SB Nation - Delone Carter

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

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

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."

Saturday NFL Draft watch notes

Mocking Dan — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:59:19 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

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• The Clemson/South Carolina game features two of the best 3-4 outside linebacker prospects in Ricky Sapp (Clemson) and Eric Norwood (South Carolina). Both are seniors and having good seasons. Norwood might be the most-ready college player for a 3-4 outside linebacker spot, but Sapp's physical tools give him more upside.

• The North Carolina/North Carolina State game also features top 3-4 linebacker prospects in junior Bruce Carter (North Carolina) and senior Willie Young (NC State). Quietly, Young is putting together a solid year with 12 tackles for a loss and eight sacks. Carter is much stronger and is good at handling the run and the pass.

As mentioned previously here at MTD, North Carolina has perhaps the best group of junior talent on defense in the nation. Tackle Marvin Austin is full of athleticism. His numbers may be down, but he consistently faces double teams. Middle linebacker Quan Sturdivant leads the team in tackles with 71 and an impressive 12 tackles for loss. Strong safety Deunta Williams is a big hitter with six interceptions. Cornerback Kendric Burney might be short, but he's a playmaker.

• The key players in the Wake Forest/Duke game are interior defensive linemen. Wake's Boo Robinson is an underrated pocket pusher and Duke's Vince Oghobaase is incredibly athletic.

• Syracuse running back Delone Carter has injury problems throughout his career, but he's been a solid player this season. He's only a junior, but someone to keep an eye on. In the last three weeks, he's rushed for 339 yards and two scores.

• While teammate Carlos Dunlap has had a very disappointing season, Jermaine Cunningham has shown to be a solid contributor. He might not be a starter at the next level, but he can be a solid contributing backup because he can get after the passer and is decent against the run.

• Ole Miss running back/wide receiver Dexter McCluster has been one of the most buzzy-worthy player the last two weeks. Against Tennessee and LSU, he rushed for a combined 430 yards and four touchdowns. He's very undersized, but could be the next Darren Sproles.

• The LSU defense has plenty of NFL players, so it will be one of the biggest challenges Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett faces all season. Third nationally in pass efficiency, Mallett has 3,195 yards passing and 28 touchdowns this season. The redshirt sophomore seems ready for the NFL right now. A big game against the Tigers today, and maybe he should enter.

• Hey, remember Eric Berry? You know, the Tennessee safety. One of the best players in the nation? His pass defense numbers – two interceptions, six pass breakups – might be down this year, but he's played more against the run. This is just a friendly reminder that the junior is still one of the top five players in the nation.

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

29 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.

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."

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.

Syracuse-Louisville Postmortem

Sean Keeley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:04:49 -0000

More photos » by Garry Jones - AP

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Let the throwing up inside of the mouth commence...

Syracuse University football team finds it's lonely at the bottom...Donnie Webb

"It hurts. That’s all I can say, really," said Syracuse tailback Delone Carter, who rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown in defeat. "We had it. We had it in the bag and it slipped away, slipped away from us."

Notebook: Punchless Syracuse offense has lost its way to the end zone...Donnie Webb

The Orange scored one touchdown in defeat. It has scored one touchdown in each of its last three Big East Conference games – all defeats. Of the team’s 23 total touchdowns this season, just seven of them have been in conference games.

Given a second chance, Louisville's Guy is the guy in victory over Syracuse University football team...Dave Rahme

SU-Louisville Recap...Brent Axe

Sad and surreal is about the best way you can describe the special teams effort by this team on this day. Ryan Lichtenstein did hit a 42-yard field goal, so they got that going for them, but that was the only thing that went right on this day for Bob Casullo's unit.

HOPELESS: Syracuse eliminated from bowl contention after heartbreaking loss to Louisville...Matt Ehalt

Next two games prove Syracuse's character...Matt Ehalt

A lifeless effort the next two weeks against two beatable teams will show this team to be a fraud, a team that will go against everything head coach Doug Marrone is trying to stand for in this program. It will be as if Louisville's little love tap of a blow was like Rocky hitting Ivan Drago with the left in "Rocky IV."

If this team fights, though, we'll see the true grit of this team. We'll see a team that hasn't quit on this season even with the goal lost. A team that has bought into Marrone's philosophy and is fighting hard for its coach, even with no reward at the end of the season.

