Remember when you were unhappy with this? You didn't know unhappy.It’s Tuesday, which means it is again time for Sean from Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician to ask me questions and my turn to answer them. Today, I talk about the Pittsburgh v. Syracuse game and the fallout therein, the entire Lloyd Carr situation, a little basketball news, and those pesky UConn Huskies. Check out the article right here.
Labels: Basketball, Big East, Football, Nunes/Magician
| Rank | Team | Delta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma |  2 |
| 2 | LSU | 3 |
| 3 | Alabama | 9 |
| 4 | Texas | 2 |
| 5 | Missouri | 2 |
| 6 | Texas Tech | 2 |
| 7 | Brigham Young | 3 |
| 8 | Penn State | 3 |
| 9 | Southern Cal |  8 |
| 10 | Georgia | 8 |
| 11 | South Florida | 2 |
| 12 | Auburn | 3 |
| 13 | Florida | 9 |
| 14 | Ohio State | 3 |
| 15 | Oregon | 5 |
| 16 | Utah | 5 |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 8 |
| 18 | Kansas | 1 |
| 19 | Fresno State | 4 |
| 20 | Illinois | 2 |
| 21 | Vanderbilt | 3 |
| 22 | Virginia Tech | 4 |
| 23 | Boise State | 3 |
| 24 | Oklahoma State | 2 |
| 25 | Wake Forest | 11 |
Dropped Out: East Carolina (#16), Clemson (#18), TCU (#25).
*East Carolina, Clemson, and TCU drop out after their losses. Wake Forrest fell quite a bit but I feel like they still belong on the poll.
*Connecticut is still not being included despite being 5-0. Beat someone impressive and you'll be put on. Maybe.
*New to my poll is Boise State, Oklahoma State, and Virginia Tech.
*Illinois actually jumps two spots in my poll despite losing to Penn State simply because I believe they are better than the teams below them, as well as playing the far superior Penn State in a very good game.
*I don't think anyone can dispute that Oklahoma, LSU, and Alabama belong in the top three in that order.
*Not so much related to the poll, but if USC wins out and plays in the National Championship, there is something seriously wrong with the process.
*While Penn State was impressive in their game, until BYU loses to someone, they will remain ahead of them.
What do you think?
Pittsburgh - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR 3 Quarters < Entire Game
0 Comments Published on 9.28.2008 by Brian Harrison
Now now, you guys know you still need to tackle right? And I cant fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever.
~Can't Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever.
~Can't Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon
These games are the worst. Hope is a powerful thing. This team continues to make me believe they can turn the season around, only to make me believe even more that this team has earned its only victory of the season. While the team performed admirably for almost three full quarters, which is not the entirety of a game. A college football contest goes four quarters. Some day the coaching staff of Syracuse will understand this, but before then Syracuse lost to Pittsburgh 34 to 24. Now onto the grades.
Offense
B-
The offense did an excellent job of moving the ball and sustaining drives for the majority of the game. Cantley statistically had a nice game (9/17, 137yds, 2 TD, 0 INT), but not a great game. 137 yards is still not a spectacular game. Really, it was the rushing game that opened up some passing for Syracuse. Curtis Brinkley had 119 yards on 16 carries. Although he did not see the end zone, he definitely sustained several drives for the Orange. The offense once again did a fine job the majority of the game. Although the stats would show otherwise (3-9 on 3rd downs, 12 first downs, 263 total yards), I was actually impressed with the offense and the play calling this game. For me, this game is the clearest illustration of the offense doing their job for the majority of the game.
Defense
D+
When it comes to the defense, what can anyone say? Clearly this team’s defense quit after the third quarter. That is still unacceptable, and as I stated from the beginning of the season, it is glaringly apparent that the conditioning of this team is not up to snuff. Clearly this game is evidence that they cannot sustain the intensity of the defense the entire game, which is a huge problem. The team still cannot stop the pass well. They did limit LeSean McCoy to no touchdowns and seemed to stop him at opportune times. However, it was not enough late in the game to prevent them from tying the game and then taking the lead. It was a good effort, but failed to last.
Special Teams
A
How about a kick return touchdown. That right there earns you an A. Once again the special teams showed up and performed, this time beyond expectations. Mike Holmes returned seven kicks for a total of 207 yards, the longest of which was a 90 yard kick return for a touchdown. Max Suter returned one for 20 yards. Patrick “Sex Offender Mustache” Shadle hit one field goal 25 yards out, and hit his three extra point attempts. Rob Long punted four times for a total of 165 yards, two of which were within the 20 yard line. All and all a solid game.
