SB Nation - Cameron Dantley

The Ten Best Syracuse Football Games Of The Aughts

Sean Keeley — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:55:03 -0000

This one was actually harder than trying to figure out the ten worst games. Not so much because I couldn't find enough good wins, which believe it or not, I did. It was trying to rank them that made it so difficult. So many wins meant different things. Some were just amazing games. Others changed the entire SU season. Others still effected college football as a whole. I'm gonna go ahead and say that even I'm not sure about the rankings as I write this so feel free to chime in with your own top list in the comments. Somewhere in the middle, we'll figure it out.

Honorable Mention

Syracuse 26, Kansas State 3 (2001)
Syracuse's last (and only) bowl victory of the 2000's was all about James Mungro. Mungro wrapped up his career with 112 yards and three touchdowns in the Insight.com Bowl, passing Larry Csonka for second place on Syracuse's career rushing list with 2,981 yards.

Syracuse 40, Wyoming 34 2OT (2006)
The Orange might not have expected to get a game out of the Cowboys but they got all they could handle in the Dome. The Cowboys tied the game up with fifteen seconds remaining and sent it into overtime. A back-and-forth contest all day that featured 17 penalties, the Syracuse defense got it together in the 2nd OT and Jameel McClain stopped RB Joseph Harris on a fourth-and-1 from the 5. That led to a 15-yard Delone Carter TD to give the Orange the victory.

Syracuse 31, Buffalo 0 (2005)
Hey, when you go 1-10, you better appreciate that 1.

Auburn 37, Syracuse 34 2OT (2002)
SU fell short in this one, but any time a Syracuse quarterback puts on a performance in a game that later becomes the basis for a Syracuse sports blog, that game must be documented and appreciated.

Syracuse 22, Virginia Tech 14 (2001)
Virginia Tech entered the game No. 5 in the nation. They would not leave as such. Jamel Riddle's 51- yard punt return for a touchdown on the fourth play of the game set the tone as the Orange jumped out to a 17-0 halftime lead. The Hokies rallied in the 2nd half, cutting the lead to 20-14. Thanks to an SU punt that set the Hokies insider their own ten, the defense forced a safety, killing VT's momentum and ending the comeback. It was SU's first win in Blackburg since 1987and their first road win over a ranked team since 1998.

No. 10 - Syracuse 49, North Carolina 47 3OT (2003)

Syracuse trailed the entire game until :27 left in the fourth when Collin Barbar's FG made it 34-34. Syracuse got the ball first in overtime and scored on Water Reyes' five-yard TD run. North Carolina tied it on Darian Durant's four-yard TD run. In the 2nd overtime, Syracuse had an easy chance to win. UNC had failed to score on their drive and Barber lined up for a 27-yard FG...missing wide left. In the 3rd OT, Walter Reyes took the first hand-off and scampered 25 yards for the TD. Since SU had to go for two, they did and they converted. North Carolina scored on the ensuing drive, setting up a game-tying conversion of their own. Dan Orner's conversion pass failed and the Orange escaped Chapel Hill with a thrilling season-opening victory. Reyes finished with 191 yards and 3 touchdowns on 28 carries.

No. 9 - Syracuse 38, Pitt 31 2OT (2004)

The Orange were trying to keep hopes alive for their first bowl game in three years, Pitt was trying to maintain their place among the Big East leaders. SU led 21-13 at the half but Pitt stormed back ahead for a 24-21 lead late. Collin Barber kicked a 27-yard field goal with 71 seconds left in regulation to send the game into OT. In the first overtime, Tyler Palko hit Joe DelSardo with a 9-yard scoring pass for Pitt, but Perry Patterson tied it for Syracuse on a 3-yard run. With starter Walter Reyes out, Damien Rhodes ran the ball six times in seven plays and set up the Orange TD. On Pitt's possession, linebacker Kellen Pruitt and safety Diamond Ferri stopped RB Raymond Kirkley for no gain on fourth down to preserve the win.

