ESPN FPI now has Syracuse expected to win 5 more games with Wake now close to a toss up. Louisville now up to 78% and NCST 59%. I think it is time to reset expectations. I know people are worried about getting to 6 and all that, but the way the schedule is breaking and the way the team is starting to look will you be pleased with 6 wins knowing what you do right now? I think we should set the goal at 8, but hope for more because it's there for the taking. Even Notre Dame haven't looked like world beaters.
The national perception, and even local for the most part is that we have a weak defense. I disagree. They have basically been dominate in 11 out of 12 quarters, and we all know what happened there. We have already seen substantial improvements from our true Freshman Cisco. If we go back and replay that WMU game now I don't think they put up half the number they did. That kid is the real deal. His maturity beyond his years showed on that tailback pass. I believe it was after a couple scores, everybody was amped up. You would expect a young kid, or almost all of our other FS in the last 15 years to bite and get burnt over the top, but Cisco was right there for the play.
I think last year's tough road losses, as well as the huge home win vs Clemson was an invaluable learning experience. First, we learned that we can compete with some of the best talent in the country and at some of the most challenging venues in the country. We took some hard losses on the chin where 1 or 2 plays decided the game, but we also saw what it takes to win in a big game atmosphere vs Clemson. We only had Dungey for a few quarters after that win. Who knows what happens if he doesn't go down, or if we have someone to put in that wouldn't hurt us?
However the most important aspect is the depth Dino built. It was on display Saturday when TD had to take over for ED. As much as some around here loved the Officer, that just wouldn't be possible over a long period of time. I loved how FSU immediately started blitzing him and he remained composed and began to light up there defensive with 4 and 5 star athletes all over the field. Plus it's just not at QB. We have great depth at DB, DE, interior OL, and WR. If they were to come (which i'm hoping they don't since we are overdue to have some good fortune go our way on that front) we will be much better prepared.
If you look back and dig into some of the more surprising runs like Wake in 2007 and Kansas in 2008(?) they had similar profiles and circumstances as this Syracuse team. They each had proven, 3-4 year star starting QB's, as well as HC's, who usually had an advantage vs the opposing HC. They also had a conference that was having a down year. Both of those teams came out of no where. Kansas had 6 wins the prior year, Wake had 4. There was no slow build up in wins as some assume is the way it goes.
We have the talent and the HC to compete now. There aren't going to be many years where the whole conference is down except Clemson, BC, and Wake to an extent. Clemson is a whole other beast, but you know at least we aren't out talented by BC and Wake. Sure we go to their place, and we definitely play significantly better at home, but i'll take both our athletes, scheme and HC vs theirs any day.
Let's go Orange!
