Syracuse football - season long thread

[twofingers]

Saturday, September 22nd, 12:00 p.m. (et)
From The Sports Network

By Ralph Lauro, Associate College Football Editor

GAME NOTES: Coming off their first loss of the season, the 18th-ranked Louisville Cardinals now turn their attention to Big East play, as they host the Syracuse Orange in the conference opener for both programs this Saturday. The Cardinals come into the contest with something to prove, as they were stunned by Kentucky last weekend, 34-30. The loss was the first in three games this season by Louisville, which fell 11 spots in the rankings due to the setback. The Cardinals now return back to Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, where they have won 20 straight games, marking the second longest such streak in the nation. Louisville, which won the Big East last season, is 1-1 all-time in Big East opening games. As for Syracuse, it hasn't shown much life thus far, losing all three of its games by 21 or more points. Last weekend, the Orange hosted Illinois, only to fall by a score of 41-20. Syracuse now turns its focus to Big East play, where it has gone just 1-13 in the last two seasons combined. The all-time series between Syracuse and Louisville is knotted at 3-3, but the Cardinals have won the past three meetings, including a 28-13 triumph in the Carrier Dome last season.

The Orange haven't shown much life on the offensive side of the ball this season, averaging a mere 10.6 ppg and a dismal 198.7 total ypg. The offense has really struggled to get its ground attack going, rushing for an average of just 31.7 ypg. In one of its better offensive performances of the year, Syracuse gained 286 total yards against Illinois last weekend, although that wasn't enough in a 41-20 loss at home. Quarterback Andrew Robinson paced the team in defeat by throwing for 208 yards on 17-of-26 pass attempts. It was a decent effort for Robinson, who has thrown for 486 yards and only one touchdown this season. Tailback Curtis Brinkley posted 54 rushing yards on 18 carries last weekend and he also caught a team-high four balls for 89 yards. Brinkley currently leads the team in both rushing (94) and receiving yards (152), although neither of his totals are anything to be overly excited about.

On the defensive side of the ball, Syracuse hasn't been any better, allowing its opponents to average 39.3 ppg and 453.3 total ypg. The defense has been especially poor against the run, surrendering a whopping 266.0 ypg and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Creating big plays hasn't been a strength of this defense either, as the Orange have forced just three turnovers and recorded only two sacks thus far. Last weekend, Syracuse was torched for 508 total yards, including a ridiculous 378 on the ground, in a loss to Illinois. The Orange gave up 7.4 yards per carry in the game and they didn't come up with a single turnover or sack. Joe Fields guided the defense with 10 tackles, giving him a team-best 26 stops for the year.

Any problems the Cardinals have endured through three games certainly has not come from their offense, which is producing an eye-popping 55.0 ppg behind an equally impressive 617.0 total ypg. The offense has shown the ability to run (230.0 ypg) effectively as well as pass (387.0 ypg), and it has turned the ball over just three times. Quarterback Brian Brohm is the key to this unit and he is off to a terrific start. Through three games, Brohm has completed an efficient 67.0 percent of his throws for 1,142 yards, with 11 touchdowns against only one interception. In a losing cause to Kentucky last weekend, Brohm threw for 366 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on 28-of-43 tosses. His main target was Harry Douglas, who hauled in 13 balls for 223 yards and a score. Much like Brohm, Douglas has enjoyed a successful start to the season and he leads the team in catches (26), receiving yards (474) and touchdowns (four). As for the ground attack, it was limited to just 101 yards on 27 carries last weekend, marking the lowest total of the season. Despite the team's inability to run wild, Anthony Allen had a solid game, rushing for 96 yards and pair of sores on 18 totes. Allen has emerged as a dependable back after three games and he leads the club with 427 rushing yards and five scores.

There were some concerns about the Cardinals' defense coming into the season, but not many expected this unit to be this bad. After allowing just 10 points to Murray State in its opener, Louisville has surrendered a total of 82 points in its past two games combined. Last weekend, the defense let down the Cardinals big time, as it allowed a game-winning 57-yard touchdown pass to Kentucky with just 28 seconds left in the game. Louisville's defense gave up 467 total yards to Kentucky. The Cardinals, who were burnt for 265 rushing yards the prior week against Middle Tennessee, got abused through the air this past weekend, giving up 366 passing yards and four touchdowns to Kentucky. Lamar Myles did all that he could to help this unit, as he posted 22 tackles to go along with a sack. He now leads the squad with 32 stops for the year.

