SB Nation - Mike Williams

Daily Links - Syracuse Football Reflections

Sean Keeley — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:17:19 -0000

Syracuse University Athletics: A Season Ends and a Foundation is Laid
What does our foundation look like? We won more games than we did last year. We beat a Big 10 program and lost to another in overtime. We beat a conference team that we directly compete against for NE recruits. We played hard and never quit.

Three Idiots on Sports: Deep Thoughts on the 2009 Syracuse Football Season
Now that the 2009 SU football season is firmly in the books, complete with three assistant coaches who are now looking for jobs, here are some random thoughts on the year, where the program is headed, and Doug Marrone.

Big East stock report - Big East Blog - ESPN
Alec Lemon: The Syracuse freshman had nine catches for 140 yards and a touchdown in the loss at UConn. The Orange need big-time wideouts after Mike Williams' defection, and Lemon announced himself as an early candidate for that role in 2010.

Orange::44: Colgate - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR Another Day, Another Beatdown
The folks from Hamilton couldn’t hack it with the fine, athletic players of Syracuse. They jumped to an early lead and never looked back. #7/8 rolls big time against Colgate 92 to 58.

Orange::44: Big East Lacrosse Ready To Start
While Syracuse is a few months away from the start of another title defense lacrosse season, there is some news to report in the world of lacrosse. And an event that will start for the first time in the history of the sport. I’m talking about the Big East Lacrosse Conference

Lots of uncertainty in Big East bowl picture - Big East Blog - ESPN
While other conferences are nailing down their bowl destinations, the Big East remains almost totally up in the air heading into the final week. In fact, the league's bowl arrangements might not be settled until Sunday morning, the day when all postseason lineups are announced.

Louisville is a stepping stone job - Card Chronicle
One thing I keep hearing and have to address here is that Tom Jurich needs to avoid hiring someone who is going to treat being the front man for Cardinal football as a "stepping stone" job. Here's the thing: the head football coach position at the University of Louisville is absolutely a stepping stone job.

Kenny busts out his Cowardly Lion impression, Gregorian chants and toothpaste jokes and to talk about the week that was in Syracuse sports:

K2P - Syracuse Orange 12/2/09 Show from FingerLakes1.com on Vimeo.

Assistant Coaches Rob Spence, Jamie Elizondo And Derrick Jackson Fired (Updated Again)

Sean Keeley — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:01:10 -0000

via media.syracuse.com

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I had heard something along these lines last night but figured I'd wait and see what comes of it. Sure enough when I woke up this morning, the rumors were mongering. Via Brent Axe...

The website footballscoop.com is reporting that Syracuse football offensive coordinator Rob Spence and wide receivers coach Jamie Elizondo have been let go.

Here is what the website reports.

"Our sources just told us moments ago that offensive coordinator Rob Spence and wide receivers coach Jamie Elizondo have been let go."

Probably the first thing SU fans notice is that Special Teams coach Bob Casullo isn't on that list. Then again, Marrone has been giving Casullo the benefit of the doubt the last couple weeks, peppering his comments with explanations that the special teams unit is undermanned and outgunned. Not sure how that explains the fumbles and bad kicks, but, fair enough.

Now...if this is true, that's quite a shocker to see Rob Spence go so quickly. The SU offense had its struggles but, like Casullo, Spence wasn't always playing with a stacked deck either. Then again the SU offense did look stale most times. Greg Paulus broke the SU completion percentage record but much of that was because he was throwing screens and dink passes all day. If not for Delone Carter's 2nd-half surge, the offense would have been in huge trouble most of the way.

Or maybe Marrone has his eye on someone else and needed to clear house. God, please don't let it be Kragthorpe...

As for Elizondo, I'm going to guess this was a philosophy thing. Not sure you can fault him for working with the scraps after Mike Williams left.

More as it develops...

Update: Donnie Webb is reporting that Derrick Jackson is also being shown the door by Doug Marrone today. Jackson was one of only two holdovers from the Greg Robinson staff, the other being Dan Conley. Marrone is on the road recruiting but is apparantly going to have some kind of press conference later today. Stay tuned...

Update: Guess not on that press conference. Via DO Sports on Twitter: "No Marrone press conference this week, and no confirmation on the rumors about the firing of Coach Spence and Coach Elizondo." No confirmation also means no denial...

