Writing is on the wall for Gait, this isnt gonna work. | Page 9 | Syracusefan.com

Writing is on the wall for Gait, this isnt gonna work.

nocohalo said:
Already seems like everyone is saying Maryland wins by default because of coaching. Obviously they could win but we just saw everyone say Cuse couldn't win unless Mullen dominated the dot.
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Maryland fans seem supremely confident about Saturday. Perhaps they should be given the recent history, but this seems like a different Syracuse team. They are finding ways to win different types of games. Slugfests (Duke), shootouts (Princeton), come from behind (Harvard) and then Notre Dame which was them flexing their muscle.

This team has had its back to the wall for the last four games. I just don’t think they are the same team that played Maryland earlier this year. If they play with the urgency and intensity they’ve played the last four games with, in addition to some better decision making in spots, I think they can go all the way. Watch out UMD, that’s all I’m saying.
 
Powellfan said:
Maryland fans seem supremely confident about Saturday. Perhaps they should be given the recent history, but this seems like a different Syracuse team. They are finding ways to win different types of games. Slugfests (Duke), shootouts (Princeton), come from behind (Harvard) and then Notre Dame which was them flexing their muscle.

This team has had its back to the wall for the last four games. I just don’t think they are the same team that played Maryland earlier this year. If they play with the urgency and intensity they’ve played the last four games with, in addition to some better decision making in spots, I think they can go all the way. Watch out UMD, that’s all I’m saying.
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Well said... And until this year hadn't ND beaten us something like 8 straight times? A different team indeed. Besides, as we've seen the last 4 games -- isn't it really up to the players? And . . . Gillette Stadium is ours ('08, '09).
 
If one were to buy tickets, is there a section where Syracuse fans are sitting or is it just a crapshoot?

Edit… sorry spaze moment, didn’t realize there was a threat started.. lol
 
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Powellfan said:
Maryland fans seem supremely confident about Saturday. Perhaps they should be given the recent history, but this seems like a different Syracuse team. They are finding ways to win different types of games. Slugfests (Duke), shootouts (Princeton), come from behind (Harvard) and then Notre Dame which was them flexing their muscle.

This team has had its back to the wall for the last four games. I just don’t think they are the same team that played Maryland earlier this year. If they play with the urgency and intensity they’ve played the last four games with, in addition to some better decision making in spots, I think they can go all the way. Watch out UMD, that’s all I’m saying.
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What do I know, but from what I saw vs Georgetown, how does Maryland score enough goals to keep up?
 
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FloridaCuse said:
Well said... And until this year hadn't ND beaten us something like 8 straight times? A different team indeed. Besides, as we've seen the last 4 games -- isn't it really up to the players? And . . . Gillette Stadium is ours ('08, '09).
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I wouldn’t go with this narrative because I was in Foxboro for all those but you’re forgetting SU’s most recent game at Gillette. 2011 quarterfinal featuring SU vs UMD in the most disgusting lacrosse game in recent memory. 6-5 UMD in OT in a Tillman stall ball classic
 
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newmexicuse said:
I hope we have all learned that calling for somebody's head before a season has played out is crazy.

Truthfully, I am not enough of a lax junkie to fully understand the nuances of the game, but I do understand W's and L's and that college lacrosse has become a game of parity. Therefore, getting to a national final four is a huge accomplishment, as was winning a conference title. I am with the guy who accomplished those things.

As for Jeremy, he is far and away the best and most knowledgeable poster on the lax board. I am a fan of his, but in the case of this thread he jumped the gun. Leave it at that and enjoy what this team has accomplished already and what this team may still have left to achieve.
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I can't even give Jeremy any Sheetz...as I was thinking the same thing during the slide.
 
nocohalo said:
Already seems like everyone is saying Maryland wins by default because of coaching. Obviously they could win but we just saw everyone say Cuse couldn't win unless Mullen dominated the dot.
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Take a listen to IL’s latest tailgate podcast Kemp and Foy continue to just be complete blow hards who both just enjoy hearing themselves talk.
 