Louisville has shown plenty of weakness on the defensive side of the ball, but it should still be able to slow down an inept Syracuse' offensive this weekend. The Cardinals will surely light up the scoreboard, as they cruise past a dismal Orange club for yet another home victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Louisville 50, Syracuse 20

 

[twofingers]

Nice win Cuse.

Was waiting for the line to have a decent game and give AROB a chance to throw the ball. he has some playmakers on the outside if he has time to get them the ball.

Louisville is one undiscipled team.

Bring on Miami! (of Ohio)

 

[twofingers]

at Miami of Ohio

at Miami of Ohio

Record : 3-1

This week : At Miami of Ohio

Line: Opened at -2.5. Now -1


Trends : Syracuse had cashed 16 of 20 outside the Big East prior to dropping its first three this year. Miami (O) has dropped five of six ATS at home and lost six in a row SU.

Tuesday notes
Posted by DWebb September 25, 2007 3:19PM
- Head coach Greg Robinson confirmed today that redshirt freshman defensive end Jared Kimmel tore his anterior cruciate knee ligament and is awaiting surgery. He'll be lost for the season.

- Syracuse sophomore quarterback Andrew Robinson was voted the national player of the week by online readers of USA Today. Syracusefan.com made a heavy push to get out the vote.

- Greg Robinson said today he's yet to determine whether Jim McKenzie will retain the starting center job over injured starter Marvin McCall.

- Both Cody Catalina and David Legree were on the travel roster at Louisville. SU is investigating into the phantom tackle Louisville's state crew gave to Catalina.

- Got this real interesting email from blog reader Barry: "I rewatched the game on a flight to SF on Sunday. It confirmed something I noticed while watching the game live. Throughout most of the first three quarters, the clock operator did not restart the game clock after it had been stopped for first downs. At a minimum one to two minutes were added to the game by this (of note I am totally reliant on ESPN's showing of the clock in the upper corner of the picture). At first I just thought it was odd. However, it simply happened too often to be merely happenstance." A Big East official said they'd gotten no official complaints on Louisville's clock operator and thus, had no reason to investigate.

- I received an email from blog reader Mike in California. Mike says he and a friend attended the South Florida game against North Carolina on Saturday in Tampa. They wore their SU jerseys and waved at Tar Heel freshman Mike Paulus. He said they also got lots of love from South Florida fans because of the Orange's upset of Louisville.

- Greg Robinson said Tuesday this college football coach at Pacific - Chester Caddas - was on the sidelines for the Louisville game on Saturday. Caddas, who coached at Pacific from 1972-79, is retired and living in Murray, Ky. Robinson played tight end and linebacker at Pacific from 1972-76. He was an assistant coach on the Caddas' staff between 1975-76.

- Donnie Webb

The Sports Network

DATE & TIME: Saturday, September 29th, 3:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Yager Stadium (30,012) -- Oxford, Ohio. Television:Local. Home Record: Syracuse 0-2, Miami-OH 0-1. Away Record: Syracuse 1-1, Miami-OH 1-2. Neutral Record: Syracuse 0-0, Miami-OH 0-0. Conference Record: Syracuse 1-0, Miami-OH 1-0. Series Record: Syracuse leads, 3-0.

GAME NOTES: Coming off their biggest win in quite some time, the Syracuse Orange try to carry their momentum into Oxford this Saturday, as they take on the Miami-Ohio RedHawks in non-league play from Yager Stadium. After losing their first three games of the season by an average of 28.6 ppg, there didn't appear to be much hope for the Orange heading into last weekend's game. Syracuse however, didn't let a slow start shake its confidence, as the team stunned then nationally-ranked Louisville, 38-35, in its Big East opener on Saturday. It was the first win over a ranked opponent since 2004 for the Orange, which put an end to Louisville's 20-game home winning streak in the process. The win was just the second in the past 15 Big East games by Syracuse, which is set to face a pair of ranked opponents in West Virginia and Rutgers following this weekend's game. As for Miami-OH, it took to the road this past weekend and was simply pounded by Colorado, 42-0. The loss was the third in a row for the RedHawks, who opened the season with a 14-13 triumph over Ball State. Syracuse and Miami-OH have met three times previously on the gridiron, with the Orange winning each meeting, including a 34-14 triumph at the Carrier Dome last season.