Poor special teams play dooms Syracuse in loss...Matt Ehalt

"I'm going to go back to the same point. We don't have a lot of players on this team," said Marrone, the Syracuse head coach. "That's not going to be a problem in the future. When you have depth issues, it's going to affect special teams before it affects anything else."

Syracuse Football is Not Fun...Three Idiots on Sports

I usually post some observations after every game, but for this one, I'm gonna take a pass. There's nothing new to observe anyway - the offense is conservative and toothless, the special teams are increasingly inept, the O-line isn't very good, the receivers without Mike Williams are bad, Paulus is Paulus, Delone Carter runs hard, and the defense is better, but still struggles against the pass. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Monday Morning QB - 11/16/09...Orange44

I think it’s time to give the ball to Ryan Nassib and give him the vast majority of the snaps. Whether he’s the guy next year or whether it’s Charley Loeb, Ryan needs to get as much experience as he can right now. Charley obviously won’t be getting that, due to the red shirt, but it’s important for Ryan to get more experience. Quite frankly, I’m really anxious to see Charley Loeb play, and I’m curious as to how he’s been looking in practice.

Audio Slideshow: Orange football team in the deep end of the pool...Donnie Webb

Two roasts and one toast on the menu for Syracuse University football team...Dave Rahme

Had the Orange prevented Guy’s 44-yard punt return from his 11 to the SU 45 with 3:12 left it was unlikely the Cards would have pushed in the go-ahead score. They had 106 yards of offense at that point and no timeouts left. Instead, the big special-teams play supplied CPR to Louisville’s lifeless offense and set the stage for SU’s demise.

What we learned in the Big East, Week 11...Brian Bennett

It's hard to argue against the notion that the Orange have made significant improvements from the Greg Robinson era. But they're going to end up with a Greg Robinson record. Given all the roster depletion, Saturday's game at Louisville represented the last realistic shot at a victory for Syracuse, which missed an extra point and threw an interception in the final minute to lose 10-9. That means the Orange will almost certainly finish with the same 3-9 record as last year. Though Doug Marrone has done a lot of good things, this shows that it's not easy to rebuild a broken program overnight.

Kragthorpe'd: Louisville 10, Syracuse 9

Sean Keeley — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:33:08 -0000

More photos » by Ed Reinke - AP

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Well, that sucked.

The Big East Game of the Week "Play of the Game" was Trent Guy's 95-yard punt return for a touchdown. The odd things was, that play was nullified by a replay that showed Guy's knee down at his own 5. The Play of the Game was a play that didn't even happen.

That about sums it up.

In a game that featured a scoreless first half that rivaled the worst halves of college football ever played, the Orange took a 9-3 lead late in the fourth quarter. Bad clock management and poor special teams play, capped by the decision to punt to Guy again (he returned the ball 44 yards), led to Louisville's first TD of the day, good enough to win the game 10-9. The difference was a blocked SU extra point.

Delone Carter played great. The defense held its own. The passing game was nonexistent. Syracuse gave up a ton of turnovers. I write the same four sentences each week. And I just wrote them again.

The Quest for Toronto is null. Our best chance to win a Big East game is gone. And we just lost to lame duck Steve Kragthorpe. Syracuse football has seen better days.

Discuss...

Syracuse vs. Louisville Predictions

Sean Keeley — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:50:00 -0000

More photos » by Colin E. Braley - AP

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Brian over at Orange44 gets us rolling with a positive prediction.

I’m saying this; Syracuse should win this game despite being a shell of its former team just mere weeks ago. Syracuse is just north of Louisville in terms of offensive talent. Additionally, Syracuse is currently better at the quarterback position, even though it is a close race. That is also knowing that Greg Paulus and Ryan Nassib will split time. It would seem to be that Louisville’s rookie quarterback is just too inconsistent to be able to exploit the sub-par secondary of Syracuse. Therefore, if Syracuse can stop giving up too much through the air via the long ball, Syracuse should win the game. Syracuse over Louisville yet again 24 to 17.

Russionator paints this one in a much more painful, Colts-Jets-In-The-80's-Kinda-Way.