Update: Aaaaand, it's official. "Offensive coordinator Rob Spence, Wide Receivers coach Jaime Elizondo and Defensive line coach Derrick Jackson will not be returning to coach for the Sryacuse University football team next season." But what does DOCTOR Gross think???

UConn Job: Syracuse Ends Season With 4-8 Record After 56-31 Loss To UConn

Sean Keeley — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:37:02 -0000

Doug Marrone, killing UConn fans with his mind before Saturday's game. via media.syracuse.com

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The Syracuse Orange finished 4-8 in 2009. One better than ~~Same as~~ they did in 2008. It was only one win difference yet somehow, it felt like a much better season. It was a 4-8 you could at least look back on and see things are heading in the right direction.

That said, the UConn game wasn't too much fun. Which is impressive when you think about it. SU racked up 483 yards and 31 points and still managed to lose by 25.

The Syracuse University football team ended its inaugural season under Doug Marrone the way it began it - with a loss. But once again the Orange (4-8, 1-6 Big East) fought to the end, although it could not overcome big plays allowed by its defense and special-teams gaffes.

Syracuse accumulated a season-high 478 yards of offense. Senior quarterback Greg Paulus was a magician, completing 24 of 32 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He set school single-season records for completions (193), surpassing R.J. Anderson's standard of 186 set in 2003, and completion percentage (.677).

The big eyesore? What else...special teams.

For the second time in three weeks special-teams failures played a pivotal role in a Syracuse defeat. A 13-yard punt into a driving wind by Rob Long set up the Huskies’ opening touchdown drive, which had to traverse all of 25 yards. An 80-yard kickoff return by Mike Lang, UConn’s third kickoff return for a touchdown in its last four games, provided more instant scoring. A 34-yard kick return by the Huskies’ Jordan Todman kick-started another UConn scoring drive just before the half.

Special teams coach Bob Casullo was...what's the word...can't think of it...OH...frustrated.

"I’m very frustrated with the way the season ended," veteran special-teams coordinator Bob Casullo said. "I’m frustrated. Coach Marrone’s frustrated. Everybody’s frustrated."

"You have to report on the game," Casullo said. "We gave up a kickoff for a touchdown. We fair caught the ball on the 4-yard line. We had a 15-yard punt. What do you want me to say?"

Of course the roster was depleted but, like Brent Axe says, good coaching can shine a turd. Well, he didn't say that but...the gist of it.

Bob Casullo has a reputation as a good coach and Doug Marrone trusts him. Casullo also has a lot of other responsibilities beyond the special teams on this staff as well, so he obviously isn't going anywhere. If his special teams dug themselves a hole, he will get a chance to dig them out.

But it is an unavoidable discussion that perhaps the biggest issue this team had in Year One under Doug Marrone was special teams.

The brightest spot on the day, as it has been most days in the second half of the season, was Delone Carter. Carter rushed 20 times for 102 yards, becoming the ninth back in school history to surpass 1,000 for a season (1,021 total). That's some rather elite company that he joins. Minus the costly fumble, he helped carry the Orange as much as possible. Next year looks very bright for the Orange at RB with Carter, Bailey and Collier all returning.

The "Mike Williams Who All-Stars" finally started to get it together in this one as well, especially Sir Alec Lemon who set personal bests with a 9 reception, 140 yard, TD day. Coupled with Marcus Sales' 89-yard day the future of the SU receiving corp looks bright again. Kudos also to senior Lavar Lobdell for catching his first TD pass in a Syracuse uniform. Better late than never.

The defense got lit up against the run for only the 2nd time this season. UConn rushed for 204 yards and tore up the conference's best rushing D. It raised the question that's been nagging us all season long. Was the Run D really that good or was it just propped up by stats because opposing teams could rely on beating us through the air? Maybe a little of both? We've got the off-season to ponder it.

Another thing to ponder...was Randy Edsell a dick for going for the score late when the game was fairly out of reach? With an 11-point lead late, the Huskies called for a pass play on fourth down and scored a back-breaking touchdown. Dickish or smart? Seems like Doug Marrone is gonna go with dickish.

After the turn of events late, the usual run-of-the-mill coaches' handshake at midfield after this game was anything but that.