No. 8 - Syracuse 31, West Virginia 27 (2000)

I'll let a West Virginia fan who put this loss in his Top 10 WVU Football Games I Will Never Watch Again explain...

We had it in the bag. 27-24 lead AND the ball. Scott McBrien throws a costly interception with less than 3 minutes to go, Syracuse drives all the way down the field and scores the winning TD with 10 seconds left. I broke my stadium seat afterwards. To top the evening's festivities off perfectly, Coach Nehlen announces his retirement after the game. Not a good day in Touchdown City. 31-27 Syracuse

Anytime you can win the Schwartzwalder Trophy on a late score AND cause your rivals' longtime head coach to retire, that's a good win.

No. 7 - Syracuse 38, Notre Dame 12 (2003)

There was really nothing at stake for the 5-6 Orange when they took on the 5-6 Irish in the final game of 2003. Even though a sixth win would have made them bowl eligible, they were not expected to go to one. The Irish however would have most certainly gone to a bowl game with the victory. A win for the Irish also would have strengthened the S.O.S. for USC, who was locked in a three-team battle with LSU and Oklahoma for a top spot in the BCS. In front of a national audience, the Orange shut down RB Julius Jones and dominated the heavily-favored Irish from start to finish. The SU win guaranteed Notre Dame's third losing season in five years, might have very well saved Paul Pasqualoni's job and influenced the way the national title picture played out.

No. 6 - Syracuse 37, Northwestern 34 (2009)

The Doug Marrone Era was moving in the right direction two games into its inaugural season. Thanks to a close loss to Minnesota and a well-played game against a superior Penn State, it was evident that the Orange were improved. But they lacked that one thing that they could point to as tangible evidence of improvement...a win. That changed when the Northwestern Wildcats came to town. Having defeated the Orange a year earlier, there was little reason to think they couldn't do it again. But this wasn't the same SU team and they proved it right away, jumping out to a 17-0 first quarter lead. The Wildcats responded however and the Orange lead evaporated to 24-21 at the half. Back and forth the two teams went in the 2nd half, trading leads and scores. Finally, the Orange had the ball with seconds remaining and the score tied 34-34. Walk-on freshman Ryan Lichtenstein walked on to the field to attempt a 41-yard FG as time expired. He did not disappoint:

The Orange won the game and instilled within themselves and their fanbase proof that the Doug Marrone Era would be so much better than the one that preceded it.

No. 5 - Syracuse 24, Notre Dame 23 (2008)

Once again with nothing on the line, the 19.5-point underdog Orange stepped up to play a Notre Dame team desperately in need of a victory. And once again, Syracuse stepped up to the challenge. Perhaps in tribute to lame duck coach Greg Robinson, the Orange played their best game of the season. Led by Cam Dantley, son of Notre Dame great Adrian Dantley, the offense rallied from a 23-10 deficit in the 4th quarter. SU fans were officially introduced to RB Antwon Bailey who ripped off 126 yards and a TD while Arthur Jones anchored the defense with 15 tackles. Note Dame had a chance to win the game as time expired but Brandon Walker's 53-yard kick fell short and the Orange once again upset the Irish on national television.

No. 4 - Syracuse 31, Rutgers 13 (2009)

It wasn't that long ago that a 31-13 win over Rutgers would have been commonplace. In fact, that might have been considered a close game between the two before the mid-2000's, when Rutgers wrested control of the series and tri-state area recruiting from the Orange for the first time. So it was with particular delight that the Orange dominated the Scarlet Knights for the first time in a long time. The win didn't do much for the Orange in the short-term but the long-term effects could be enormous. Much in the same way Rutgers used wins over SU to catapult their position in the Northeastern recruiting war, this win could have a similar effect in reversing that trend. One also gets the distinct feeling that a strong rivalry between the two programs may have just begun.