Coaching
C-
I think it is completely unacceptable to allow your team to lose the intensity that it showed all game in the fourth quarter. 100% unacceptable. If Syracuse continued to make plays and sustain drives, as well as stopping Pittsburgh on key third downs, then Syracuse would have been victorious. Robinson just cannot find a way to win. Either way, it was completely ineffective coaching to allow this team to stop working so hard. That is on the coaches.
GPA
C+ (2.56)
While Syracuse played outstandingly the majority of the game, it was not enough for a win. Thus, the worst kind of Syracuse defeat happens. They had the game locked up, and the let the other team march right back into it. For shame.
Syracuse (I suppose luckily) is heading into a Bye Week, therefore the football team will not be in action until the 11th, so we get a reprieve from the misery for a little while. What we will not have a reprieve from is the guessing games that will not stop regarding the coaching change that may or may not happen before the end of the season. After all the hoopla I guess I started on Friday it should be an interesting off week for the ‘Cuse. Stay tuned to Orange::44 for all the MSM/Blogger drama you can stand. After all, we here at Orange::44 specialize in starting shit storms.
Offense
B-
The offense did an excellent job of moving the ball and sustaining drives for the majority of the game. Cantley statistically had a nice game (9/17, 137yds, 2 TD, 0 INT), but not a great game. 137 yards is still not a spectacular game. Really, it was the rushing game that opened up some passing for Syracuse. Curtis Brinkley had 119 yards on 16 carries. Although he did not see the end zone, he definitely sustained several drives for the Orange. The offense once again did a fine job the majority of the game. Although the stats would show otherwise (3-9 on 3rd downs, 12 first downs, 263 total yards), I was actually impressed with the offense and the play calling this game. For me, this game is the clearest illustration of the offense doing their job for the majority of the game.
Defense
D+
When it comes to the defense, what can anyone say? Clearly this team’s defense quit after the third quarter. That is still unacceptable, and as I stated from the beginning of the season, it is glaringly apparent that the conditioning of this team is not up to snuff. Clearly this game is evidence that they cannot sustain the intensity of the defense the entire game, which is a huge problem. The team still cannot stop the pass well. They did limit LeSean McCoy to no touchdowns and seemed to stop him at opportune times. However, it was not enough late in the game to prevent them from tying the game and then taking the lead. It was a good effort, but failed to last.
Special Teams
A
How about a kick return touchdown. That right there earns you an A. Once again the special teams showed up and performed, this time beyond expectations. Mike Holmes returned seven kicks for a total of 207 yards, the longest of which was a 90 yard kick return for a touchdown. Max Suter returned one for 20 yards. Patrick “Sex Offender Mustache” Shadle hit one field goal 25 yards out, and hit his three extra point attempts. Rob Long punted four times for a total of 165 yards, two of which were within the 20 yard line. All and all a solid game.
Coaching
C-
I think it is completely unacceptable to allow your team to lose the intensity that it showed all game in the fourth quarter. 100% unacceptable. If Syracuse continued to make plays and sustain drives, as well as stopping Pittsburgh on key third downs, then Syracuse would have been victorious. Robinson just cannot find a way to win. Either way, it was completely ineffective coaching to allow this team to stop working so hard. That is on the coaches.
GPA
C+ (2.56)
While Syracuse played outstandingly the majority of the game, it was not enough for a win. Thus, the worst kind of Syracuse defeat happens. They had the game locked up, and the let the other team march right back into it. For shame.
Syracuse (I suppose luckily) is heading into a Bye Week, therefore the football team will not be in action until the 11th, so we get a reprieve from the misery for a little while. What we will not have a reprieve from is the guessing games that will not stop regarding the coaching change that may or may not happen before the end of the season. After all the hoopla I guess I started on Friday it should be an interesting off week for the ‘Cuse. Stay tuned to Orange::44 for all the MSM/Blogger drama you can stand. After all, we here at Orange::44 specialize in starting shit storms.
An Open Letter To Donnie Web and Orange::44 Readers
20 Comments Published on 9.27.2008 by Brian Harrison
Editor’s Note: This open letter is in response to this article published on Syracuse.com by Donnie Webb criticizing my article from Friday entitled Coaching Rumor of Interest.
