Just as Steve Spurrier casts his 25th place vote for the school that gave him his first head coaching job every year. I give mine to the school that gave me my education and three-quarters of my sexual partners. In case you see this as a sign to dismiss this blog entirely, please don’t go. I start covering the good teams tomorrow. Just allow me to preview my Orange, even if they are and may be for years, a perennial bottom feader.
Projected Record: 5-7
Who they’ll beat: Washington (Home), Miami OH (Road), Buffalo (Home), Connecticut (Road), Cincinnati (Home)
Who’ll beat them: Iowa (Road), Illinois (Home), at Louisville (Road), West Virginia (Home), Rutgers (Home), Pittsburgh (Road), South Florida (Home)
When they Pass: Head Coach Greg Robinson finally has the jockey for his horse. After two years of eleven step drops and sailing overthrown passes which labeled the Perry Paterson era at Syracuse, true Sophomore Andrew Robinson (no relation) takes over. “A-Rob” is a much better fit for the West Coast Offense than Patterson, although just about anybody would be. It’s a lot for him to ask to take the Orange anywhere on his own. If receivers Mike Williams, Rice Moss and Taj Smith stay healthy the passing offense should bring some excitement to the Carrier Dome, which desperately needs some.
When they Run: Exciting Freshman Tailback Delone Carter suffered a season-ending hip injury and its possible his career at Syracuse may never be the same. If Curtis “Boonah” Brinkley 1/3 as good in real life as he is in NCAA Football ’08 than he is more than adequate Running Back but he also has health concerns. The Offensive Line is still woeful however, they will need to play a lot better if the Orange are going to make a run at even the International Bowl, which might as well be in Baghdad for as many SU fans who would travel to Toronto in early January for a bowl game.
When their Opponents Run: When your conference has Ray Rice, Steve Slaton and even LaRod Stephens-Howling, its a scary thought to start three new linebackers. This could mean some ugly losses to the Big East elite. The experienced line which features best player and token NFL prospect Jameel McClain could keep the Orange in games against the rest of the schedule.
When their Opponents Pass: While the safeties including converted quarterback Joe Fields are solid, the corners are shaky. A lot will be counted on McClain and the pass rush, which was outstanding last season to help in the passing game.
When they Kick: Patrick Shadle made 16 of 18 Field Goals last year but he was never asked to kick anything crowd-wooing. Team MVP Brendan Carney has graduated leaving the punting in the hands (or is it feet, or foot) of Freshman Rob Long. If Robinson can’t get the offense going you will bet teams will come after a Freshman punter.
When they call Timeout: Syracuse hiring Greg Robinson because he reminded people of Pete Carroll is like Republicans voting for Mitt Romney because he reminds them of Ronald Reagan. You can decide which error is more egregious. This is year 3 of Robinsons “reconstruction” at Syracuse, and while I don’t feel he’ll ever be on the “hot seat” before his contract ends (anyone who’s familiar with Syracuse AD Daryl Gross doesn’t see him as the “My Bad, I F-ed up” type) the Orange will have to win at least 4-5 games before the fanbase, including yours truly becomes impatient.
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