No. 3 - Syracuse 43, Boston College 17 (2004)

It's odd to see a blowout win among the best wins of the decade when so many of them came in overtime on at the last-second. But it's hard to argue that Syracuse's depantsing of BC in 2004 was one of the most satisfying wins in SU history.

The Eagles were about to leave the Big East, but not before winning the out-right conference crown. All that stood between them and the BCS bid was a 5-6 Syracuse squad. Damien Rhodes scampered for a 69-yard TD but the hero of the day was Diamond Ferri. Due to injuries, Ferri played not only his usual safety spot but also returned kicked and rushed on offense. The result? He rushed 28 times for 141 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned an interception for a score in the fourth quarter to seal the 43-17 victory. With the win, SU ruined Boston College's chances of a BCS bid or outright Big East title all while gaining a share of the conference crown and becoming bowl eligible themselves.

No. 2 - Syracuse 37, Louisville 34 (2007)

36.5 points. That's how much Louisville was favored by when the lowly Orange came to Papa Johns Stadium that day. So you can imagine it was a bit of a shock when SU QB Andrew Robinson hit Taj Smith for a 79-yard touchdown on the first play of the game. It set the tone for one of the most shocking first half performances in SU history. The Orange led throughout behind Robinson, who threw for a career-high 423 yards and tied a school record with four touchdowns. Louisville began to chip back into the lead in the second half, thanks to two SU turnovers. The comeback fell short and the Orange made national headlines with the upset. For a brief moment, the Big East bottom-dweller was a real football program again.

No. 1 - Syracuse 50, Virginia Tech 42 3OT (2002)

Coming off their upset of the highly-ranked Hokies the year prior, it was too much to ask of the Orange to do it again. But in a game that featured 1,163 yards of total offense, including 907 yards passing, Syracuse did it anyway.

VT jumped out to an early 14-3 lead but the Orange chipped away and kept the rest of the game close. The fourth quarter featured 27 points, a lead change and two ties With the score tied 35-35, Virginia Tech missed a game-winning FG late and the Orange took a knee into overtime.

In the first OT period, neither team was able to score. VT missed another FG and Troy Nunes was intercepted in the endzone. In the second OT, VT got on the board first but Nunes recovered to throw a TD pass, sending the game into a third OT. In it, Damien Rhodes scored the go-ahead TD and mandatory 2-point conversion. Syracuse safety Maurice McClain intercepted a Bryan Randall pass in the endzone, clinching the win for the Orange in front of the home crowd, which stormed the field afterward.

Through The Statistical Looking Glass - Syracuse QBs In The Aughts

Sean Keeley — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:17:17 -0000

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How many more times will Syracuse football be played in the 00's? None. None more times. Therefore, it's officially time to arbitrarily begin comparing and contrasting the various players and statistics from the last ten years in order to come up with argumentative lists that validate the importance of why we care in the first place.

Whew.

Over the next couple days I'm going to throw out some breakdowns from the key positions from The Syracuse Football Decade That Shall Not Be Named. Then we'll get into some of the bests and worsts of the last ten years. To start off slow before we get into the opinions, let's look at the cold, hard facts...starting with the QBs.

Thought it would be interesting to look at the top five Syracuse QBs overall from the decade (which is pretty much all of them) and then break out the top five statistical seasons therein. Perhaps there's a surprise or two in there? Eh...probably not. But let's look anyway. First up, the Top Five Overall Syracuse QBs from the Aughts! (Note: only seasons within 2000-2009 were counted, sorry Troy!)

Quarterback	Comps	Atts	Yards	Pass TDs	INTs	Rush TDs
Perry Patterson ('04 - '06)	456	862	5,160	25	25	6
R.J. Anderson ('00 - '03)	358	679	4,698	21	23	13
Troy Nunes ('00 - '02)	267	457	3,347	21	27	3
Andrew Robinson ('06 - '08)	175	345	2,344	14	11	0
Greg Paulus ('09)	193	285	2,025	13	14	1

You could probably argue that R.J. deserves to on the top of the list given his rushing prowess and the fact that he competed directly with Nunes during that time. But I'm giving it to Perry based on his overall passing numbers just being a little bit better in every category. And yes, Cam Dantley had a much better TD/INT ratio that Paulus but when you factor in Paulus' completion percentage and yardage, he gets the nod. Not bad for one season of work.

