identity, but every team is different. In the end they need to figure out who they are and how they roll and just be it! Trust the training and play ball.

 

[longislandcuse]

They "look" the part but played ten times softer.

We need to chill with rotating 40 different skill players in and out ever 2 seconds.

On defense our identity is being aggressive. We need to play that way ie blitzes and hard hitting but someone needs to get into these guys heads about playing tough and being disciplined otherwise its just a bunch of amped players getting gashed left and right.

On offense. Play your best WRs/TEs and leave them in there! Rotate RBs like Georgia did so they stay fresh and run the spread with Hunt. Hopefully the return of 2 lineman and Hunt's brain get this offense in gear.

 

[Crusty]

I think it's difficult to evaluate the SU offense beyond the last few minutes of the second quarter obviously because T-Hunt was out. Obviously, 17 first downs in 4 quarters is well below expectations. To my eye T-Hunt appeared frustrated at times as the offense seemed out of synch. He clearly had high expectations entering the game, and I would guess he had expected to move the chains more and to put up more points early. I was fine with him appearing frustrated- up until he made his mistake. I think if T-Hunt had been able to make a better decision and stay in the game, the SU offense would have ended up with more first downs and more points.

Well said.
We were actually driving when the incident happened. I think things would have been a lot different if Hunt had not been ejected.

After looking at the replay - again - the DE were not disciplined (especially Micah) and constantly got past Robertson opening up an escape route. Hopefully this gets coached up.

 

[Fjoinkay]

I'm excited about some of the younger players I saw.

On the other hand, in double OT, I believe, the 3rd and goal to AAM would have worked but one of the offensive linemen whiffed on the Nova LB. That concerns me a little bit. I think the player is inexperienced, but I want to see him seek the LB with purpose. The past few years our OLinemen have been very aggressive, almost too aggressive. In that situation all the OLineman has to do is make contact with the LB and that's a TD.

 

[Crusty]

I'm excited about some of the younger players I saw.

On the other hand, in double OT, I believe, the 3rd and goal to AAM would have worked but one of the offensive linemen whiffed on the Nova LB. That concerns me a little bit. I think the player is inexperienced, but I want to see him seek the LB with purpose. The past few years our OLinemen have been very aggressive, almost too aggressive. In that situation all the OLineman has to do is make contact with the LB and the game is over.

Understand your point but Nova's 3-3 stack defense is designed to confuse our O Line's blocking schemes. Their LB line up directly behind the 3 down linemen and can go to any gap. That is why we had some nice runs and got stuffed many times. We used to kill WVA 3-3 but Nova's staff has our tendencies down pat and were very effective with their D play calls.
Lester said that we had red zone plays for Hunt to beat the 3-3. Couldn't run then with Wilson.

 

[bballbeadle]

The Nova game reminded me of Georgia Tech last season in many ways. Against GT the SU coaches applied the brakes on defense hoping to avoid the big play, and throughout the game the defense was slow to respond, almost mechanical, and GT gained what seemed like at least 5 yards a pop. Against Nova the SU staff put less pressure on the breaks, but the defense was nevertheless slowed somewhat and seemed to be missing something. I'm used to seeing more aggressive football than I saw Friday, but as frustrating as that was to watch I think the staff had a good plan on defense for the most part.

Nova's QB is very good using his feet whether it's by design or improvising, and at a certain point Friday the Nova staff clearly decided to let him improvise by design. I saw a lot of poor angles and plenty of missed tackles on the Nova QB, but for the most part the SU defense forced Nova to earn every yard. Nova's punt return for a touchdown was very painful especially with T-Hunt out of the game. I'm just excited that SU survived and can move on to play a more aggressive style of defense.

Wilson handled the situation very well, and I feel better about the backup QB situation. Sometimes ignorance isn't bliss.

I think it's difficult to evaluate the SU offense beyond the last few minutes of the second quarter obviously because T-Hunt was out. Obviously, 17 first downs in 4 quarters is well below expectations. To my eye T-Hunt appeared frustrated at times as the offense seemed out of synch. He clearly had high expectations entering the game, and I would guess he had expected to move the chains more and to put up more points early. I was fine with him appearing frustrated- up until he made his mistake. I think if T-Hunt had been able to make a better decision and stay in the game, the SU offense would have ended up with more first downs and more points.