Doug Marrone looked upset, was very brief in his words, and gave a half-hearted hand shake to Randy Edsall. Edsall looked surprised at Marrone's choice of words, whatever they were, and stood a midfield for a few seconds shaking his head. He even seemed to try and yell something in Marrone's direction as he ran away.

When pressed on what he said to Edsall, Marrone replied simply "Good luck." Right. Anyone else looking forward to SU-UConn in the Dome next year now?

Honestly, I don't think you can call out Edsall for the play. I've seen much crazier things than a team lose an eleven-point lead with 2 minutes left on the clock. Unless your lead is in the 20's, there's really no such thing as a safe one. Maybe it was slightly dickish to go for the score instead of the first down but, isn't that on SU to prevent the TD?

And so...the off-season. Recruits are beginning to trickle in. Rivalries are strengthening based on what happened on the field and what's happening off them. Coach Marrone has an entire season under his belt and all of the returning players have a ton of experience to navigate before next spring. We'll do some post-season wrapping up where we discuss whether or not the Greg Paulus Experiment was a success, who our MVP was and who our LVP was. In the meantime, I leave you with the words of DE Chandler Jones, whom we all expect to step into a leadership role on the defense very soon, probably even by 2010:

"It’s my job to get stronger and faster, and that’s what I’m going to do," said the kid, presumably speaking for the bulk of his teammates. "I’m going to get stronger and faster and try to help out this team next year. I’m enjoying what Coach Marrone is doing with us, on and off the field.

"We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing. We’re going to recruit some players. It’s every team’s goal to go to a bowl game or be a BCS-ranked team. That’s been our goal since Day One. Hopefully, we’ll make it to a bowl game next year."

Here's To You, Andrew Robinson

Sean Keeley — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:42:23 -0000

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Robinson-to-Williams has the potential to become the best tandem in the history of SU football.
-Me, December 4th, 2007

And it was true. All you had to know was two specific games that season, Louisville and Cincinnati, and you would have agreed.

Louisville: Andrew Robinson (423 yards, 4 TDs), Mike Williams (5 catches, 83 yards, TD)

Cincinnati: Andrew Robinson (419 yards, 3 TDs), Mike Williams (9 catches, 160 yards, TD)

At the time, if you had told me that, two years later, one of them would have quit the team after returning from a suspension and the other would be languishing on the depth chart as a back-up tight end, well, I would have stabbed your eyes out with a shrimp fork.

But what would have been even more shocking is if you told me the one who got moved out of their position and demoted to the bottom of the pile never complained, did everything asked of him and became the model student by which all future Syracuse football players should measure themselves.

When the Orange play UConn on Sunday, Andrew Robinson will suit up for the final time in orange and blue. He might get in on some special teams plays but that's about it. Two other guys will be throwing the football. A couple other guys will block and nab some catches from the tight end spot. Through it all Andrew Robinson will not complain and will not pout. He will show up for his teammates and support them. He will be the very definition of senior leadership.

Doug Marrone might point to Greg Paulus as our leader and, as the starting quarterback, he might just be that. All due respect to Doug and Greg, but Andrew Robinson has been this team's compass for three seasons, even if his best games are two years behind him.

Robinson came to SU by way of Maryland where he was honorable mention all-state, first-team All-MIAA, second-team All-Metro and second-team All-Baltimore County as a high school senior. Not bad for a guy who had never played football before ninth grade. That didn't stop then-coach Greg Robinson from recruiting Andrew:

"When I found out, I was like, 'Hmmm,' because I liked his poise," Greg Robinson said. "He has a good football sense to him. I really like him. He's pretty natural about how he learns and pretty intense about trying to get it right. The mind-set is, be the best you can be and get better for us. If he does, he'll be a good quarterback. I believe that."

In his first season, Andrew waited in line behind Perry Patterson, playing sparingly during blowouts. There were quite a few.

In his sophomore season, Robinson took the reigns of the Syracuse offense. It was a bittersweet year for Robinson since his career as a college quarterback was taking off but the Orange were in the midst of another terrible year under Greggers. In his first game, Robinson put up decent stats, 20-for-32 for 199 yards and a touchdown. He had good games and bad games, just like any young QB. Then the Louisville game happened...