Take from this what you will...Ryan Nassib came in 7th.

Now, onto the Top Five Syracuse QB Single-Season Performances...(Again, apologies to Troy Nunes, who had his best statistical season in 1999).

Quarterback	Comp	Att	Yards	Pass TDs	INTs	Rush TDs
R.J. Anderson, 2003	186	310	2,164	10	8	5
Greg Paulus, 2009	193	285	2,205	13	14	1
Andrew Robinson, 2007	154	292	2,192	13	7	0
Perry Patterson, 2006	158	300	1,865	12	4	0
Perry Patterson, 2004	168	289	1,851	7	10	3

Trying to pick that fifth one was like picking the leastest of two evils. Cam Dantley had a much better TD/INT ratio in 2008 (11/5) but, having followed last season so closely, I couldn't bring myself to put that in over a 2004 when at least Patterson did well enough to lead the Orange to a bowl.

Picking Anderson's 2003 season over Paulus's 2009 was tough. Paulus set all sorts of single-season records. But those INTs really stand out. And Anderson added much more the game on the ground that season. I think what he lacked on a slightly less efficient passing attack he makes up for in scoring.

How'd I do?

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

Honoring Seniors & Freshmen Alike

Sean Keeley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:19:39 -0000

via media.syracuse.com

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12-34

That's the W-L record the graduating four-year seniors on the Syracuse football team. If they're a fifth-year senior, that record balloons to 13-44. Not exactly the record of excellence, or even mediocrity, they were expecting when they decided to play football at Syracuse. By all accounts, folks expect Syracuse to improve over the next few years. That means that this class and the one that preceded it will be intrinsically linked with SU's point in the modern era. Sorry about that, guys.

Assuming they are four-year players, they will have never beaten Pittsburgh, West Virginia, South Florida or Cincinnati. A loss this weekend will add Rutgers to that list as well. If these guys needed any extra incentive to play, the threat of being a class that never defeated Rutgers should be extremely present in their minds as they practice.

As far as who will be honored this weekend, it's slightly unclear exactly who should actually be honored and who shouldn't. The folks who will hear their names called include:

Ryan Bartholomew, Tucker Baumbach, Cam Dantley, Donte Davis, Arthur Jones, Max Leo, Lavar Lobdell, Jim McKenzie, Mike Owen, Greg Paulus, Dalton Phillips, Andrew Robinson, Nico Scott, Derrell Smith and Mike Stenclik

Now, six of those players have another year of eligibility (a confusing situation that stems from Coach Marrone's decision to switch the designation from actual year rather than eligibility year).

And then there's Delone Carter, Anthony Perkins and Andrew Lewis, all of whom are listed as seniors but will not walk as they have another year of eligibility as well.

Whatever, as long as everyone actually makes it to the game without getting injured, they can be whatever they want.

It's not just about the seniors on Saturday. It's also a time to look to the future of Syracuse football. A future that looks bright when you notice two freshmen who have stepped up their game so much, so fast. The Thomases...Philip and SHAMARKO.

Both Thomases started for Syracuse last week in the Orange’s 10-9 Big East Conference loss at Louisville. Shamarko Thomas started at strong safety. Phillip Thomas started at cornerback.

Injuries played a part in their quick ascension but both have played as well as true freshmen defensive backs can be asked to play. Besides, we shouldn't be surprised. They certainly weren't.

"I’m a hard worker," said Shamarko Thomas. "I push. I push hard. I’m fast. I come to deliver hits and I’m a play-maker."