Dear Mr. Webb and loyal readers of Orange::44:
First and foremost, thank you for reading Orange::44. I greatly appreciate you stopping by my corner of the internet. I do not think it necessary to mention, but in the interest of full disclosure I am not a professional journalist, beat writer, media man or anything of the kind. I am simply an alumnus of Syracuse and a third year law student with sports knowledge, an above average writing ability, and an undying love of all things Syracuse. I did not earn a journalism degree of any kind. Rather, I earned a degree in Political Science from an esteemed department in the Maxwell School. Now that that is out of the way, let’s address the current article in question.
Mr. Webb, just because I am not in Syracuse does not mean that Syracuse news I hear is not true. I received a message from an individual with media credentials on campus that was aware Lloyd Carr was on campus. This obviously made me very interested in the situation. I then talked to everyone I knew in a position of authority at Syracuse to either confirm or dispel, which resulted in two other sources who have said that they knew Lloyd Carr was on campus. One of these sources works for the University, close to the Athletic Department, and I consider very credible. It is then I posted my article.
Now, all the present evidence that Lloyd Carr was in fact on campus I felt needed to be reported. Thus I did so. I felt confident that there was enough evidence present, from sources I have traditionally found credible, to post that information. I still feel good about this, and continue to stand by the notion that he was present in Syracuse last weekend. The Athletic Department will most assuredly deny this fact, and that certainly does not prove he was not on campus.
Regardless, that is not the issue here. The real issue is Orange::44 getting called out for contributing to the rumors. This is simply not the case. Nowhere in my article did I make any representations about what Lloyd Carr was doing on campus, or the fact that he was going to replace Greg Robinson, or have any job in any capacity for Syracuse. As a matter of fact, I went out of my way to say more than once that I am making no representation of this at all. I said, “What is he there for? Who knows. My inside source with media credentials at Manley just knows he’s there, but not why or what is going on.” See, that is language where the plain text meaning would be that I am making no representations as to what Lloyd Carr is doing on campus, thus I am not starting or contributing to rumors.
Also, I have a problem with this entire thought process that people are not supposed to talk about if or who a new coach would be anyway. Last I checked there were no Internet Police. Besides, you are much too talented a beat writer and journalist to be caring about what the public is talking about. Just focus on reporting. I, also for the record, did not make any judgment to the truth about the story that Lloyd Carr was on the Quad with Dr. Gross, merely that people were talking about it, specifically on the CBS Message Board.
Either way, you were wrong to use my article to insinuate that I was contributing in any way to the coaching debate. The title of the article simply refers to the fact that Lloyd Carr is a coach, and there is a rumor that he was on campus. This rumor has been proven to my satisfaction, and thus the article was published. The content of the article was backed up by enough independent sources that it satisfied my threshold to publish. Brent Axe, a colleague of yours, also had enough independent sources to broadcast this fact on his radio show on Friday as well. I do not necessarily object to you saying that the rumor mongering needs to stop, but it was completely inappropriate to cite my article as the cause and contributor to such actions. Any plain reading of the article would clearly show that there were no representations made except the fact he was present on campus. While blogs traditionally lack journalistic integrity, at the very least this blog strives for simple integrity and then going above that for journalistic integrity. I believe we meet both on a consistent basis. Threatening that integrity will not come without a response.
Donny, I’m flattered you linked to my article. Although you may not realize it, you basically legitimized my blog by putting it on Syracuse.com. To be fair, I have been linked before, but never by you, and for that I thank you sir. You just should have taken the article for what it was, a simple statement about a presence on campus. Continue your good work, because yes you do good work and I check your column often. Just be sure to criticize things that deserve criticism, like the coaching staff of the football team, and not blogs and bloggers just because that is what they are.
Sincerely and best wishes,
Brian Harrison
Orange::44
Dear Mr. Webb and loyal readers of Orange::44:
First and foremost, thank you for reading Orange::44. I greatly appreciate you stopping by my corner of the internet. I do not think it necessary to mention, but in the interest of full disclosure I am not a professional journalist, beat writer, media man or anything of the kind. I am simply an alumnus of Syracuse and a third year law student with sports knowledge, an above average writing ability, and an undying love of all things Syracuse. I did not earn a journalism degree of any kind. Rather, I earned a degree in Political Science from an esteemed department in the Maxwell School. Now that that is out of the way, let’s address the current article in question.
Mr. Webb, just because I am not in Syracuse does not mean that Syracuse news I hear is not true. I received a message from an individual with media credentials on campus that was aware Lloyd Carr was on campus. This obviously made me very interested in the situation. I then talked to everyone I knew in a position of authority at Syracuse to either confirm or dispel, which resulted in two other sources who have said that they knew Lloyd Carr was on campus. One of these sources works for the University, close to the Athletic Department, and I consider very credible. It is then I posted my article.