Robinson's 423 yard performance was, and still is, the 2nd-best passing day in SU history. His four touchdowns tied the SU mark and earned him the Big East Offensive Player of the Week notice. His 79-yard touchdown pass to Taj Smith, the first SU play from scrimmage, was the longest passing play for SU since 2002. Syracuse was a national story and the image of Robinson jumping for joy became the representation of Syracuse football. Andrew Robinson had arrived.

The Orange quickly came back to Earth and continued to struggle all season long. Every other game or so, Robinson would string together a solid performance. No small feat considering the lack of protection he was getting from his offensive line. He threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns against Miami (OH). 158 yards and a TD against Rutgers. And in the season finale, Robinson once again tantalized SU fans with his potential, throwing for 419 yards and three TDs. His 47 attempts are an SU record and 29 completions tied him with Marvin Graves all-time. Robinson earned Big East Honor Roll accolades that week and, if nothing else, provided Orange fans with a glimpse into a better future. He and fellow sophomore Mike Williams were about to embark on a two-year journey that would rewrite the Syracuse record books.

Something funny happened on the way to Andrew's junior year. Maybe it was the yips. Maybe it was one too-many hits courtesy of the porous offensive line. Maybe it was a Russian gypsy curse. Maybe it was something we'll never know. Whatever it was, Andrew's game betrayed him.

It started innocently. Robinson was designated the first-string quarterback but not named the starter right away. How could this be? How could a guy who threw for 400 yards on two different occasions not automatically get the nod over a collection of unproven QBs?

By the time the Northwestern game came around to start the season, there was no denying it...Andrew Robinson had regressed. Or at least, he was not the same. As if he already knew this going in, Greg Robinson immediately announced that Cameron Dantley would be the new starting quarterback for the Orange the following week. Robinson played in three more games that year, all either in garbage or injury time.

This past season, his senior year, there was little expectation that Robinson would be able to regain his old job. Dantley returned for his senior year and redshirt freshman Ryan Nassib was waiting in the wings. By the fifth spring practice it became official that Nassib would end up being the starter (later replaced by transfer Greg Paulus). What was truly unexpected was what happened to Robinson...he was moved to tight end.

Tight end? TIGHT END? Have you seen this guy? He's not beanpole but he's no Arthur Jones either. It was the kind of move that makes players up and quit, and given the kind of upheaval the Orange's roster has gone through, it would not have been strange had Robinson decided this just wasn't for him. Of course, Robinson made the kind of decision we've come to expect from him...he decided to grind it out.

He bulked up. He learned the skills necessary. He put his head down. Most of all, he never ever complained.

Robinson was never really able to make much of a dent on the tight end depth chart. Originally slated as a 4th-string TE, Robinson was able to help the team more through special teams, be it as a holder or on coverage. Because of that, he played in every game unlike last season. And because of his commitment off the field to doing well, he was named a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame 2009 William V. Campbell Trophy which recognizes "an individual for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership." Sounds like him.

Despite only playing one full season at QB, Robinson leaves behind quite a few records and notable performances. His two 400-yard games are the 2nd and 3rd best single SU passing performances of all time. He ranks fifth on Syracuse’s career passing yards per game list (138.3 yards per game). He holds the record for most attempts in a game (47) and is tied for most completions (29). His 2007 season was among the best in SU history in terms of passing yards (2,192 yards, ranks fifth), completions (154, sixth), passing yards per game (199.3, fifth), touchdown passes (13, ninth), and pass attempts (292, third).

Doug Marrone does not use the word "tremendous" lightly. Okay, actually he uses it extremely lightly. He pretty much works it into every sentence. But if you think of it in terms of how important that word is to him, then it should be no surprise at all to know that Marrone calls Andrew "a tremendous, tremendous person." There is no greater praise you can receive from the big man.

It's funny that Robinson and Mike Williams were linked on the field because the way they handled themselves off the field is intrinsically linked as well. Andrew had every right to last out and be bitter with the way things ended up, yet he never did. Mike Williams had every reason to be on top of the world and yet he'll be remembered almost as much for his pouting and how he quit on his teammates and himself.

If Andrew Robinson got angry and emotional about his treatment on the SU team, that wouldn't have been unexpected.