However, as I see it T-Hunt in no way should beat himself up for his mistake. He needs to take responsibility for his actions and apologize to his teammates, and then he needs to spend some time during the week reflecting again and again on exactly what happened in his mind- both on that play and leading up to that play. His mood was a part of the equation when he reacted the way he did. Expectations always play a part in angry reactions. Also, in today's game for good reason QBs are rarely hit in practice and even during games they are protected in many ways. To have a defender rip off your helmet from behind is surprising for any offensive player and probably even more so for a QB. But that is no excuse. T-Hunt must respond better.

T-Hunt needs to use this as an opportunity to become familiar with his own emotions, so that in the future he can recognize his frustration and just let it pass out of his mind rather than react in his frustration. Next play! And this will help him keep his mind clear on broken plays and when he is forced out of the pocket. When things breakdown guys with clarity of mind are more likely to find the open tight end and avoid throwing to a receiver who is covered or whatever the case may be. But in no way should T-Hunt allow this to turn into shame which would likely end up becoming a long term issue for him mentally rather than just treating this as the opportunity to grow that it really is even if it is embarrassing and painful. I like how HCSS had T-Hunt's back after the game.

The football team has a week to reflect as well. What is this team's identity? Nova was a game where I think it was difficult for this team to be itself. As a fan watching the Nova game at times I hardly recognized this SU team. This week of practice could end up being a great chance for everyone to get some clarity. Last season I really enjoyed the way the team truly did grind and compete for a full 40 just about every game. I hope that characteristic remains a part of this team's identity, but every team is different. In the end they need to figure out who they are and how they roll and just be it! Trust the training and play ball.

Methinks you are a psychologist.

 

[SWC75]

I actually think the defense played well. Nova had 89 plays but got one offensive touchdown out of them. We had several tackles for losses in key situations and held them to field goal attempts, which was key because they didn't have a reliable FG kicker. The contain on Robertson was bad but Robertson is very good. We didn't give up the big play and that helped us win. We could be better but not better than 1-0.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I think we saw what a guy that has coached football at the same place for 30 years can do to get his team ready for a first game.

 

[CuseLegacy]

I'm excited about some of the younger players I saw.

On the other hand, in double OT, I believe, the 3rd and goal to AAM would have worked but one of the offensive linemen whiffed on the Nova LB. That concerns me a little bit. I think the player is inexperienced, but I want to see him seek the LB with purpose. The past few years our OLinemen have been very aggressive, almost too aggressive. In that situation all the OLineman has to do is make contact with the LB and that's a TD.

Stephen Bailey‏@Stephen_Bailey1 2h
So why wasn't Syracuse able to score on five goal-line plays inside the 3 during OT? I broke down the film: http://bit.ly/1u2Q4nR

 

[Fjoinkay]

Understand your point but Nova's 3-3 stack defense is designed to confuse our O Line's blocking schemes. Their LB line up directly behind the 3 down linemen and can go to any gap. That is why we had some nice runs and got stuffed many times. We used to kill WVA 3-3 but Nova's staff has our tendencies down pat and were very effective with their D play calls.
Lester said that we had red zone plays for Hunt to beat the 3-3. Couldn't run then with Wilson.

Well said. The OLman was definitely confused on that play. He stepped forward, and he didn't see the LB to his right. Once he saw the LB he tried to make a play, but he was too far forward and had allowed himself to stand up straight enough that he was unable to block the LB or to push him with enough force to alter his play. The LB was able to take a direct path behind the OLman, and I have to say that the LB made a terrific play at the goal line.

At that point in the game after seeing the Nova defense for a while I would like to see the OLman scan for LBs and to remain in an active stance. I think if he had more experience in general he probably would have expected a LB to come from either direction, and he would have used his eyes and his stance better to make a play. All he needed to do in that situation was impede the LB's approach just a split second and AAM crosses the goal line.

 

[Fjoinkay]

Stephen Bailey‏@Stephen_Bailey1 2h
So why wasn't Syracuse able to score on five goal-line plays inside the 3 during OT? I broke down the film: http://bit.ly/1u2Q4nR

Thanks. Nice to break it down! And this is the sequence that concerned me the most after the game along with the rushing numbers when you take away the PTG's big run. This is all something that can be cleaned up. The next guy up needs to be mentally ready. If T-Hunt is in the game we make more plays rushing and passing. He was running the ball well which was putting pressure on the Nova defense.