The Orange scored just 32 points in the first three games combined, so an offensive outburst wasn't expected last weekend, despite Louisville's troubles on defense. Syracuse however, made several big plays (four passes over 40 yards), as it rolled up 465 yards of total offense en route to a 38-35 triumph over the Cardinals. Quarterback Andrew Robinson was simply outstanding in the win, throwing for a career-high 423 yards and four touchdowns on 17-of-26 pass attempts. It was just the third 400-yard passing performance in school history, and Robinson was only two yards shy of the program record for passing yards in a single game. The Orange is certainly hoping this is a glimpse of things to come from Robinson, who had thrown for just 486 yards and one touchdown through the first three games combined. Taj Smith was his main target last weekend, pulling down four balls for 174 yards and a pair of scores. He now has a team-best 13 catches and 261 receiving yards on the season. As for the ground game, it continued to struggle last weekend, rushing for just 42 yards on 35 carries. For the year, the Orange are averaging a dismal 34.2 rushing ypg and that is something they desperately needs to improve upon.

Stopping Louisville's powerful offense is an unrealistic goal of any team, especially for an Orange club that is surrendering a whopping 38.2 ppg and 497.0 total ypg on the season. Still, Syracuse hung in last weekend and it did a solid job slowing down Louisville enough to pick up the victory. The Orange were still torched for 628 yards of total offense by Louisville, but the defense made up for some of those yards by forcing four turnovers. The miscues were a big help to this unit, which had recorded just three turnovers through the first three games. Syracuse also stepped up big time on third downs, allowing Louisville to convert just 4-of-13 attempts. Jameel McClain turned in an all-around performance in the win, as he posted seven tackles, an interception and a sack. He currently ranks second on the team with 28 stops and 3.5 TFLs for the year.

The RedHawks have lacked consistency on the offensive side of the ball and that helps explain why they are averaging just 14.8 ppg and a modest 333.8 total ypg. Another reason for the low scoring output has been mistakes, as Miami-OH has committed nine turnovers thus far. Last weekend, the RedHawks didn't commit a single turnover, but that didn't matter considering they were held to just 139 total yards and no points in a lopsided loss to Colorado. The team earned just six first downs in the contest and averaged a mere 2.8 yards per play. After a few solid games in relief, quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh got the starting nod last weekend. Raudabaugh, however, was completely ineffective against Colorado, throwing for only 95 yards on a dismal 11-of-32 pass attempts. Mike Kokal had started the previous games under center and both are expected to see time this season. The duo have combined for 898 passing yards this season, but they have thrown for just four touchdown seven interceptions. With injuries to tailback Brandon Murphy (201 rushing yards) and Andre Bratton (72 yards), the RedHawks' ground attack is in a bit of disarray at the moment and that will certainly put more pressure on Kokal and Raudabaugh.

On the defensive side of the ball, the RedHawks haven't been any better, allowing 35.8 ppg and whopping 496.8 total ypg. The unit has been abused on the ground (236.5 ypg) and through the air (260.2 ypg), and has recorded a mere five turnovers and two sacks thus far. Last weekend, Miami-OH was torched by Colorado for 634 total yards, including 359 on the ground. The defense surrendered 33 first downs in the contest and spent over 40 minutes of the game on the field. About the only positive for this unit was the three turnovers it forced. Caleb Bostic paced the team in defeat with 13 tackles and two TFLs and he is now tops on the club with 50 stops and six TFLs.

Syracuse is coming off a huge win, but it must avoid being overconfident against a desperate Miami-OH club. Still, the Orange, behind its new found passing attack, should be able to put forth another solid effort to capture a second straight victory.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Syracuse 28, Miami-Ohio 17

 

[twofingers]

QB troubles in Miami
Posted by Dave Rahme September 25, 2007 7:21AM
Categories: Football
The Syracuse University football team may not know which quarterback it will face until it lines up to play Miami on Saturday in Oxford, Ohio.

Daniel Raudabaugh (6-4, 214), a sophomore out of Texas, had played brilliantly in relief of struggling senior Mike Kokal (6-2, 215), who started in last season's 34-14 loss at Syracuse. Raudabaugh got the starting nod Saturday at Colorado but completed only 11 of 32 passes for 95 yards and the Redhawks (1-3) gained only 139 yards of offense in the 42-0 loss.