If Andrew Robinson posted messages on his Facebook alluding to the fact that he was unhappy, no one would have blamed him.

If Andrew Robinson consistently broke team rules, we'd know why.

If Andrew Robinson quit the team, we would have understood.

But it was Mike Williams, the team's super-duper star, who did all of that while Robinson quietly went about his business. Andrew will graduate and he will never play professional football. Williams will go on to play professional football and probably become a millionaire. Not saying that's wrong or unfair, it's just the way the cards have been dealt.

Five years from now, Mike Williams will probably be something of a known quantity around the country. At the very least, he'll be a name on a fantasy football add/drop list. Andrew Robinson will have disappeared from the nation's consciousness long before then, probably already has. But I guarantee you that, five years from now, if you see both of them walking on the Syracuse quad, you'll shake Andrew's hand first.

We appreciate what Mike Williams did at SU, but we admire Andrew Robinson. And we always will.

Donnie Webb Talk With Andrew Robinson

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

28 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 New York City's Heart And Eyeballs

Sean Keeley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:43:17 -0000

via media.syracuse.com

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Just put together my weekly College Football Buffet feature on SBNation.com and when I was compiling this weekend's games and TV listings, the SU-Rutgers game wasn't even listed. Had I not been an SU fan I probably would have just missed it altogether. The Battle For Who Could Care Less might be more apt, apparently.

Look, you want facts about tomorrow's game against Rutgers? Doug Marrone will give you facts.

"We’re playing a Rutgers team that’s a good football team," Doug Marrone said earlier this week. "Coach (Greg) Schiano has been there for nine years. He’s done a good job of building that program."

FACTS!

Let's get the scary stuff out of the way first. The Orange are walking wounded, they're without their two best defensive players, their best offensive player and there's no telling how many more players could be lost between now and then. Plus, there's this stuff:

Rutgers will enter the game with the nation’s best turnover margin at plus-21 (29 forced, eight committed). It boasts a run defense that allows only 98.2 yards per game, a physical offensive line and one of the conference’s elite deep threats in Tim Brown, who averages 21.5 yards per reception.

Well, let's shift focus, shall we? I think we can all agree that we've officially tuned out football season anyway. So let's take some time to worry about honor the seniors so we can get them on their way and move forward. Like Lavar Lobdell, Andrew Robinson and Mike Stenclik.

Lavar Lobdell. Andrew Robinson. Mike Stenclik. Each arrived determined to lead SU to Big East championships and big-time bowl games. Each will run through the tunnel and onto the Carrier Dome turf for the final time shortly before 3:30 p.m. Saturday having tasted neither.

In that regard they failed, but don’t dare call them failures. Or losers. Or quitters. Each has endured coaching changes. Each has suffered injuries. Each has experienced broken dreams of stardom. And each is still here, playing in a reduced role for love of the game and loyalty to teammates, coach and school.

"Lobdell appeared to be headed to Miami." Wow.

I definitely think Robinson in particular deserves his own post and I'll get to that next week, but despite their efforts we do say thanks to the seniors for their efforts. They got dealt a crap hand and they made the best of it...those that are still here.

As for predictions...

Brian from Orange44:

This game should still be won through the air by Rutgers, in what will be an ugly game not in terms of the score, but it terms of how anemic Syracuse will probably be, and how tragic some breaks will go. Rutgers over Syracuse in this one, 31 to 13.

Brian Bennett at ESPN:

Rutgers 27, Syracuse 7: The Orange have totaled 19 points in their last two games since Mike Williams quit. Now they're going up against a defense that has hit its stride and is adept at creating turnovers. That's not a good matchup for interception machine Greg Paulus. Rutgers wins easily to continue its late-season run.

CuseOrange.com's Staff:

LVO prediction: Rutgers 27 Syracuse 10

Reyes39 prediction: Rutgers 27 Syracuse 14

As for myself, I have to believe that the Scarlet Knights are peaking and the Orange are dropping off a cliff. I have no doubt the SU players, what's left of them, will bust their asses and the seniors will do their best. But it's just not going to be enough. And unfortunately, I don't think Schiano will take his foot off the gas as well. Something about that guy...he doesn't like us.