This game is not going to be pretty, and outside of small pockets in Kentucky and Central New York, it isn't going to be watched. For Steve Kragthorpe there are two positives, his wily silver-haired nemesis Greg Robinson is gone and his team is at home. That's enough for Steve to get his first - and most likely last - win versus the Orange. Final Score: Louisville 6, Syracuse 3

Brian Bennett at ESPN sees Kraggers eeking out the moral victory as well:

Louisville 17, Syracuse 14: For most of the year, I would have said Syracuse was the better team and would beat Louisville for a third straight year. But given all of the Orange's roster depletions -- losing start defensive tackle Arthur Jones was the latest blow -- I have to give the edge now to the Cardinals, who pushed West Virginia to the wire last week on the road. This won't be a pretty game or one that many people will want to watch, but it could be the last chance for an '09 victory for either school.

Me? I refuse. REFUSE. To live in a world where a Steve Kragthorpe-coached team beats Syracuse. I will not allow it. And I sent my good intentions out into the universe so that they may be converted into positive energy that the Syracuse football team can use to defeat Louisville. Besides, it's not like any Louisville fans will be there to offset it.

It's going to be hard for the Orange to score points from here on out. With no ability to stretch the field the Orange are even more one-dimensional than they were before. That said, Delone Carter is in a zone and SU will ride his musculature all day long (nh). Greg Paulus has a chance to really settle in and, God willing, avoid mistakes. And Ryan Lichtenstein! is ready, willing and able to kick that ball through the uprights when the Orange are unable to close the deal.

THE QUEST FOR TORONTO LIVES TO BE QUESTED ANOTHER DAY!

Syracuse 19, Louisville 17

Poll

The outcome of the SU-L'ville game will be...

Syracuse wins by 10+ points

29 votes

Syracuse wins by 1-9 points

61 votes

Louisville wins by 1-9 points

39 votes

Louisville wins by 10+ points

16 votes

145 votes | Poll has closed

Syracuse Tired Of Fightin' The Fight, Prefers To Win The Win

Sean Keeley — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:32:37 -0000

More photos » by Carolyn Kaster - AP

3 months ago: Syracuse coach Doug Marrone, left, talks with players Jonathan Meldrum (73) and Tucker Baumbach (77) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in State College, Pa. Penn State won 28-7. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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We've been hearing it for weeks now from our opponents. "Syracuse plays hard." "They're really playing hard out there." "This is a different team, much more focused." Yeah, well you still beat us with 27 so take your compliments and shove'm up your ass.

Doug Marrone feels just about the same way.

"People say we’re a different team, we’re playing hard...I say hey, let’s be honest here. Of course they’re going to say that, they kicked the (stuffing) out of us. What you want them to do is to start saying bad things about you. When they start saying bad things about you, that means you’re beating them."

Dave Rahme takes a look at how the feisty 2-2 Syracuse Orange of last month became the worned-down 3-6 Syracuse Orange you see before you. Turnovers, explosive plays and personnel loss are the name of the game. Though what about the fact that we've also played some really good teams in that stretch, including two opponents in the top ten? Yeah we need to cut down on the interceptions, but when you're playing the No. 5 team in the nation and you barely have enough guys to form a roster, these things tend to happen.

Doug Marrone refuses to get discouraged. And he refuses to let his players get that way as well:

"We’ve asked a lot of these players. They’ve given us everything they have. It may be the first time they ever have. To be able to go out there and consistently have that mindset and that drive and that pride in the tradition, it takes a while. That’s why I know everything is going the right way even though the record may not indicate that. And that’s why no matter what people think we need to keep pushing to keep this program taking steps forward, knowing that the thing that’s going to turn last is the wins and losses."

For the first time in a while the Orange find a similar opponent staring back at them from across the field. The lowly Louisville Cardinals, basement-mates with SU in the Big East. Rahme breaks down what the Orange need to do in order to get their first Big East win of the season and their third straight over the Cardinals. Of course, some things, like big plays from wide receivers, might be hard to come by:

Want a chilling stat? Williams departed the team with 49 receptions. Despite playing two fewer games than the rest of SU’s receivers, he has a 30-catch gap on the rest of SU’s wideouts. None of them has caught a pass for more than 24 yards, evidence that the Orange can no longer stretch the field vertically.

Some other things to look for on Saturday...

Delone Carter is going for his third 100-yard+ game in the last four tries. He for 723 yards on the season so far.
Greg Paulus continues his assault on the SU passing efficiency mark. He has completed 144-of-221 passes (65.2 percent) through nine games, which is the best single-season performance in Syracuse history. Which sounds even crazier when you mention he's also not too far from the interception record as well.
Mike Williams has the chance to start a new consecutive-games-with-catch streak. Let's see how he does...