TexanMark said:
I can't even give Jeremy any Sheetz...as I was thinking the same thing during the slide.
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When making the NCAA tourney was in doubt, my brother and I were talking and agreeing we’d scrape our way in - and that would buy Gary another couple of years at least. It’s impressive how they’ve played since the ACC tourney started - they easily could have just mentally packed it up.
 
jr4750 said:
Well they did hold us to 7 earlier this year. But the rain and wind definitely helped. We also had some horrendous turnovers.
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Maryland wants this to be 9-8, 10-7 type of game, a defensive slugfest/rockfight whatever expression you want to use. Marylands O isn't horrible but it's not built to win a game 16-15. They have an elite d and goalie and want to feature that strength as much as possible. They have been very successful with it so far this year and have a # of quality wins ND, Princeton, us, UVA etc. However, it does catch up with them at times, Rutgers and Michigan being the two obvious examples, they simply couldn't score. SU needs to avoid turnovers and easy scoring opps for Maryland and the Syracuse D needs to flip the script and lock them down. If you force Maryland to score straight up in the 6 on 6 they will inevitably struggle.
 
Cusefan95 said:
When making the NCAA tourney was in doubt, my brother and I were talking and agreeing we’d scrape our way in - and that would buy Gary another couple of years at least. It’s impressive how they’ve played since the ACC tourney started - they easily could have just mentally packed it up.
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Just from listening to player interviews over the last two weeks, it sounds like senior leadership, especially Caden Kol and Michael Grace, may have had a lot to do with the turnaround.
 
SULAXAHOLIC said:
I wouldn’t go with this narrative because I was in Foxboro for all those but you’re forgetting SU’s most recent game at Gillette. 2011 quarterfinal featuring SU vs UMD in the most disgusting lacrosse game in recent memory. 6-5 UMD in OT in a Tillman stall ball classic
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Point Taken. Yes, I remember that game but didn't remember it was at Gillette. That's the game that led to the introduction of a shot clock. So Tillman can't do that this game. Not in that way. With your permission I amend my post to limit my comment to the Final Four.
 
jr4750 said:
Well they did hold us to 7 earlier this year. But the rain and wind definitely helped. We also had some horrendous turnovers.
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That was a weird game. Syracuse outshot the Terps by nine, but lost the game by four. Almost every other statistical category was pretty even. Both goalies had 12 saves, Syracuse had one more turnover than Maryland (13 to 12), both teams only had one failed clear, groundballs were 23-22 in SU's favor and face-offs were even at 11 a piece. Maryland was 2-3 on the man-up, and SU was 0-1, and UMD had four more shots on goal than SU, despite the Orange having more shots. That was the difference.

Maryland can be a python with the way they slow the game down and play suffocating defense. SU needs to generate better shots, and play smart. UMD are not going to want to play an up and down type of game, and unless Mullen dominates face-offs, they won't have to. They don't even ride in the clearing game. But they take care advantage of every mistake. Their offense might not be world beaters, but they play as a unit.

My biggest concern as an SU fan is the way our defense slides. The Terps leading assister is midfielder Zach Wittier with 19, which obviously isn't a lot. But four other Terps have double digit assist totals. They will make the extra pass and will punish a defense that overcommits. SU slid with an almost reckless abandon against Princeton. The Tiger offensive players are scarier when matched up with a shorty, but UMD is extremely unselfish. SU has to be really careful when they decide to leave their man.

Face-offs should be interesting. Mullen was obviously on a tear before the PU game. I'm just not sure how much of that Princeton game was down to the ref and his cadence. That can really throw a fogo. Hopefully he regains his edge. He had an okay day against UMD in the first matchup, but obviously wasn't dominate. The Terps use two guys who are both over 50% on the year. One of the rotation players, Sean Creter who played against SU has been hurt, Jonah Carrier has replaced him and is 52% on the year. Mullen was around 50% in the first Duke game of the year, and then dominated the re-match. Hopefully the same thing happens this game.