Rutgers 38, Syracuse 13

Poll

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

Rutgers wins by 20+ points

48 votes

Rutgers wins by 10-19 points

34 votes

Rutgers wins by 1-9 points

13 votes

Syracuse wins

89 votes

184 votes | Poll has closed

Daily Links - SU Women Can Jump

Sean Keeley — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:22:20 -0000

Big East's biggest disappointments - Big East Blog - ESPN
For half the season, Mike Williams was one of the year's best stories. Then he quickly became one of the worst. Williams ranked among the top receivers in the nation after missing all of 2008 because of academic problems. But he got embrolied in some off-the-field issues and quit the team before the Pitt game, rendering all his previous good work moot.

Syracuse punter Rob Long grips and rips it at Louisville | Orange Football Blog - syracuse.com
Don't blame Rob Long, he blasted back-to-back punts of 62 and 63 yards during the fourth quarter against Louisville last Saturday.

College Basketball Has the Intensity NBA Lacks - Sports
Growing up in upstate New York, Syracuse basketball meant as much to me as some people care about the Yankees. It didn't matter that Syracuse wasn't a professional team. To me it was all the same.

Orange::44: Syracuse - California Preview
If you do not know much about these two teams, you know two things; first that Syracuse is known for their 2-3 Zone defense, and that #12 California likes to shoot three pointers.

Orange Fizz: Syracuse Orange Sports Blog, Recruiting and Podcasts.
The dominos fell (in the wrong direction) and Pinkston delayed his decision, Tobias made an 11th hour visit to Knoxville, his father declared the decision had been made last night and... well, you connect the dots.

What to watch in the Big East, Week 12 - Big East Blog - ESPN
All of the Big East should be rooting for Connecticut this week as a win over Notre Dame will keep the Irish out of the Gator Bowl.

Under Pressure " Hoya Suxa
John Thompson III sits, quietly contemplating the challenge before him.

Syracuse University womens basketball strength and conditioning coach Ryan Cabiles talks about the techniques and equipment used to help increase the jumping ability of their players like freshman center Kayla Alexander.

Orange44 Is An Absolute Magician 29.0

Sean Keeley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:36:28 -0000

Orange 44's Brian Harrison, calling a personal foul on himself.

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It's been a while but we figured it was time to get the ball rolling again. Brian Harrison of Orange44 and I take turns asking each other questions about Syracuse sports on a weekly basis. Insight is provided. Jokes are made. Life is shared. It's matzo ball soup for the Syracuse fan's soul.

This week Brian recaps the Louisville game, Syracuse basketball to-date and memories of Jim Boeheim.

So...Louisville game...what the eff? Did that really just happen?

Apparently so. I’m still a little shell shocked from it. At this point with basketball really getting fired up this week with some big games in New York City I’m pretty over football at this point. Despite that fact I’m still going to the Dome this weekend to see the final home game because yeah, I am still a loyal fan. Will it be pleasant? Probably not.

Either way, getting back to the game, I’ve said my peace on the game in my standard postgame report, but I mean honestly! How do you lose by a missed extra point after holding the other team to a decade low 151 yards of offense? For the majority of the fourth quarter after the miss I just kept saying we aren’t going to win this one. And really, Syracuse had like four opportunities to end Louisville’s comeback hopes, and one big chance to drive down and get a field goal. They just couldn’t. Of course they couldn’t. Nothing has gone Syracuse’s way this year. Any fumble, the other team recovers. Any tipped ball by a receiver, it’s a pick six. It’s just that kind of year for Syracuse, and although I’ll be in the Carrier Dome this Saturday for the final home contest, I’m pretty sure my sobriety will be low and my level of depression will be high.

Should Syracuse fans take a step back from the ledge and remember this team had low expectations and is playing without a ton of players?

Trying to tell me something? Yes we should all take a step back. I mean let’s be honest, this team was not going to a bowl game this year. There was a slim, outside chance they could get to six wins, but it was HIGHLY unlikely. And this was when we had all the players we had at the beginning of the year, and everyone was gaga for Paulus. My how the times have changed. However, it is disappointing because I said in the beginning of the season, and I still maintain this would be the case if we still had the roster we started with, that we would win five games, including this past Louisville contest and the upcoming Rutgers game. Unfortunately we will be playing the "what if" game because so many talented players have quit or are injured for the year. The good news is Doug Marrone is still a good coach, and we have talented players coming in next season. So relax, enjoy basketball and lacrosse, and come back next year with renewed hope for a good football season. This was his first year after all, and he was working with what Greg Robinson brought in.