"I feel like a sophomore or even better," said Phillip Thomas. "I’ve gotten more playing time as a freshman. I feel like I’ve graduated from a freshman."

SHAMARKO comes to deliver hits. He leaves having delivered them.

Syracuse football is in rough shape. The graduating seniors had about as tough a situation as one could walk into in college. But they leave the groundwork for The Thomases, the other freshmen and the incoming players to build in.

"All the freshmen, we’re tight," said Phillip Thomas. "This program is going to be better. We’re going to have more winning seasons and be in bowl contention."

"This freshman class and the other freshmen that are coming in, we’re going to change the whole program," said Shamarko Thomas. "We’re going to start winning more games."

As Far As Doug Marrone Is Concerned, Greg Robinson Doesn't Exist

Sean Keeley — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:18:17 -0000

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If Greg Robinson's existence became an issue for the legal system and Doug Marrone was called to the stand and asked to verify if Greg was actually Syracuse's football coach in the four years previous to his arrival, Doug would politely yet tersely say, "I have no recollection of that, Senator." Hopefully there would be a Senator present.

Syracuse has lost seven straight to West Virginia, including last year's game in which Noel Devine led a late charge to secure a 17-6 Mountaineer win. But when asked about his feelings on last year's game before he was coach at Syracuse, Doug Marrone has no idea what the hell you're talking about.

"I watched this year's games. I'm sorry. I didn't watch last year's games."

Lucky him. A lot of Syracuse players know what it's like to lose to West Virginia and they're sick and tired of it, like former starting QB Cam Dantley:

"Opportunities like that," Dantley said, "we were real close at the end, it kind of sticks in your gut for awhile just knowing, hey, we could have got that win, especially in a rivalry like West Virginia and being the underdog like we were."

Speaking of Cam, he's talking for the first time about what's it's like to be low man on the QB totem pole after being the team's starter for most of the last year.

SU Senior Quarterback Cameron Dantley

Greg Paulus might not have been here for any of the previous losses to West Virginia but he knows the pain of losing to the Mountaineers in a big game.

In 2008, the West Virginia basketball team upset Duke and Paulus 73-67 in the NCAA basketball tournament. On one side, you had McDonald's All-American blue bloods. On the other, you had, well, the Mountaineers.

There was quite a bit of mocking the Blue Devils by the Mountaineers after the game including a memorable lilne by West Virginia reserve Cam Thoroughman. He asked if Duke point guard Greg Paulus was one of the eight McDonald’s all-Americans on the Blue Devils team just ousted from the tournament. When told yes, Thoroughman said: "Oh my God. Are you kidding?"

Revenge is a dish best served cold, Gregory.

Finally, the tight end situation has become a bit of a concern for Syracuse recently. With so many TEs injured, Coach Marrone is going to have to think outside the box on this one. He's holding an open audition of sorts as multiple players on the team are getting looks at the spot. Marrone declined to say who might play the "U" position or even which players are practicing there, though there are some obvious options to start with:

In addition to senior co-captain Mike Owen, the tight end pool is left with former starting quarterback Andrew Robinson, former fullback Carl Cutler and walk-on Thomas Trendowski of Westhill High School in Syracuse. Robinson has a hand injury and is playing with a cast. Marrone said Robinson will be able to play against West Virginia on Saturday if called upon.

For The Depth Charts, They Are A Changing

Sean Keeley — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:36:52 -0000

The official-ish Syracuse football depth chart is sorted and it looks, well, like a completely different team than the one we started with four months ago.*