For SU, the biggest thing that needs to change from the first match up is the midfield production. The first line of Rhoa, Leo and English 1-15 with one assist against the Terps earlier this year. English had three turnovers. Hard to imagine they've played a worse game collectively. The only bench scoring they got all day was from Ryder Ochoa. Again, I have to imagine they play better this weekend. They'll have to.
 
Powellfan said:
That was a weird game. Syracuse outshot the Terps by nine, but lost the game by four. Almost every other statistical category was pretty even. Both goalies had 12 saves, Syracuse had one more turnover than Maryland (13 to 12), both teams only had one failed clear, groundballs were 23-22 in SU's favor and face-offs were even at 11 a piece. Maryland was 2-3 on the man-up, and SU was 0-1, and UMD had four more shots on goal than SU, despite the Orange having more shots. That was the difference.

Maryland can be a python with the way they slow the game down and play suffocating defense. SU needs to generate better shots, and play smart. UMD are not going to want to play an up and down type of game, and unless Mullen dominates face-offs, they won't have to. They don't even ride in the clearing game. But they take care advantage of every mistake. Their offense might not be world beaters, but they play as a unit.

My biggest concern as an SU fan is the way our defense slides. The Terps leading assister is midfielder Zach Wittier with 19, which obviously isn't a lot. But four other Terps have double digit assist totals. They will make the extra pass and will punish a defense that overcommits. SU slid with an almost reckless abandon against Princeton. The Tiger offensive players are scarier when matched up with a shorty, but UMD is extremely unselfish. SU has to be really careful when they decide to leave their man.

Face-offs should be interesting. Mullen was obviously on a tear before the PU game. I'm just not sure how much of that Princeton game was down to the ref and his cadence. That can really throw a fogo. Hopefully he regains his edge. He had an okay day against UMD in the first matchup, but obviously wasn't dominate. The Terps use two guys who are both over 50% on the year. One of the rotation players, Sean Creter who played against SU has been hurt, Jonah Carrier has replaced him and is 52% on the year. Mullen was around 50% in the first Duke game of the year, and then dominated the re-match. Hopefully the same thing happens this game.

For SU, the biggest thing that needs to change from the first match up is the midfield production. The first line of Rhoa, Leo and English 1-15 with one assist against the Terps earlier this year. English had three turnovers. Hard to imagine they've played a worse game collectively. The only bench scoring they got all day was from Ryder Ochoa. Again, I have to imagine they play better this weekend. They'll have to.
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Pretty good recap, SU offensively was a mess that game and played right into Maryland's hands which I think is the biggest fear for Saturday. Syracuse would be wise to take a page out of Marylands game and turn some of their stuff back on them. Maryland is adamant about not giving up transition and worked extra hard against SU in that game. However, Maryland tries to pursue transition as much as possible to help their offense get easy goals because they struggle so much at times in the 6 on 6.

Syracuse should look to limit Maryland's transition as much as possible, force them to score in the 6 on 6. I'd also advise Coach O to throw a major wrinkle and simply refuse to slide against Maryland. Force them to win 1 on 1 matchups all day. Erksa and others will get a few goals of course but force them to win matchups at the midfield like Michigan did. I know it's against our DNA but this Maryland Offense isn't Princeton, they don't have the speed and O weapons, again make them win 1 on 1 doding versus ball movement.
 
SULAXAHOLIC said:
I wouldn’t go with this narrative because I was in Foxboro for all those but you’re forgetting SU’s most recent game at Gillette. 2011 quarterfinal featuring SU vs UMD in the most disgusting lacrosse game in recent memory. 6-5 UMD in OT in a Tillman stall ball classic
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Was that the game Quint referenced in yesterday’s GT/MD game that forced the NCAA to seriously consider the shot clock, or was that 2013? I know it involved SU and Quint said our team was so dominant offensively that the stall was all anyone could do. Made it sound like we were the better team and the result was a bad moment for college lacrosse.
 
