Reply to thread

Message

[QUOTE="SoBristol, post: 365928, member: 485"]
How is it possible to sum up 2010 without mentioning Doug Hogue & Chandler Jones?
 
In 2011, the defense was much younger and less talented -- so the hope was a veteran offense would pick up the burden. It might have happened if we hadn't lost Sales to his joy ride and Gulley to injury. We had one serviceable RB, no deep threats, little depth, and few underclassmen emerging over the course of the season.
 
In 2012, we are short a few playmakers (recruiting has been OK in many respects, but lacking high end talent at LB, DE, RB), but there are pieces in place, and enough depth, to be competitive. It isn't over just because we lost competitive games against two Big10 teams. Our OL and specials need to get better. (We aren't "solid across the line" but the right side of the line should get better.) Fewer turnovers. The coaches don't know how to get it done in the red zone (and no one on this board has the secret sauce either) with an OL that doesn't get much push, ordinary RBs, no WR who excels in the red zone, and a QB who isn't a run threat in a goal line situation.
 
It wasn't a pretty start. But teams can put it together in October. Lots of teams improve over the course of a season and win rivalry games in November. It hasn't happened in the Marrone era, but why not now? If Pugh and Hickey provide good OT play, we can keep pressure off Nassib -- could make a big difference. We have 3 RBs (vs 1 last year) -- could make a big difference. Flemming and West have room to improve. And that, I hope, is the identity of this team -- not overly talented, few stars, hard-working, getting better as the season progresses. Can't prove it yet, but it could be.
[/QUOTE]

Verification

What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?