Position	Pre-Spring	Post-Spring	Regular Season
QB	Cameron Dantley	Ryan Nassib	Greg Paulus
RB	Delone Carter	Antwon Bailey	Delone Carter
FB	Carl Cutler	Daniel Collier	N/A
WR	Mike Williams	Mike Williams	Mike Williams
WR	Lavar Lobdell	Marcus Sales	Marcus Sales
WR	Donte Davis	Donte Davis	Alec Lemon
LT	Jonathan Meldrum	Nick Speller	Nick Speller
LG	Ryan Bartholomew	Ryan Bartholomew	Ryan Bartholomew
C	Jim McKenzie	Jim McKenzie	Jim McKenzie
RG	Nick Allport	Adam Rosner	Tucker Baunbach
RT	Tucker Baumbach	Tucker Baumbach	Jonathan Meldrum
TE	Mike Owen	Mike Owen	Mike Owen
TE	Nick Provo	Nick Provo	Nick Provo
DE	Jared Kimmel	Jared Kimmel	Mikhail Marinovich
DE	Mikhail Marinovich	Chandler Jones	Chandler Jones
NT	Arthur Jones	Arthur Jones	Arthur Jones
DT	Andrew Lewis	Andrew Lewis	Andrew Lewis
SLB	Derrell Smith	Doug Hogue	Doug Hogue
MLB	Mike Mele	Derrell Smith	Derrell Smith
WLB	Parker Cantey	Derek Hines	Ryan Gillum
CB	Kevyn Scott	Kevyn Scott	Kevyn Scott
CB	Nico Scott	Nico Scott	Nico Scott
SS	Max Suter	Max Suter	Max Suter
FS	Mike Holmes	Mike Holmes	Mike Holmes
K	Austin Wallis	Shane Raupers	Ryan Lichtenstein
P	Rob Long	Rob Long	Rob Long
LS	Max Leo	Dalton Phillips	Max Leo

*Final depth chart not 100% street legal but based on Marrone's admissions and what we've seen.

Fullbacks? We don't need no stinkin' fullbacks. With the two who were slotted into the spot now gone and the only active one on the roster a walk-on (Robert Nieves), it looks like the TEs, of which there are a plethora, will split into that spot. Expect to see Provo and Catalina get some looks here or in an H-back set.
The most consistent unit of the off-season? The defensive backfield. Go figure.
The least consistent unit of the off-season? The defensive line. Go figure.
Sir Alec Lemon. Welcome to the front line. We look forward to the many headlines that include the phrase "A Twist of Lemon" that you will initiate.
Candidate for least-appreciated Orangeman to date? Andrew Lewis. Quietly a starter the entire off-season and I don't think anyone's ever mentioned him.
LICHTENSTEIN!
Didn't include here but the official PR is Donte Davis and Mike Jones is your KR du jour.

Update: Donnie's article is up and he's all over this Lemon-Drop into the depth chart (sorry).

"He's proven he can do it in practice. He's been very consistent. He's caught the ball over 90 percent of the time. Everybody knows that we chart everything we do in practice. He's shown that he can go over the middle, can make the tough catches, can do a lot of different things. But now, it's a different evaluation. Until you see them do it live in a game, that's the big test. That's what's next for Alec Lemon. But he's passed everyone so far."

Pat Forde Makes Points By Not Making Any Point At All

Sean Keeley — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:20:59 -0000

Via the Three Idiots, who got it from Brian Bennett, here's a video of Pat Forde criticizing the Syracuse quarterback situation.

NOW, I get why people think the Greg Paulus news is a bad sign. Strip away the loyalties and the numbers and the names and it's a guy who hasn't played QB for four years suddenly starting. That don't sound good.

But here's where Pat Forde's logic goes off the cliff and confirms that he probably doesn't actually know what the hell he's talking about. (Plus, he's clearly just reading facts and figures off a sheet):

...Unless the former Duke point guard is unbelievably talented, Jay, the fact that he just strapped on a football helmet for the first time since 2004 and become the starter already is a complete indictment of the other Orange quarterbacks...

Um...I guess. If you're working under the assumption that the other four quarterbacks on our roster are far superior and clearly head and shoulders above him in skill, aptitude and ability. Which none of them are as far as we can tell. Hence the need to offer Paulus a scholarship in the first place. Does that make sense, Pat? You with me so far?