When asked Monday which QB would start against the Orange, Miami coach Shane Montgomery said: "I'm really unsure right now. Daniel Raudabaugh played Saturday and, coming off two great performances, really struggled. He didn't play very well, and we didn't play very well around him. I don't know what we're going to do right now. We'll see how practice goes. There's a good chance we could play both of them."

For the season, Raudabaugh is 48-for-101 (.475) for 557 yards with three TD passes and three interceptions. Kokal is 34-for-63 (.540) for 341 yards and one TD pass and four interceptions.

Miami will also enter the game minus its top two tailbacks, as Brandon Murphy and Andre Bratton suffered season-ending injuries during the team's first four games.

Leftover from Louisville: SU had a big lead in the third quarter and had already forced three turnovers when senior cornerback Dowayne Davis let an interception get away from him. Davis put his hands to his helmet in disgust and then dropped to the ground in the sweltering heat and did five pushups, the prescribed punishment during preseason camp for dropping an interception, before trotting back into the huddle.

As my colleague Donnie Webb has already noted, the treatment the Louisville team received from the crowd during the game and the calls for Steve Kragthorpe's head afterward were stunning. What a reflection on today's society, I thought as I witnessed it. The treatment of Kragthorpe, who is four games into his reign as L'ville's head coach, made the mounting criticism of SU's Greg Robinson, who is 6-21 midway through his third season, seem tame. At various times during that run I have been alternately accused by some Orange fans as being a "Pasqualoni apologist" or a "Robinson apologist" for virtually anything I write regarding SU football. Any negative analysis, and I never wanted P fired and wish he was back. Any positive analysis and I am a homer who is in Robinson's pocket. My philosophy has always been to look at the positives and negatives of each game with the understanding that the players are student-athletes and not professionals, record them and let the big picture take care of itself. I can only imagine what I'd be called in Louisville these days, because I believe it is grossly unfair to judge a coach based on four games. As Robinson said Monday, it is part of the game now, but, as hypocritical as it sounds in this day and age of blogging and instant analysis that has become part of my profession, that doesn't mean I have to like it.

On a side note, I must plead guilty to an error I made in the audio slideshow for the Louisville game. Informed that the elevator from the pressbox to the field would stop running with about 6 minutes left in the game to allow for coaches and bigwigs to get down, I headed down to the field with the game in progress and missed the first SU fumble. When I got to the field I assumed SU had punted, although I wondered why the Cards still had two timeouts left and there was still so much time left on the clock. Anyway, I missed the TO and proudly reported that "SU forced four turnovers, while committing only one." Oops.

 

[twofingers]

SU head coach Greg Robinson addressed his team's upset of Louisville, the upcoming game against Miami and a few questions regarding his team and his job security during his segment of the Big East coaches weekly teleconference.

On the upset: "We had a real strong performance by our offense, much more productive than we'd been. Defensively, really, and I see numbers and stats (628 yards, 37 first downs allowed) and all those things, but we gave up seven points in the first half, and really seven points in the first 11 series or something like that, forced some turnovers and made them punt five, six times, so it was a lot of good things on the defensive side. And obviously, the kicking game, we did a lot of good things. That's really was what it was all about."

On Miami: "This is one of those teams, I watched the last game against Colorado, and it's one of those things where there is a procedure penalty and all of a sudden they're down and are trying to get back into the game and it isn't going right for them. Last year we played against (Mike) Kokal, their quarterback, who I liked. Now all of a sudden they've got this young kid, (Daniel) Raudabaugh, who really is a strong-armed quarterback but he does a decent job of running the ball. And he has a nice corps of receivers. And on defense they're very sound, very disciplined."

More on the upset: "As a head football coach, it's the best win I've had. We made real progress and we really accomplished something. Not because of the odds and all those things; I just think we finally put it together. I really have been saying all along that this team eventually would do well. You have a lot of young players, and you just don't know when it's going to turn. We gave ourselves a chance and we made it happen, but there is still a lot of improvement left for our football team, and that's exciting to me."