 

[Fjoinkay]

I actually think the defense played well. Nova had 89 plays but got one offensive touchdown out of them. We had several tackles for losses in key situations and held them to field goal attempts, which was key because they didn't have a reliable FG kicker. The contain on Robertson was bad but Robertson is very good. We didn't give up the big play and that helped us win. We could be better but not better than 1-0.

I agree for the most part. I think it just felt odd given that this team usually plays so fast on defense and uses a lot of pressure. They can continue to improve against mobile QBs and against future oddball offenses like GT and against offenses that use a lot of trickeration. I think they are headed in the right direction

 

[Crusty]

I actually think the defense played well. Nova had 89 plays but got one offensive touchdown out of them. We had several tackles for losses in key situations and held them to field goal attempts, which was key because they didn't have a reliable FG kicker. The contain on Robertson was bad but Robertson is very good. We didn't give up the big play and that helped us win. We could be better but not better than 1-0.

Points taken but Nova did exactly what they wanted to do - they shortened the game by a full quarter. They had drives of 50, 66, 60, 80 and 59 in regulation play. They used our aggressiveness against us, never threw into double coverage, ran man beater routes when we blitzed and they took everything we gave them. They were 12-20 of 3rd down conversions and they has only 1 three and out.

Our D didn't let our O get on the field. Granted the O stunk in Q4, but all the more reason to get them more chances. Nova schemed us perfectly to give them the only chance they had to win. This game was a classic example of really good coaching can accomplish. We were lucky Friday night - not good.

 

[Crusty]

Stephen Bailey‏@Stephen_Bailey1 2h
So why wasn't Syracuse able to score on five goal-line plays inside the 3 during OT? I broke down the film: http://bit.ly/1u2Q4nR

Good article. Didn't the tank package have like 3 tight ends and two backs? A full back might have helped against the 3-3 stack to deal with a linebacker. ???

 

[Fjoinkay]

Points taken but Nova did exactly what they wanted to do - they shortened the game by a full quarter. They had drives of 50, 66, 60, 80 and 59 in regulation play. They used our aggressiveness against us, never threw into double coverage, ran man beater routes when we blitzed and they took everything we gave them. They were 12-20 of 3rd down conversions and they has only 1 three and out.

Our D didn't let our O get on the field. Granted the O stunk in Q4, but all the more reason to get them more chances. Nova schemed us perfectly to give them the only chance they had to win. This game was a classic example of really good coaching can accomplish. We were lucky Friday night - not good.

Yep, SU''s defense struggled to get off the field, and the rushers pretty much fell into the same trap all game long. I saw poor angles and missed tackles too. Overall, I thought the defense did ok. I'm not giving them a great grade. It's difficult to stop everything especially against teams that are really well coached at any level, and we forced them to earn their yards. I would have loved to see more points out of the offense with T-Hunt, avoid Nova's punt return for a touchdown, and see how that played out for the defense, but we will never know. SU was lucky, but it seems like a few good teams find a way to win lucky every Saturday and Sunday.

 

[CuseOnly]

Well said. The OLman was definitely confused on that play. He stepped forward, and he didn't see the LB to his right. Once he saw the LB he tried to make a play, but he was too far forward and had allowed himself to stand up straight enough that he was unable to block the LB or to push him with enough force to alter his play. The LB was able to take a direct path behind the OLman, and I have to say that the LB made a terrific play at the goal line.

At that point in the game after seeing the Nova defense for a while I would like to see the OLman scan for LBs and to remain in an active stance. I think if he had more experience in general he probably would have expected a LB to come from either direction, and he would have used his eyes and his stance better to make a play. All he needed to do in that situation was impede the LB's approach just a split second and AAM crosses the goal line.

You wanna stop that play from the LB? Do what Stanford does, strength on strength. Pull every Skill position player except the FB and RB and go double tight with an extra tackle over. Reduce your line splits to the minimum and straight on drive block to the end zone. Or do the same and put Brisley or Erv back there and run to the pylon. Pulls their entire defense in and use your strength or beat them to the edge with speed if they pile up the middle.

