Under 44
Syracuse offense will continue to struggle today. Patterson and WR do not have the ability to extend drives. Do not be fooled by putting 31 up on Buffalo. All four of their TD's came on long runs by Rhodes. None were on long 10-12 play drives. I would expect Virginia putting 8 men on the line and making Patterson beat them in the air, which is bad news for the Cuse. 3rd and anything over 7 yards is a very tough pick up for SU right now. Cavs have had two weeks to get ready for this one and SU's offense not hard to figure out at this point. Place kicking a concern for SU as they will go with Freshman kicker today. SU has great punter so I expect field position to be part of the offensive stategy today. SU will not score more then 17 points.
On other hand, SU defense is playing great. Season ticket holder so I have seen every game last three years and believe me, this defense is very good. Very fast at DE and line backer. MLB Smith, DE Wyche, and secondary are flying to the ball. Giving up only 3.0 ypc and 4.4 per pass play.
This offense will be a step up from WVU and Buffalo but I think Cavs will have trouble moving the ball. I think SU is fast enough to contain Hagens and his arm does not scare me. RB Lundy is expected to play but may be less then 100%.
Do not dismiss SU home crowd factor. They will be very loud and since we do not have much to cheer on offense, we will make it tough on Hagens when the D is on the field.
SU goes to Florida State in two weeks so I expect a great effort today.
Going to ride the best unit on the field , SU's defense, to keep this game close, and allow SU to play ball control on offense.
Syracuse offense will continue to struggle today. Patterson and WR do not have the ability to extend drives. Do not be fooled by putting 31 up on Buffalo. All four of their TD's came on long runs by Rhodes. None were on long 10-12 play drives. I would expect Virginia putting 8 men on the line and making Patterson beat them in the air, which is bad news for the Cuse. 3rd and anything over 7 yards is a very tough pick up for SU right now. Cavs have had two weeks to get ready for this one and SU's offense not hard to figure out at this point. Place kicking a concern for SU as they will go with Freshman kicker today. SU has great punter so I expect field position to be part of the offensive stategy today. SU will not score more then 17 points.
On other hand, SU defense is playing great. Season ticket holder so I have seen every game last three years and believe me, this defense is very good. Very fast at DE and line backer. MLB Smith, DE Wyche, and secondary are flying to the ball. Giving up only 3.0 ypc and 4.4 per pass play.
This offense will be a step up from WVU and Buffalo but I think Cavs will have trouble moving the ball. I think SU is fast enough to contain Hagens and his arm does not scare me. RB Lundy is expected to play but may be less then 100%.
Do not dismiss SU home crowd factor. They will be very loud and since we do not have much to cheer on offense, we will make it tough on Hagens when the D is on the field.
SU goes to Florida State in two weeks so I expect a great effort today.
Going to ride the best unit on the field , SU's defense, to keep this game close, and allow SU to play ball control on offense.
