SB Nation - Antwon Bailey

Syracuse Playing For Bowl Positioning...Just Not Their Own

Sean Keeley — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:23:30 -0000

More photos » by Michael Conroy - AP

Last year, an overachieving Big East team that went into South Bend late in November, played with a lot of emotion, gave the Irish a fight and eventually pulled out a win in the game's final moments, sending speculation about Charlie Weis' tenure as head coach through the roof. That team then went out the following weekend and got crushed by a fellow Big East team.

Let's hope history repeats itself.

The UConn Huskies will host the Orange this Saturday. They want to win so they can become bowl eligible. They've got everything to lose whereas the Orange have nothing to lose. Syracuse is suddenly in the business of ruining fellow Big East team's bowl pictures so...why not win this one too, finish 5-7, steal all of Rutgers and UConn's recruits and return to dominance in two years. Deal? Deal.

Speaking of recruiting, there were many a recruit in the Loud House this past weekend. Any of them who might have been torn between Syracuse and Rutgers are no longer torn (right, Malcolm Cater???). If you want specifics beyond that, you'll have to look elsewhere. Doug Marrone ain't sharin'.

"I'm going to be a little bit more conscientious of what we put out there for recruiting, it's a very, very ... it's a highly competitive situation," Marrone said. "It's extremely important for us to get the right players in here and the right fit. To have people come up and have the ability to say they want to come to Syracuse University or not, I don't need to put that out there so people can put more pressure for them not to commit to our school."

Seems like Doug is referencing something specific but I can't imagine what it is. I don't remember Doug climbing to the top of the Dome and screaming two-star recruit names while twirling an SU towel over his head. Then again I was away from the computer this weekend. May have missed it.

How bout the guys already in uniform though? Coach was extremely pleased with the performance of his defense as well as players like Antwon Bailey. Marrone didn't hand out accolades to a select few, however, he saved that honor for all of the seniors.

There were a lot of players who played well in the victory besides Hogue and Bailey, Marrone said. He could hand out man game balls, but said game balls will be issued to all the graduating seniors.

"Man game balls?" Do those go with The Bone?

Sure, the SU running backs have been on fire lately but make sure the offensive line is getting some of that credit too. The much-maligned unit seems to have gelled somewhat and it's paying off.

Against Rutgers, all three rushing touchdowns were a product of clean seals by the line. Tackles Josh White and Nick Speller, guards Ryan Bartholomew and Adam Rosner and center Jim McKenzie mandhandled a defensive line that had been the nation’s 13th-ranked rush defense. On Collier’s clinching 60-yard score, Bartholomew completely turned Alex Silvestro out of the play.

Marrone is excited for the opportunity to coach against Cuse alum Randy Edsall. As a rookie coach, he must see great benefit in the fact that the league has some long-standing coaches in it's midst.

"In the last two games we’ve played against the two Big East coaches who have been here the longest amount of time. Coach Schiano has been there nine years and Coach Edsall has been there 10 so both of those coaches have been through quite a bit with their football teams.

Coach...just an FYI...Jim Leavitt has been with USF longer than both of them ('97)...but maybe you were just counting FBS years. If so, cool If not...well, you probably don't want to let Leavitt know about this. He's got a tendency to get a little headbutty.

Just Like Old Times: Syracuse Dominates Rutgers 31-13

Sean Keeley — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:17:11 -0000

More photos » by Heather Ainsworth - AP

24 days ago: Syracuse University football players The Canadian Press, left, and Shamarko Thomas celebrate Thomas's tackle against Rutgers' Tom Savage, as teammate Andrew Lewis, right, looks on during an NCAA college football game at Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. Syracuse won 31-13. (AP Photo/Heather Ainsworth)

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...and all is right in the world.

Before this past Saturday's Syracuse-Rutgers game, most folks (including me) were predicting that one side would beat the other fairly easily. Well, we got it half right. Out-manned, out-gunned and without a reason to care, the Syracuse Orange proved to anyone watching that the Doug Marrone Era is going to be a very good one by whipping the pants off of No. 25 Rutgers 31-13 on Senior Day.