Does Doug Marrone have to shoulder some blame for the way the offense & special teams have played? Or is it more on Rob Spence and Bob Casullo?

Of course the man at the top always has to shoulder some of the blame. It’s your program and your name is on the door next to Head Coach. Therefore some of the responsibility, whether it actually is or not, will fall on you. But honestly how many weeks have we seen pretty big gaps in Special Teams competency? The Maine game comes to mind immediately. Similarly, the Northwestern game saw a botched field goal attempt from them go from no points to six by getting a touchdown. Unacceptable. Now, although there was a missed extra point this past weekend that was more players failing to execute than anything the coaching staff did, but we continue to see a pattern of either underprepared players or poor coaching choices when it comes to this side of the game.

As for offense, again Spence deserves some blame. He’s calling the plays out there, and on third and long why would any program just run up the middle? That is just screaming to the players "you suck and we don’t trust you", to the fans it is saying "we give up", and to the other team it says "yeah you got us". The play calling was varied and seemed novel in the first few weeks of the season, but in the last several games it has been flat, uninspired, and predictable. Most of the blame for that has to fall on the coordinator.

The farther away we get from Mike Williams' abrupt departure, the clearer it becomes that this was a horrible move for his NFL future. Where do you see him falling in April's draft and how much money did he cost himself?

I’m not going to pretend I’m any sort of expert on the NFL draft. However, I think everyone thinks he is a very talented player, but the off the field issues are looming large. As I said when it first happened, NFL scouts can always find talent, but they also want character too. It speaks volumes that Williams decided that quitting was his best course of action. There is a reason that quitters never win. I could see him falling as a value pick in the second or third round, but seeing as this was his third incident I’m guessing teams will probably not take a huge chance on him in the first round. No doubt he threw away guaranteed money though. He might as well have just taken a brick of money and lit it on fire.

The basketball team seems to have put the LeMoyne loss behind them. What's the most interesting thing you've learned about this team in the first two games?

Clearly we have learned that despite this team overall being fairly young, and despite losing Paul Harris, this team is very athletic. He may not hit shots every night, but Andy Rautins is probably the best defender on the team. James Southerland has got some mad ups. Brandon Triche is very quick. Somehow Scoop Jardine got quick and some serious ball handling skills. Wesley Johnson is pretty talented and he seems delivered as advertised. Finally, Arinze Onuaku and Rick Jackson have benefited from another off season learning from Bernie Fine. They both have improved post moves and are able to do moves this year they just could not last year. This team could lose some games because of a lack of pure shooting, free throws, or just making rookie mistakes, but I doubt it will be because they are out hustled or outplayed.

Andy Rautins: Emotional Leader?

Absolutely. You can tell the dedication and the way the team responds to his presence on the floor, especially after deciding to play after injuring his ankle in the first game of the season. But his intensity is what impresses me. Similar to Flynn seeming to have an endless battery of energy, Rautins to be the same way while on defense. He is always active in the zone, putting pressure on the ball, and is always willing to dive for a ball. Additionally, because he is the go to outside shooter for this season, he always seems to fly off a screen and is ready to catch and shoot. And he’s been around for five years now. He has seen a lot of situations and has a lot of game time logged in. He is a resource and leader for this team, and hopefully they will use him.

Jim Boeheim has now won 801 games. What are some of the most memorable wins you were a witness to?

Wow, I have to say I’m lucky that I’ve seen a lot. I was at Boeheim’s 700th win versus Providence, which was pretty special. I remember my first NCAA Tournament game in Albany, NY for the sweet sixteen and elite eight in 2003. Those were obviously exciting and sent us to the Final Four. As far as the Carrier Dome, the "triple court rush" Pittsburgh game in 2003 was pretty crazy, as well as Carmelo’s last game in the Carrier Dome. As far as memorable in the negative way was the Vermont loss in the NCAA Tournament, my last game as a student. Just a crushing loss. But by far the best games I’ve ever seen were the ones in the Big East Tournament in New York City in 2006. I was privileged to see each game and that run was easily the most astounding set of games I have witnessed in person. Had I been in New York for that six overtime game it might be that, but in 2006 when Connecticut was ranked #1, it was absolutely huge, especially since we were probably not in the NCAA Tournament before that game. Simply a magical run and a Big East Tournament that may never be topped.