On QB Andrew Robinson: "From the day he got here, Andrew doesn't demand respect, he commands it. He does just that by the way he is. He has been that way since the day he got here. He is very intent about what he is doing. He has a sense of humor and gets along with the players, but there is a serious side to him that people really respect, and on top of that he continues to improve his game, and people respect that, as well. He kind of keeps coming along and developing, but that side of him, that was one of the things that was very important to us when we recruited him. We saw he had a lot of intangible characteristics about him. He's the kind of guy you want in the quarterback position."

On the upset quelling the criticism: "That's just part of the game. That's part of the sport. That isn't where my focus is. My focus is really on the development of our football team, and it has been since week one. I've kept telling people I know our team has kept working hard, kept staying focused, they've done this, they've done that, so it hasn't really been something that has penetrated . . . I don't think it has penetrated us in a way some people think it does. That's not to say we're not wanting in the worst way to improve and at the same time want to please our fans and everybody involved. But at the same time it's really about what I focus on. I keep saying one play, one day, one game. That's really what it is. You can't let everything in. Otherwise, it's really peaks and valleys. At the same time I want in the worst way to please and satisfy the community. I've seen how strong the community is about the university. I really like that part of it."

 

[twofingers]

last years boxscore

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores106/106266/NCAAF701555.htm

nice page of trends;

http://edit pay service site link:a...00:00~31~Syracuse~64~Miami Ohio~NCAAF~125~126

- The fans at Fred C Yager Stadium will be treated to a game between the Syracuse Orangemen and the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks when they take their seats on Saturday.

Oddsmakers currently have the Orangemen listed as 2-point favorites versus the RedHawks, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Syracuse's Andrew Robinson threw for 423 yards and four touchdowns in Week 4's 38-35 upset at Louisville, coming in as 37.5-point road underdogs. The 73 points scored were OVER the posted total of 65.

Robinson was 17-for-26 on the day, and Taj Smith had four receptions for 173 yards and two majors for the Orangemen.

Miami (OH) forced three turnovers in Week 4, but allowed 634 yards in a 42-0 loss at Colorado as 13-point road underdogs. The 42 points scored were UNDER the posted total of 48.

Daniel Raudabaugh went 11-for-32 for 95 yards, and Austin Sykes managed 29 yards on nine carries for the RedHawks.

Current streak:
Miami (Ohio) has lost 3 straight games.


Team records:
Syracuse: 1-3 SU, 1-3 ATS
Miami (Ohio): 1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS


Syracuse most recently:
When playing in September are 5-5
When playing on turf are 3-7
After being outgained are 3-7
When playing outside the conference are 3-7

Miami (Ohio) most recently:
When playing in September are 2-8
When playing on turf are 1-9
After being outgained are 1-9
When playing outside the conference are 2-8


A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Syracuse's last 5 games
Syracuse is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Syracuse is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Syracuse is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami (Ohio)'s last 6 games at home
Miami (Ohio) is 3-13 SU in its last 16 games
Miami (Ohio) is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Miami (Ohio) is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

 

[twofingers]

Record : 3-1

Going to play the total this week and look for the over 51 to hit.

SU's defense continues to give up yards in huge chunks. Miami torn up a equally bad Minnesota defense earier this year and should have the same success. SU can not cover anyone. Raudabaugh had played well til last weeks debacle vs. Colorado. Seeing the SU cornerbacks on the field should give him some confidence.

SU's offensive line should be alright against a so-so Miami front and I look for SU to continue to open the offense up. The receivers needed a game like last week to wake up to get a rythem. SU should move the ball all day.

With the ball in the air most of the day, look for a busy day for the scoreboard operator.

SU 31, Miami 28

 

[twofingers]

3-2 on season

Today I see WV putting up 400 yards on the ground and routing the Orange.

Lay the 27.5

Still have not recoved from the Miami game.

 

[twofingers]

Another embarrassing home loss.

Time to tell the juniors and seniors, "it's been nice knowing you"

Play the freshmen. Give them some experience. only one winable game left.

Sit the whole offensive line except Durant and McKenzie. Tell Brinkley to rest those knees and give Hogue the ball 20+ times. Tell Rice Moss to go soak those hands of stone and give his job to Merkleson.

Robinson has to go as well at end of season. Eat the contract and get a East coast guy aboard. have to reagin our recruiting base in the East.

 

[twofingers]

Record : 4-2

Rutgers -17.5

Here is my ananlysis:

Syracuse is so bad I can not even take 17.5 points at home, vs. a team they hold a 28-7 all time record against.