Antwon Bailey, Averin Collier and Delone Carter each ran for a touchdown, as Syracuse upended 25th-ranked Rutgers, 31-13, to pick up its first Big East victory of the season.

The Orange (4-7, 1-5 Big East) racked up 213 yards on the ground in a balanced attack that also saw Greg Paulus throw for 142 yards and a score on 13-of-16 completions. Ryan Nassib completed four passes for 69 yards, as Syracuse snapped a three-game slide.

"I don't look at it as a breakthrough win," Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone

said. "I think it means a lot that we won a game and we won a game in the Big East. That's how I look at it. We won a game and the direction of this football team is heading the right way."

It's my fault. I should have realized The Inverse Theory Of Syracuse Winnatude, which states:

With two games remaining in the season, with nothing left to play for and against an opponent they really shouldn't be able to beat, the Syracuse football team will play to the fullest extent of it's potential. (See: Notre Dame 2008)

It's science, you guys. Don't fight it.

Yes, the offense was in rare form. Greg Paulus all-but-assured himself of that passing percentage record everyone keeps yapping about by going 13-16 for 142 yards and a touchdown. Ryan Nassib also got in on this high-passing percentage thing, going 4-6 for 69 yards.

The running game was once again solid but unlike previous games, this time it wasn't just Delone Carter. The Orange were instead a three-headed monster. Along with Carter (67 yards, TD), Antwon Bailey actually led the Orange with 77yards and TD while Averin Collier notched his best performance of the year with 66 yards and a TD.

And how bout those wide receivers? Sure, the Orange have no way to replace the home-run aspect lost by Mike Williams but SU found a balance they have lacked, as four different receiverscaught three balls, including Bailey (47 yards), Marcus Sales (44 yards) and Alec Lemon (40 yards). Carl Cutler caught one ball for one yard but it was also the one passing touchdown on the day. (Full boxscore)

But how bout that defense? The Orange sacked Rutgers' QB Tom Savage nine times. NINE TIMES! How many times?

Nine times sound bite Ferris Bueller's Day Off sound bites

Linebacker Doug Hogue, who broke the SU record with tackles for loss in a game (6 1/2) and owned 3 1/2 of those sacks gives the defense the kind of accolade only a Doug Marrone could love:

"From a defensive standpoint, everybody was doing their jobs," Hogue said. "They allow me to wiggle loose and I did what I did."

And Jesus Christ, Rutgers. What the hell happened to you? I know we've been kidding you all season about your schedule but you really might want to consider scheduling a couple more high schools. You know we lost to Louisville two weeks ago, right? LOUISVILLE! Shame on you. Not that I'm complaining, you finally gave SUAthletics.com a reason to put the score of the game into their recap. Thanks.

So where the hell did this come from? Without it's three best players and dozens more, Syracuse played out of their mind. Who could have possibly seen this coming?

Doug Marrone, that's who.

"People may not have seen this coming, or whatever they want to say, on the outside," Marrone declared. "But I can’t stand here today and say that I did not see this coming. I really can’t. And I won’t do that because I’m not going to discredit what this team has been working so hard for, and building, and trying to get done for this community and for this university."

"All the things that we’ve been preaching, all the things that we’ve been trying to get done with our players . . . I said the last thing that’s going to happen in our program -- unfortunately, and without sour grapes -- was wins. Now, you can see what we can do when we execute at a level and play the way we should play."

If you want to nitpick there was still plenty to nitpick. Nothing stands out more than the special teams unit which once again provided the lowlights on the day. Bob Casullo's unit had a lot to answer for after the game. Had it been a closer one, they might have been the reason the Orange lost.

Two blocked punts, one through the back of the end zone for a safety. A blocked field-goal attempt with the outcome hanging in the balance. A 50-yard kickoff return. A recovered onside kick attempt to set up a touchdown.

That No. 25 Rutgers was able to produce that bevy of big plays on special teams and still lose by 18 points shows how thoroughly it was dominated everywhere else Saturday by the underdog Syracuse University football team.