Daily Links - Dion Waiters Makes It Official

Sean Keeley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:03:34 -0000

Recruit sticks with Syracuse | Truth&Rumors | FanNation
Dion Waiters received national attention two and a half years ago by orally committing to Syracuse before playing in his first high school basketball game. Yesterday morning, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound guard made good on his commitment to the Orange by signing a binding national letter of intent.

King of the Court: Triche grows up - College Basketball - Rivals.com
His goal is to rack up assists, but long before Syracuse point guard Brandon Triche became a member of the Orange, he was known for leading teams in a different statistical category. Technical fouls.

Syracuse point guard Brandon Triche adjusts to transition from high school | Orange Basketball Blog - syracuse.com
Adrian Autry knows a thing or two about playing point guard at Syracuse.

The History Card " Bleed Scarlet
SU holds the edge in the all-time series between the schools, at 28-10-1, which is better than their records against any other Big East football opponent. For any fans who started following SU football at some point during the MacPherson/Pasqualoni eras, it’s obvious why Rutgers winning five of the last six games in the series, and six of the last ten (yes, Terry Shea actually beat a McNabb-less Cuse on 11/13/99 in overtime) is so disconcerting.

Big East stock report - Big East Blog - ESPN
How badly do the Orange miss Mike Williams? In the two games since he selfishly quit the team, Syracuse wideouts have a total of 15 catches. Only three of those receptions have gone for 10 yards or more.

It could be worse for Syracuse " Bleed Scarlet
It’s been a trying couple of years up in Orangeland. Greg Robinson’s tenure itself constituted a level of misery that most programs typically don’t see over the course of a century.

Gedney making a difference for others dealing with illness | Orange Football Blog - syracuse.com
Former Syracuse University tight end Chris Gedney spoke to Post-Standard colleague Amber Smith along with other Central New Yorkers about what dealing with illness - and in the case of Gedney, it was ulcerative colitis - taught him.

UCLA and Mississippi State May Not Recover After Meltdowns To Mid-Majors | Bleacher Report
Will Syracuse have a better outcome at the end of the season than other teams that lost early?

Syracuse University Athletics - Hillsman Signs Top-10 Recruiting Class
Syracuse University head women’s basketball coach Quentin Hillsman has collected one of the top ranked recruiting classes in the nation for the 2010-11 season. This year's class is ranked No. 8 by Collegiate Girl's Basketball Report, No. 10 by Blue Star Basketball and No. 12 by All-Star Girls Report. The Top 10 class is the highest ranked collection of incoming players in the Hillsman era.

Facebook | Steiner Sports Memorabilia
Be the first person to answer this trivia questions correctly and win 4 tickets to see the Orange play Rutgers at the Carrier Dome this Saturday, courtesy of Steiner Sports.

Kenny recaps Syracuse's loss at Louisville and takes a look at the basketball team as only Kenny can.

Syracuse - Louisville Video Smorgasbord

Sean Keeley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:14:40 -0000

Syracuse University football players Jim McKenzie, Delone Carter (2:05), and Anthony Perkins (4:21), on the team's loss to Louisville.

Syracuse vs. Louisville football: players McKenzie, Carter and Perkins.

Bud Poliquin on how the Orange "phenomenally" lost.

Syracuse vs. Louisville football: Bud Poliquin

Doug Marrone, who has aged 15 years in the last three months:

Syracuse vs. Louisville football: Coach Doug Marrone

CitrusTV reporter Andrew Africk reports from Louisville following the Cuse's 10-9 loss to the Cardinals.

CitrusTV's Scott Grodsky and Mike Lefko break down how vital the special teams play was in SU's loss to Louisville.

CitrusTV's Scott Grodsky and Mike Lefko break down whether or not SU has a receiver good enough to replace Mike Williams, and how it effects the Syracuse University offense.

CitrusTV's Scott Grodsky and Mike Lefko give their final thoughts on SU's 10-9 loss in Louisville.