FloridaCuse said:
Point Taken. Yes, I remember that game but didn't remember it was at Gillette. That's the game that led to the introduction of a shot clock. So Tillman can't do that this game. Not in that way. With your permission I amend my post to limit my comment to the Final Four.
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Thanks for answering my question before I even asked it!! :)
 
JeremyCuse said:
There's several posters on here with good lax backgrounds and I believe a few who have coached or are currently coaching. They are much more qualified to comment on the Xs and Os then I can and can get into the real details on Motion offense, 2 man game, big little game, zone offenses, different sets ie 1-4-1, umbrella, dual creasemen, pick game, dodging from X vs the alley and GLE etc...

I point that out to note I'm not qualified to give on field lessens or correct m any player, lol. I can certainly give my thoughts on what I'm seeing and what potential solutions the answer maybe which in some cases is simply talent.

Regarding my original post I am glad to see it didn't age well but I'm also not going to take it back or say it was wrong as there is a standard and expectation that Syracuse Lax has, that hasn't been upheld for probably a decade. Yes parody is more of a factor now then it was I'm the Gait and Powell areas and even the last runs in 08 and 09 but that hasn't stopped Maryland, ND and until this year UVA from still winning pretty consistently. It also doesn't explain the continued issues with offsides, bad penalties and at times an inability to clear.

It's important that the fanbase demand the program remains at the Highest level ala Kentucky bball and Bama fball. Syracuse is the most successful program in the modern era, we should accept nothing less.

This Staff including Gait and the team have come along way this year and from when Gait took over. It needs to slay the dragon next week and beat Maryland, it's long overdue. Tillman is the best coach in the sport, massive spot for the coaching staff.
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This

It's important that the fanbase demand the program remains at the Highest level ala Kentucky bball and Bama fball. Syracuse is the most successful program in the modern era, we should accept nothing less.
 
McCool is going to have to up his game against UMD. They are very patient on offense and I expect a lot of outside shooting from their mids. His ability to see the ball will be critical. Pole Spanos and Erksa and make them beat you. On offense, limit the turnovers and stupid passes. They are going to pack it in so off ball movement will be critical. Playing iso against this defense and goalie will not get it done IMHO. Move move move and value your possessions.
 
SULAXAHOLIC said:
I wouldn’t go with this narrative because I was in Foxboro for all those but you’re forgetting SU’s most recent game at Gillette. 2011 quarterfinal featuring SU vs UMD in the most disgusting lacrosse game in recent memory. 6-5 UMD in OT in a Tillman stall ball classic
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I was there. SO disappointing and frustrating.
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In hindsight, I think people were taking for granted the effects of injuries on our performance in the 3 game losing streak that lead to this thread. Cornell was the least injury related, aside from still playing without Thomson, but they are also the clear #1 team in the country and we were coming off a big win over ND. Hiltz gets hurt late in that one. His shooting and dodging was a huge part of our offense in the Cornell game and the ones leading into it.

In the Duke game Hiltz is basically a total decoy who can barely move, Rhoa and Leo have questionable health, and it is Thomson's first time on the field in almost two months. Leads to us asking a heck of a lot of Anderson as a freshman and he struggles. Levine goes down later in the game. UNC it is our first game without Levine and we experiment with rookie ssdms, Hiltz gets some numbers but is still much less effective off the dodge, and it is Thomson's first game back at attack.

Did we make some bad decisions and undisciplined plays in those games? Yes. Could Gait and Co have made some better choices with matchups and personnel based on the injuries? Probably. But for a team with depth as one of its biggest weaknesses, losing key guys in the middle of an extremely tough stretch of the schedule is gonna lead to problems. It does not excuse every individual play, but fatigue can lead to the plays that get percieved as being undisciplined. With our turnaround since that losing streak, I think health is looking like a larger factor in why things went as poorly as they did.
 

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