Thank God for the other dominating units. More game links and recaps below. Enjoy this one, folks. What a great send-off for the seniors who will not have to say they never beat Rutgers. It wasn't long ago a four-year SU senior expected to beat the Scarlet Knights all four times. For now, we're extremely happy with this one. And we're looking forward to getting the next one sooner than later.

Oh and by the way think about what this just did for recruiting. All we heard last week was how NY-area recruits shunned SU for Rutgers because of the way the Knights dominated the Orange in every aspect. Me thinks the tide will be turning...

Orange sends its senior class out with a 31-13 smackdown of Rutgers...Donnie Webb

SU-Rutgers Recap...Brent Axe

UP FROM THE ASHES: Syracuse pummels Rutgers en route to first Big East win...Tyler Dunne

Defensive minded Syracuse sacks Rutgers...Matt Ehalt

Notebook: Shoes optional for Bailey in running over Rutgers...Donnie Webb

The Syracuse Orange's Domination of Rutgers Signals a Return to Normalcy...Dan Kelley

Crushed-gers...Three Idiots on Sports

Cue the... KIDS AND PUPPIES!...Orange44

Stunning weekend continues...CuseOrange

Syracuse Aftermath: Shades of New Hampshire...Rutgers Fan Zone

Knightmare At The Dome...Protect R Turf

After collapse against Syracuse, Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano blames himself...NJ.com

Syracuse is determined to make Rutgers a rivalry...Brian Bennett

Worst loss in years...Bleed Scarlet

Speaking of Mr. Keeley, I always thought the ironic part of his infamous "Quest for Toronto" series of posts was that, because of how awful the Big East’s bowl tie-ins are, it’s actually disturbingly difficult to land a half decent bid. Even when UConn is doing their part for the conference against Notre Dame (which I now cannot enjoy). Well, Sean may just end up getting his wish, albeit not in a way that he may have originally intended. On the day, a Syracuse victory may just have ended up sending a team to Toronto for the holidays.

Believe me, sir, it's bittersweet.

The Battle For The Big East Basement

Sean Keeley — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:34:17 -0000

via blog.syracuse.com

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Two Teams With 0-4 Big East Records Enter.

One Team Leaves With A Big East Victory.

It's Syracuse. It's Louisville. It's....The Battle For The Big East Basement.

That's right, while Cincinnati and West Virginia slug it out to determine critical Big East seedings, the Orange and the Cardinals will spend Saturday determining who in all likelihood will finish last in the Big East. Previous Basement denizens include:

2005: Syracuse (1-10, 0-7)

2006: Syracuse (4-8, 1-6), UConn (4-8, 1-6)

2007: Syracuse (2-10, 1-6)

2008: Syracuse (3-9, 1-6), Louisville (5-7, 1-6)

Illustrious company, for sure. Louisville also has the ignominious honor of being that lone Syracuse Big East victory in 2007 and 2008 so in a way, they've had a piece of both year's accomplishment.

Before we delve in it's worth discussion one man in particular. He is a legend already. He is said to possess Mjǫllnir, otherwise known as Thor's Hammer. He can tear a phonebook in two with his....mind. He once sneezed and was credited with fourteen tackles...during an Econ class. Some say he is immortal though science has yet to prove or debunk this theory.

His name is Shamarko. And he almost played for Louisville.

Actually he and LB Iron Brandon Sharpe both originally decided to attend Louisville before changing their minds and committing to Syracuse. Neither of them needs more motivation to play well this weekend, but they've got plenty anyway.

"I've got to perform well," said Thomas to laughter with himself and reporters on Tuesday. "I've got to show them the reason I came here is to change this program and we're not losing to Louisville."

"They probably do," said Sharpe when asked if the Cardinals will know who he is. "It's going to be a good game, though. The competition level is going to be high, of course, for me and Shamarko because we were both committed there, and then we decommmitted. It's going to be lots of fun.

From Shamarko's lips to the Football God's ears.

Averin Collier scored his first touchdown last weekend and as a reward he'll be seeing a lot more action. Just not at the running back spot.

Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone said Monday Collier was in discussion about how to compensate for the loss of Catalina, who was injured in the Orange's 37-10 loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. In fact, Collier was the first person Marrone mentioned during his press conference Monday,. Additionally, Marrone said tailback Mike Jones and tight ends Carl Cutler and Dalton Phillips are pieces to the puzzle as coaches try and figure out packages and personnel to replace Catalina and Provo.

"Hey, it's football. I got recruited as an athlete. They see I can play multiple positions and do multiple things on the field. That's how I"m going to be used."

In other news, CB Kevyn Scott was dressed a week after missing the Pittsburgh game, as was Randy McKinnon. Oh, and the suspendees are back! Mostly.

Tailback Antwon Bailey, offensive guard Andrew Tiller and defensive end Torrey Ball had their suspensions lifted on Monday by head coach Doug Marrone and were participating in practice. Tiller did dress out for practice but appeared limited. He did not practice last week because of some type of injury he sustained in an automobile accident Nov. 1.

Over on the Louisville side, they're bracing for the battle...once they remembered what was going on. Kraggers is in the same boat Greggers found himself in last year...a wounded duck just trying to make it to end safely before the inevitable. He's basically admitted defeat with the fans and locals but is asking for someone, anyone to come out and support the Cardinals this weekend. With their best player, RB Victor Anderson, still iffy, don't expect too much.

We've still got time on this one so in the meantime, let's take this rare opportunity to bask in our recent success with highlights from the two previous encounters (apologies for Greg Robinson sightings).

If You Value Your Health, Do Not Associate With Syracuse Football

Sean Keeley — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:36:05 -0000

Via media.syracuse.com

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Superduperstar DL Arthur Jones and starting offensive tackle Jonathan Meldrum are both out for the remainder of the season with knee injuries.

Son of a mother-loving bitch.

The school announced tonight in a release that Jones and Meldrum reported experiencing discomfort in their left knee during the Pittsburgh game. MRIs on Monday revealed each had a torn lateral meniscus in their knees that will require surgery.

They join a crowded sideline of Syracuse players lost for the season with injuries that includes safety Dorian Graham (shoulder), tight end Nick Provo (knee), defensive end Jared Kimmel (knee), strong safety Max Suter (arm) and tight end Cody Catalina (knee). Additionally, some 21 players on scholarship have left the program since Marrone's arrival last December. Just last Monday, all-star wide receiver Mike Williams quit the team.

We love to revel in guys who went pro only to find that they wish they stayed a year longer in college. Well Jones has officially joined Sam Bradford on the "Dammit, I Really Should Have Just Gone Pro" bandwagon.

Obviously we were elated to have Jones back, despite the fact that he failed to deliver at Big East Media Day LobsterFest. Art's stats were way down this year (12 tackles), helped in large part by the pec muscle injury he suffered in the off-season and the double-teams he faced off against often. Hopefully this won't impact his NFL status greatly though two major injuries in the span of a year cannot be good.

Meldrum still has two years left with the Cuse (assuming he doesn't quit, get suspended or gamble), so we'll still be seeing plenty of him.

Alright...who's next? Can we freeze Derrell Smith, Doug Hogue and Shamarko in carbonite during the week to prevent any further injuries or mishaps?

And for the record...yes I blame Greg Robinson. Somehow this is all his fault.

You have to take the good with the bad and so it's also worth noting that the remaining members of The Syracuse Gambling Four have been reinstated and will play this weekend.

The Syracuse University football team will have three familiar bodies back on its thinning roster Saturday when the Orange faces Louisville in a Big East Conference football game. Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone announced Monday night that tailback Antwon Bailey, offensive guard Andrew Tiller and defensive end Torrey Ball have bee reinstated.

Lose an OL and DT, gain an OL and DT.

Syracuse vs. Pittsburgh Predictions

Sean Keeley — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:28:47 -0000

More photos » by Kevin Rivoli - AP

about 1 month ago: Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone looks up at the scoreboard after Cincinnati scored a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. Cincinnati won 28-7. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)

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Pittsburgh should probably be more of a rival that they are. I mean, we've been playing them every single year since 1957, the same as West Virginia. Yet, Pitt doesn't feel the same. We'd like to beat Pitt but we need to beat West Virginia.