Now, all the present evidence that Lloyd Carr was in fact on campus I felt needed to be reported. Thus I did so. I felt confident that there was enough evidence present, from sources I have traditionally found credible, to post that information. I still feel good about this, and continue to stand by the notion that he was present in Syracuse last weekend. The Athletic Department will most assuredly deny this fact, and that certainly does not prove he was not on campus.
Regardless, that is not the issue here. The real issue is Orange::44 getting called out for contributing to the rumors. This is simply not the case. Nowhere in my article did I make any representations about what Lloyd Carr was doing on campus, or the fact that he was going to replace Greg Robinson, or have any job in any capacity for Syracuse. As a matter of fact, I went out of my way to say more than once that I am making no representation of this at all. I said, “What is he there for? Who knows. My inside source with media credentials at Manley just knows he’s there, but not why or what is going on.” See, that is language where the plain text meaning would be that I am making no representations as to what Lloyd Carr is doing on campus, thus I am not starting or contributing to rumors.
Also, I have a problem with this entire thought process that people are not supposed to talk about if or who a new coach would be anyway. Last I checked there were no Internet Police. Besides, you are much too talented a beat writer and journalist to be caring about what the public is talking about. Just focus on reporting. I, also for the record, did not make any judgment to the truth about the story that Lloyd Carr was on the Quad with Dr. Gross, merely that people were talking about it, specifically on the CBS Message Board.
Either way, you were wrong to use my article to insinuate that I was contributing in any way to the coaching debate. The title of the article simply refers to the fact that Lloyd Carr is a coach, and there is a rumor that he was on campus. This rumor has been proven to my satisfaction, and thus the article was published. The content of the article was backed up by enough independent sources that it satisfied my threshold to publish. Brent Axe, a colleague of yours, also had enough independent sources to broadcast this fact on his radio show on Friday as well. I do not necessarily object to you saying that the rumor mongering needs to stop, but it was completely inappropriate to cite my article as the cause and contributor to such actions. Any plain reading of the article would clearly show that there were no representations made except the fact he was present on campus. While blogs traditionally lack journalistic integrity, at the very least this blog strives for simple integrity and then going above that for journalistic integrity. I believe we meet both on a consistent basis. Threatening that integrity will not come without a response.
Donny, I’m flattered you linked to my article. Although you may not realize it, you basically legitimized my blog by putting it on Syracuse.com. To be fair, I have been linked before, but never by you, and for that I thank you sir. You just should have taken the article for what it was, a simple statement about a presence on campus. Continue your good work, because yes you do good work and I check your column often. Just be sure to criticize things that deserve criticism, like the coaching staff of the football team, and not blogs and bloggers just because that is what they are.
Sincerely and best wishes,
Brian Harrison
Orange::44
Labels: Football
Yes ladies, I assume he's single and available.When the football team does not give you much to work with, sometimes good fortune smiles as the UConn Basketball Team is back in action. By action, I mean breaking the law. And no one likes chronicling the legal issues of UConn and the Connvicts than Orange::44.
The Hartford Courant is reporting that Nate Miles, freshman on the basketball team, was charged with violating a restraining order and will appear Tuesday in Rockville Superior Court. Miles, who was served with a restraining order last Monday night at 8:00pm, proceeded to violate it a measly 16 minutes later by placing a call to the individual that filed the order. The protected party, a female student at the University of Connecticut, had been an “acquaintance” of Miles. Miles of course violated the standard “Respondent shall refrain from having any contact in any manner with the protected person” clause. Newsflash: Judges do not like it when you violate their orders. Miles apparently has quite the interesting background, having attended five different high schools before having his transcript certified by the NCAA. He was then academically cleared last June and enrolled in the summer session at UConn. Nothing like Calhoun going for the gold in terms of good students for his basketball squad.
Miles was released on a $2,500 personal surety and will continue the legal process on Tuesday as previously mentioned. UConn of course has no comment, consistent with their policy. Coach Jim Calhoun also did not comment. Miles was expected to start at small forward for the Huskies this season. Honestly, while I am the first to say “HAHA” in the general direction of UConn, I do feel sorry for this young man. He really has never had a good home situation, so I suppose let loose on his own at college he was not really set up for success. Either way, it is unsure his future on the basketball squad as he has not gone to court yet. Judging from the past though, it takes you stealing a laptop to get suspended for a year, but if you are good you only get a 6 month suspension. Thus, for this, he maybe will sit out a game or two. Once again UConn will uphold a tradition of giving preferential treatment to athletes, especially on the basketball team.