In other words, the offensive ineptitude that was the hallmark of the Greg Robinson Era appears likely to continue under Doug Marrone, the new coach.

Again, you're saying that as if Syracuse was on pace to score 40 points a game with Ryan Nassib under center. Wake up Pat, they're going to struggle no matter who is back there, be it Greg Paulus, Ryan Nassib or Triumph The Insult Comic Dog. Where you not aware of this before Tuesday?

Syracuse failed to score 20 points thirty-two times in Robinson's 47 games. Now you have to wonder if it's going to be more of the same.

#1, stop just reading press notes and actually give us interesting insight and opinion. #2, NOW you have to wonder if it's going to be more of the same? NOW you have to wonder? WHEN WEREN'T YOU WONDERING?!?!

The irony here is that among the quarterbacks that Paulus beat out is another one with basketball blood, Cameron Dantley, the son of Notre Dame great Andrian Dantley.

Pat, the definition of irony is "a literary or rhetorical device, in which there is an incongruity or discordance between what one says or does and what one means or what is generally understood." What you just stated is not ironic. What IS ironic is that you went with that boilerplate, uninteresting piece of information instead of pointing out that Cam Dantley was the starting quarterback last season and the fact that Greg Paulus easily supplanted him would actually add credence to your initial point about the state of the Syracuse quarterback position. I'm here to help, Pat.

Pat apparently has been living in a world where Syracuse, with Ryan Nassib at QB, was going to finish 10-2, win the Big East and defeat USC in the Rose Bowl. Now, because of that jerk Paulus, we're back to square one. I would like to live in that world, Pat. Where's the time portal?

Two of those five sentences didn't actually have anything to do with Greg Paulus or the point that Greg Paulus' ascension to starting quarterback is a bad thing. So what did we just learn? NOTHING. But ESPN got to kill :60, so that's a win.

I do like the host's response to Pat's diatribe.

"Interesting stuff"

Actually, no.

The Rejuvenation Begins: Syracuse Preseason Camp - August 17th

Sean Keeley — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:04:55 -0000

Bart Simpson's ballet teacher once said to him, "So, he has fire in the belly! But it will take more than bellyfire to be the next Baryshnikov." In the case of Syracuse football, bellyfire (and as we will see, bellyfat) is only going to take them so far. Performances like the one they gave the fans on Friday just aren't going to cut it if they hope to regain their place as the Baryshnikov of Big East football:

Whether it was dealing with the loss of another linebacker, some anxiety of practicing in front of fans, the freedom of escaping the Carrier Dome for the first time or the unrelenting summer sun, the Syracuse University football team had a tough practice on Friday.

"The thing I'm struggling with right now, and I told this team (after practice)," Marrone said, "for four days, we came out here and we ran well, we ran around to the football, we were aggressive. I thought we were ready to come out here and really, come out and get after each other. And we didn't do that.

Football is for the strong, the fierce, the determined, but for the sissies, never! Now, put on this fuchiatard: you are a faerie.

The team won't have time to dilly-dally anymore however. Two-a-days start today! Let the vomiting begin!

The quarterbacks will be ready, though even now the separation is becoming clearer and clearer. The steely gaze of Greg Paulus is standing out. And as for Cam Dantley, he's standing...somewhere around here.

Quarterback Greg Paulus looked Spence in the eyes every time he receive personal instruction. Former starting quarterback Cameron Dantley worked on the end and seemed distant, if not out of the picture

Poor Cam. He got a taste. But the forbidden fruit was pulled back. Damn you, vile temptress called football.

As for some of the players on hand, freshman Shaune Raupers is quickly settled into his role as the master of the kicking team. With no other scholarship placekickers on the roster, it's his job to lose...and even then he still might get stuck with it. He's doing just fine with that pressure, according to Bob Casullo:

"The thing that impresses you most about him is his determination to develop into a premier Division I place kicker," said Syracuse assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Bob Casullo..."He will be given every opportunity to succeed. He also understands that we are not going to stand pat at the position. Like every other position we are going to actively recruit the best kicker available every year, just like we will at every other position."