The Orange hit the road for the first time since September and it's probably a good time for that. Syracuse boasts the Big East's best run defense, anchored by Smilin' Arthur Jones. They've got a tall order against Pitt tailback Dion Lewis, who leads the Big East in rushing. As it usually does...something will have to give.

Brain at Orange44 is up first with his prediction:

The team is simply not as talented as Pittsburgh, it is just that simple. Pending some absolute miracle by all Syracuse players and coaches involved, this one will not be pretty, and will end up giving Pittsburgh another Big East win. Pittsburgh over Syracuse 37 to 13.

ESPN's Brian Bennett is on the same page:

Pittsburgh 31, Syracuse 14: Pitt has had a week off to heal and get ready, while Syracuse has had all kinds of turmoil this week with the Mike Williams situation, suspensions and fan debate over Greg Paulus. That's not a good combination in the Orange's favor, especially on the road. Pitt wins big and turns its attention to its crucial three-game finishing stretch.

The Three Idiots think the Orange might be able to hold their own a little more.

...emotion can only take a team so far, and Pitt is far too talented and much, much deeper than the Orange. They take advantage of a weak and battered SU secondary in the second half to pull away and win this one -- but it's closer than people think. Pitt - 27, SU - 17

Over at Pitt blog Eye Of a Panther, they're feeling good about their chances:

While I think they can't help but to look ahead to the Notre Dame game and rest of the season, I don't think it will affect the outcome of this one. The games against Syracuse have been close for the most part, but this looks like Pitt's best team in recent years. I do have some concern about Pitt getting an early lead and then turning complacent, but overall, expect a good win. Prediction: Pitt 31 / Syracuse 13

And Pitt fans over at Pitt Blather seem to be feeling pretty good about their chances as well.

As for me, I just keep coming back to the fact that the Orange are playing in a hostile environment, in the elements, with some shaky kickers and shakier QB and without talent like Mike Williams or Antwon Bailey on the field. The Orange will be able to do what they always do...keep things interesting and play hard. But, like everyone else has said, the talent gap will be too much. Pittsburgh 30, Syracuse 17

Poll

The outcome of the Syracuse-Pitt game will be...

Pittsburgh wins by 20+ points

52 votes

Pittsburgh wins by 10-19 points

56 votes

Pittsburgh wins by 1-9 points

13 votes

Syracuse wins by 1-9 points

26 votes

Syracuse wins by 10+ points

16 votes

163 votes | Poll has closed

Dion Lewis: A Tremendous Challenge

Sean Keeley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:07:48 -0000

More photos » by Keith Srakocic - AP

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If there's any one player Syracuse is game-planning for, it's Dion Lewis. The Pittsburgh running back is a leading contender for college freshman of the year, having rushed for 1,065 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

For the record, Lewis is from Albany. And he was not recruited by Syracuse. Greg Robinson, ladies and gentlemen!

Lewis has gone over 100-yard five times this season including a 190-yard, 2 TD day against Buffalo and a 180-yard, 2 TD day against Rutgers.

Now Syracuse's run D is it's best asset but that doesn't mean a quality RB can't break through. West Virginia's Noel Devine managed 91 yards and a TD against the Orange. If any back is going to be able to find similiar success, it's Lewis. I mean, listen to the kind of praise he's getting from the Orange:

"I think he has tremendous vision. I think the line does a great job. I think the receivers do a good job blocking down the field. You're looking at a running back who averages five yards a carry. You're looking at vision, you're looking at toughness, you're looking at someone who can hold onto the football and someone that can score." - Doug Marrone

"(Lewis) has done a tremendous job coming in for LeSean McCoy...He's probably one of the best backs in the country." - Derrell Smith

Antwon Bailey is using his suspension wisely, acting like Lewis on the practice squad to help them prepare. At the end of the day, it's going to be a dogfight in the trenches and Derrell & Co. are ready:

"It's strength against strength," Smith said. "We have a good rush defense. They have a very good running attack. So may be the best man win."

Syracuse Football Goes Back To Work

Sean Keeley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:52:03 -0000

It's about SU can do at this point. Take care of business.