Rice will run wild. 200+

Rice Moss will drop another sure touchdown pass for Syracuse.

Syracuse will have three false starts on the line, give up four sacks, show no creativity in getting ball into playmakers hands, and GROB will stick with Brinkley and avg 1.7 ypc.

Syracuse will play a spirited first half. GROB will make no adjustments at halftime and Rutgers will blow them out in 3rd quarter.

We will see more of true freshman Suter and Holmes in the secondary ( good thing) but they will have trouble with the talented Underwood.

Rutgers 38 Syracuse 10

 

[bryanz]

we'll it's HC today and all is set up for another Home Ass Whipping:mj07: ............ I like this spot for rutgers, I believe they put it on syr today. Schiano doesn't like to call of the dogs,after two though losses to cin & mary, syr is just what he needs to get his team back.....the last 2 yrs h/a, rut 38-7 & 31-9...... Wash 42-12 & Wv 55-14 were debacles in the dome this yr....... Schino will leave no doubt who rutgers is and who syracuse is for recruiting smack....... Rutgers 41-14.....

 

[twofingers]

Remember as well, there is little home advantage these days in the dome. Annonced crowd of 34,000 last week was a joke. More like 24,000. midway in 3rd quarter, about 7,000. By the fourth quarter, no body left.

Student section was half full and they left at halftime when beer sales stopped.

The fans in upstate NY have given up on GROB and Gross.

 

[bryanz]

you going up ?:scared

 

[twofingers]

Another blow out.

Never thought I would see the day buffalo would come into the Dome and be favored but this may be the year.

SU lost best OL in Durant in 2nd quarter. Rutgers just teed off after that.

SU is the best 1st quarter team in counnty. To bad they have to play the other three.

 

[AnkAnk]

Record : 4-2

Rutgers -17.5

Here is my ananlysis:

Syracuse is so bad I can not even take 17.5 points at home, vs. a team they hold a 28-7 all time record against.

Rice will run wild. 200+

Rice Moss will drop another sure touchdown pass for Syracuse.

Syracuse will have three false starts on the line, give up four sacks, show no creativity in getting ball into playmakers hands, and GROB will stick with Brinkley and avg 1.7 ypc.

Syracuse will play a spirited first half. GROB will make no adjustments at halftime and Rutgers will blow them out in 3rd quarter.

We will see more of true freshman Suter and Holmes in the secondary ( good thing) but they will have trouble with the talented Underwood.

Rutgers 38 Syracuse 10

Good call

 

[twofingers]

record : 5-2

today : SU -3.5

Your never as bad as you look when you lose and never as good as you look when you win.

Syracuse has a talent edge over buffalo, regardless of what we have seen this year. syracuse finally gets a team that it's offensive line can match up with. I look for SU to run the ball effectively today and give Robinson some time to throw.

Look for some more time today for Freshman Holmes in secondary and Chestnut to see his time cut. The time has come. I think McClain will have a big game as well and line up more as a linebacker today.

Don't be fooled. SU wins this one convincingly.

SU 28 Buffalo 17

 

[twofingers]

try as they might to give this one away, even the orange could not do it.

Thank god they got those two TD's in minute of 1st half. i think Robinson would have been lynched if SU went into the locker room tied at 3 with buffalo.

Brinkley broke his leg and is done for season and possibly career. Went thru surgery to both knees past year. Might not want to rehab again.

hogue looked good in replacing him. have been asking to see more of him all year, duece mcAllister type of runner.

maybe we crack the top 100.

 

[twofingers]

Season - 6-2

Line - Pitt -13

The youth movement continues this week. i expect to more of Parker Canty and Mike Mele at LB, CB Holmes, S Suter, on defense and OT Baumback, OG Bartholomew, and RB Hogue.

That many freshman on the field spells trouble. Pitt will try to run the ball, SU will try and take it away, and play that dreaded bend but don't break to fast defense, and give a bunch of long scoring drives. maye if they can hold them to some field goals, they can stay within the number.

The offense continues to look good at points but always seems to shoot itself in the foot with sacks and penaties. Pitt's defense will be the best unit on the field. I think they shut down the orange enough to cover this number.

Pitt 34 Syracuse 17

 

[twofingers]

in a hurry...

South Florida - BIG

 

[twofingers]

Thank god basketball begins tonight.

Bring on Donte Green and Johnny Flynn!