That brings us to another new player, JuCo transfer Andrew Tiller who, despite his keen fashion sense, has been unable to hide a little something creeping out from around his stomach-area. Despite claiming to be in the 360-range, most are pegging Tiller at something closer to 400. And his recent BMI measurement doesn't bode well in the health department either:

A normal BMI for his height is 18.5-24.9. Anything over 30 is defined as obesity. Tiller's BMI was 47.4, the product he says of three months of idleness following off-season surgery to correct an ankle injury.

Sweet Jesus. Seems like everyone's in a rush to paint a good picture on Tiller's tummy. Donnie says that the weight is evenly distributed and he's got the muscles to back up his size. Jim McKenzie says most 400-pounders he's met have a gut hanging over their belt, but not Tiller. Though if I'm not mistaken, that's a gut hanging over his belt.

I'm not trying to go the easy road with fat jokes. I'm just saying there's a line between being a big hogmolly and being too big for anyone's good, especially your own. Hopefully Tiller keeps working on converting some of that weight into muscle. Tiller's goal is to get down to 350. Good.

Everything You Need To Know About The Syracuse QB Situation In One Photograph

Sean Keeley — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:48:19 -0000

View full size photo »

On the left, walk-on James Jarrett (#16), Ryan Nassib (#12) and Cam Dantley (#4), all frowning because they know none of them will step on the field this season.

In the center, Offensive Coordinator Rob Spence practically trust-falling into Greg Paulus. You could almost say Spence is looking for Paulus to "prop him up" or "carry him" through the season. Even his head is tilted towards Paulus in an unconscious way of saying "this guy over here...this is the guy." Where is the TNIAAM body-language expert when I need her?

On the right, Greg Paulus (#2), the only player smiling and doing so like a retarded foreign cousin* ("America!"). Next to him, Ridiculously Good-Looking Charley Loeb (#17) looking, uh, ridiculously good-looking. Ladies of Syracuse University, have at it. Fathers of Ladies of Syracuse University, my deepest sympathies.

*H/T: David Cross

Godspeedlinks

Sean Keeley — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:12:11 -0000

Impressions of the Syracuse University football players who departed - Orange Football Blog
Dave Rahme offers his impressions of some of the Syracuse players who have departed.

Three Idiots on Sports: Godspeed Chaz
The Idiots just can't quite Chad Cervino

The Grand National Championships: It's time to start loving College Football again...
You know what? The team that generated three wins on little more than grit and spit is actually going to have a playmaker or two on offense. Delone Carter and Mike Williams missed last season. And with Cameron Dantley, the Cuse actually have a Big East talent level of triplets. It's not enough yet, but it's a start. (Don't tell him Cam isn't going to play)

Kings add more pre-draft workouts including some big names - Examiner.com
Jonny Flynn works out for the Kings, who have the 4th pick.

Orange Fizz: D.A.'s Syracuse Sports Blog.
Keep an eye out for class of 2010 QB Terrance Moore, who is considering SU amongst other schools.

Getting to Know: New Mexico, Syracuse and Tulane " Scott & Holman
A concise Syracuse football preview.

Ranking the Big East nonconference schedules - ESPN
It's time to rate the Big East's nonconference schedules, which is of course the only part of the slate that the schools control. Guess which school has the toughest one?

Pilon, Morant, Ferri in CFL camps - Orange Football Blog
Former SU players currently in the CFL training camps include Diamond Ferri and Johnnie Morant.

Reynolds will return to 'Nova for senior season - FOX Sports on MSN
Scottie F***ing Reynolds.

UCONN Football - University of Connecticut Official Athletic Site
UConn unveils new unis. Contrary to rumor, they're not prison issue.