As we heard yesterday, Wednesday's practice was the greatest practice ever to be practiced. A couple of the suspended players for this weekend's game are still involved in practice this week and one in particular is making an impact where he can.

Always-smiling, always-glass half-full Art Jones helped cheer up the mood Wednesday. While joking that he was a "prima donna" at Tuesday's cold, outdoor practice, Jones found one silver lining. One of those suspended players, running back Antwon Bailey, has masqueraded as Pittsburgh's star freshman running back Dion Lewis to a "T" during practice.

Bailey may be suspended, but he has been serving a pretty important purpose this week.

"(Bailey) is the best scout team back I have ever had," SU defensive tackle Art Jones said. "He shook me a couple times yesterday. I was surprised. He's giving us a good look."

The QBs have gone back to work. Before they put their heads back down for the week in preparation, Ryan Nassib had one final, classy comment on PaulusBooGate.

"Greg didn't deserve getting booed like that. He's a great competitor and great teammate. He works just as hard if not more than any player on this team."

Meanwhile around practice, Torian Phillips has returned to wide receiver from DB. Alec Lemon was back at practice having recovered from an illness, and just in time given the WR circumstances. Kevyn Scott has been a no-show as he battles unspecified ailments. Jim McKenzie seems to be practicing with the O-line at center while Ryan Bartholomew has moved back to left guard.

Oh and Doug Hogue is the current owner of The Bone. Good for him.

Finally, Donnie Webb spoke with long snapper and back-up tight end Dalton Phillips about his role on the team as well as how a kid who lives in Clancy, Montana ends up walking on at Syracuse.

SU Senior Special Teamer Man Dalton Phillips

Mike Williams Was About To Be Suspended Again (Updated)

Sean Keeley — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:49:11 -0000

More photos » by Kevin Rivoli - AP

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Doug Marrone announced today that running back Antwon Bailey, defensive end Torrey Ball and offensive guard Andrew Tiller have been suspended for a violation of team rules and will not play against Pittsburgh (He also announced that Jared Kimmel is done for the year with season-ending knee surgery). Now with rumors swirling that Mike Williams was about to be suspended for something that went down over the weekend...is all of this connected?

Maybe, maybe not but according to ESPN's Joe Schad, Williams was involved in an incident:

Mike Williams had a latenight vehicle incident after the last gm that was going to lead to another suspension

Let the updates begin soon...

Update 1: Donnie spoke with the SU office of athletics who knows nothing of Mike Williams returning to the team. Then again, take that with a grain of salt as well.

Update 2: The money shot. Er, update. Courtesy of Conor Orr at the D.O. From New York State Police -- Williams, Tiller, Ball and Bailey in accident 5:30 Sunday morning. Tiller (driver) not being charged. Well then, that settles that. As to how that progressed into Williams leaving the program while the other three remain...TBD.

Update 3: The D.O. keeps the details coming.

A car driven by Syracuse football player Andrew Tiller was rear ended early Sunday morning near Lenox, N.Y., New York State Trooper Jack Keller said Tuesday afternoon. Police do not suspect alcohol was involved in the accident, which occurred at 5:30 a.m.

Three other SU players were in the car with Tiller, including wide receiver Mike Williams, who quit the team Monday. Backup running back Antwon Bailey and backup defensive end Torrey Ball were the other passengers.

Tiller was taken to the hospital as a precaution but no major injuries seem to have been sustained.

Update 4: For those who are still holding out hope that Williams will return to SU...this probably confirms the opposite.

Update 5: How bout some details on the crash itself, which was not the SU players' fault.

Troopers say their car was rear-ended by a tractor trailer at about 5:30 a.m. Sunday. The four players were traveling westbound on the Thruway near Chittenango. Tiller was taken to University Hospital for neck and back injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

Police are still investigating but no tickets have been issued. According to police reports, the players in the car were the victims of the crash.

Snap Decisions For Syracuse Football

Sean Keeley — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:52:03 -0000

via media.syracuse.com

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If Doug Marrone wants something done right, Doug Marrone has to do it himself. That's why Doug Marrone spent a portion of yesterday personally working with patchwork center Ryan Bartholomew on his snaps.