 

[Crusty]

You wanna stop that play from the LB? Do what Stanford does, strength on strength. Pull every Skill position player except the FB and RB and go double tight with an extra tackle over. Reduce your line splits to the minimum and straight on drive block to the end zone. Or do the same and put Brisley or Erv back there and run to the pylon. Pulls their entire defense in and use your strength or beat them to the edge with speed if they pile up the middle.

Sounds a lot like the tank package Marrone ran. I loved the play where Provo sneaked into the back of the end zone as well.

 

[CuseOnly]

Sounds a lot like the tank package Marrone ran. I loved the play where Provo sneaked into the back of the end zone as well.

We had them beat by 50 lbs across the front, the only chance that had was to stack the linebackers and create confusion on the line. Should have run every read option we could have with straight on zone blocking schemes just like we did against WVU. All the bubble screens didn't help. That's like giving the defensive line a rest.

 

[SWC75]

Stephen Bailey‏@Stephen_Bailey1 2h
So why wasn't Syracuse able to score on five goal-line plays inside the 3 during OT? I broke down the film: http://bit.ly/1u2Q4nR

I also appreciate these breakdowns. it sounds like having a new center, a guard, (Trudo) playing on the opposite side and a tackle, (Lasker) playing guard was just too many changes against a well-designed flex type defense.

i continue to think that having only one running back in a goal-line play makes it too simple for the defense. They know who is going to get the ball.. And a back like Gulley who might be able to bounce away from a closed hole or catch a swing pass would be the prefect compliment to Moore's power running. We just didn't give ourselves enough options in that situation.

 

[Fjoinkay]

Definitely looked like it was his first day at the office for the RG, all game long. He was slow to respond and generally looking around a lot in between plays. I'd say he was either blown up or too slow to respond in 4 of the 5 goal line plays at least. During the game he was slow to engage defenders at times stepping deep into the pocket before engaging the defender.

On the first goal line play Moore was on the left end, and he let the defender go and began to slip into the end zone for a possible pass play. The problem with that is that on the right side Provo crashed down the line as if the play was designed to go left towards Moore, and the defender to Provo's right had a clean path to the backfield. The other defender who met AAM in the backfield either blew up Foy or the RG, and I'm thinking it was probably the RG. That play was poorly executed no matter how you slice it.

 

[donniesyracuse]

I also appreciate these breakdowns. it sounds like having a new center, a guard, (Trudo) playing on the opposite side and a tackle, (Lasker) playing guard was just too many changes against a well-designed flex type defense.

In hindsight, I wonder if the team would have been better off just plugging in someone in place of Robinson/Palmer at LG rather than shifting Trudo.

 

[Fjoinkay]

That's a good question and useful to keep in mind going forward I would guess. Although I don't want to be too hard on the RG. Everyone knows that the OLman rarely get noticed when they make good plays, but when the miss a play everyone is likely to notice. He probably just needs more time to cut his teeth.

I would like to see the blocking on the perimeter be top notch. I saw some good blocking, and I saw a few whiffs. If I was a receiver I would make blocking a priority. If you block well you end up on the field more of the time because you really help your team. If a receiver really wants to be a good blocker it's something he can improve on with some work. He's not going to make every block, but he can definitely make several important blocks each game especially with all of the screens but down field as well.

 

[tipphill]

there is none ---there is no "team" right now---collection of individuals with a lack of coaching NO COHESION , co-ordination OR leadership---team has yet to be defined---he has a bye week to establish a BASE LINE---right now its about leadership, coaching, accountability(shafer as well)---

 

[Todd Gack]

there is none ---there is no "team" right now---collection of individuals with a lack of coaching NO COHESION , co-ordination OR leadership---team has yet to be defined---he has a bye week to establish a BASE LINE---right now its about leadership, coaching, accountability(shafer as well)---

I was at the game, and by fortune was in the endzone where all the action happened at the end. While not a graduate, I'll put my SU card up against anyone else's -- and I thought the night was exhilaratingly fun. Would I feel differently had they lost? Of course. And I bitched about the play-calling throughout. But I know CNY -- and while I love it, we're not owed others from FL, GA, etc. to come here for our entertainment. Doug Marrone and Scott Shafer did that. This is all a long-winded, drunken way to tell you off -- look at the reaction of the team after that last stop and tell me there's no "team" out there.

 

[SUFaninNJ]

Hard to tell what the offensive identity is after seeing less than half of a game with the starting quarterback.