Junior offensive lineman Ryan Bartholomew was the recipient of Marrone’s private tutoring session, which was conducted off to the side while the rest of the Orange worked on special teams.

For 10 minutes or so, Marrone gave Bartholomew instruction on how to snap the football in the shotgun formation.

Starting center Jim McKenzie continues to be unavailable to the Orange so Bartholomew will have to improve and improve quickly. We can't have a repeat of what happened in the Akron game. A team like Cincinnati won't let it slide.

At least a half-dozen snaps to Syracuse quarterbacks in the shotgun or tailbacks in the Stallion formations went flying into outer space. One snap in the shotgun banged against Bartholomew’s backside for a fumble. Another bad snap to tailback Antwon Bailey led to an Orange turnover that Akron converted into a quick touchdown.

The Bearcats do have issues of their own to deal with. Most notably the QB conundrum. Tony Pike continues to remain positive but as the week rolls on it's looking more and more like the Orange will see Zach Collaros lining up against them. In theory, it's a better match-up. The Orange have one of the best tun defenses in the nation. But of course, Collaros isn't just a runner. He can pass just fine. And we're not quite as good defensively in that category.

The SU defense will get a boost from knowing that Derrell Smith will be back in the MLB spot on Saturday. His injury is still unknown. He said it was cramps. He was seen clutching his knee. So...who knows.

Punter Rob Long, who missed practice Monday, will be in the game as well. Whew.

That brings us us to the kicking situation. Ryan Lichtenstein was benched during the Akron game based not only on his missed kick but also on what Coach Marrone perceived as a bad warm-up for young Ryan. All week its sounded like Jake Smith might get a chance to take the job from Lichtenstein. So far, Marrone says he hasn't made a decision one way or the other.

Syracuse Football Hungry For 'Cat

Sean Keeley — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:33:35 -0000

When the eventual urban-reimagining of the movie 300 happens ("3-Hundy"), I can think of no better person in the world to play the role of Spartan King Leonidas (who will likely be renamed something like King Leo-nah-dawg) than Delone Carter. He's certainly got the physique for the role. And as for knowing what it takes to be a leader of men, I'd say he's got that down pat as well.

Carter said he's been offering some tough love to his offensive line. Bailey said that even though Carter is not a captain, everyone in the huddle looks up to the starting tailback and listens to his voice.

"I feel like me and my line can accomplish it, like, I can have 100-yard games every game from now on," Carter said. "That's not something I'm aiming for. I just expect it to happen because I know what we can do.

"But I just want to win. I just want to blow teams out. I want to play like the old Syracuse."

ORANGEMEN! THIS IS WHERE WE FIGHT! (300 references, folks! It's called relevancy.)

Donnie Webb's article breaks down the ways that Delone Carter is making Syracuse a better football team, ways that don't necessarily show up on the stat sheet. Of course, the crux of the article is also how the offensive line needs to improve drastically to give Delone and Antwon Bailey more time and more space.

Speaking of Bailey, he's amped for the game this weekend and feeling good about SU's chances for a win:

"I think we're all just hungry for this win. We're real hungry for this win. You can see it everybody's faces, everybody's play throughout the week. I think we're going to get it going this week."

Eat something, guys. It's not good to be hungry all the time. We have dining halls and I'm pretty sure you have unlimited meal cards. Please, buy a double-stuffed burrito once in a while.

The Orange as a whole want the win. Gone is the days of Greg Robinson when everyone was just happy to play well or put up some stats. These days, every loss stings more than the one before it. Just ask LB Derrell Smith:

"I was just like, 'Wow, I can't believe we lost these games after how hard we worked,'" Smith said. "I've never hurt this much after losing. Obviously, we've lost a lot in the past, but that was different."

Marrone mentions that he thinks the key might be to simplify, which will allow the offensive line to settle in, rather than out-think themselves. Marrone also said standpoint a lot.

"Are we giving them too much to think about from a defensive front standpoint? At the end of the day, you have to look at what you're doing and maybe limit some of the things from a run-game standpoint to get our players coming off the football."

Standpoints, guys! Standpoints.