Amidst the hoopla that surrounds the Syracuse Football Team, it is nice to see UConn get back to their old tricks. Stay tuned to Orange::44 for all your UConn legal news. Hat tip to our good friend Sean at Nunes/Magician for the linkables as always.
The Hartford Courant is reporting that Nate Miles, freshman on the basketball team, was charged with violating a restraining order and will appear Tuesday in Rockville Superior Court. Miles, who was served with a restraining order last Monday night at 8:00pm, proceeded to violate it a measly 16 minutes later by placing a call to the individual that filed the order. The protected party, a female student at the University of Connecticut, had been an “acquaintance” of Miles. Miles of course violated the standard “Respondent shall refrain from having any contact in any manner with the protected person” clause. Newsflash: Judges do not like it when you violate their orders. Miles apparently has quite the interesting background, having attended five different high schools before having his transcript certified by the NCAA. He was then academically cleared last June and enrolled in the summer session at UConn. Nothing like Calhoun going for the gold in terms of good students for his basketball squad.
Miles was released on a $2,500 personal surety and will continue the legal process on Tuesday as previously mentioned. UConn of course has no comment, consistent with their policy. Coach Jim Calhoun also did not comment. Miles was expected to start at small forward for the Huskies this season. Honestly, while I am the first to say “HAHA” in the general direction of UConn, I do feel sorry for this young man. He really has never had a good home situation, so I suppose let loose on his own at college he was not really set up for success. Either way, it is unsure his future on the basketball squad as he has not gone to court yet. Judging from the past though, it takes you stealing a laptop to get suspended for a year, but if you are good you only get a 6 month suspension. Thus, for this, he maybe will sit out a game or two. Once again UConn will uphold a tradition of giving preferential treatment to athletes, especially on the basketball team.
Amidst the hoopla that surrounds the Syracuse Football Team, it is nice to see UConn get back to their old tricks. Stay tuned to Orange::44 for all your UConn legal news. Hat tip to our good friend Sean at Nunes/Magician for the linkables as always.
Labels: Basketball, Breaking The Law, Connvicts, UConn
Is this the next head coach of the Orange?Hot off the Orange::44 tip line; Lloyd Carr is at Manley Field House right now. What is he there for? Who knows. My inside source with media credentials at Manley just knows he’s there, but not why or what is going on. It is certainly interesting. Stay tuned for updates as Brent Axe is now on the case. Unlike Axe, I don't have to wait to break a rumor.
UPDATE: I have confirmed through three separate and independent sources that Lloyd Carr was in Manley Field House today. Still no word on what was discussed. This is now confirmed in my mind. What is not confirmed is the rumor that Greg Robinson is “Dead Man Walking” on campus and that he will be fired after the Pittsburgh game win or lose. However, that does seem to be the prevailing feeling on campus. It is worth noting that Syracuse University Athletics is completely denying that Carr was there at all.
UPDATE #2: It is being discussed on CBS Sportsline threads here that people saw Carr and DOCTOR Gross on the Quad together. Buzz is building. Brent Axe also just announced On The Block that he has heard an awful lot of people say that he was on campus today. It is also the case that Axe reported that he was present at the Northeastern game last weekend. His Northeastern postgame article is here.
Labels: Football
It is pretty futile to say the old "S#!t On Pitt" at this point.It is time for another quick prediction from your friends at Orange::44. Look, by now you know that this season is a wash. You also know that this team is probably not even as good as last season. You also know however, that the Big East as a whole is down from last season. Rutgers is even worse than us (if that is possible), and the world is topsy turvy with UConn again currently undefeated. Down is up, up is down, dogs and cats living together; mass hysteria. So I guess the real question is, at this point in the year, with the start of the Big East conference slate, does this game even matter anymore?
I myself was thinking of venturing again across I-90, the “Mass Pike” and the “New York State Thruway”, paying $7.70 mind you, and heading to this game in the Carrier Dome. While this blog likes to traditionally chronicle exercises in football futility, I could not bring myself, nor my wallet, any further heartbreak in person. Turning to the game itself, Pittsburgh’s stud is Running Back LeSean McCoy. In three games this season he has rushed 242 yards and earned five touchdowns. Keep in mind, our entire team has only rushed for 4 touchdowns in four games, one of which was against a 1-AA school. While Syracuse has dealt admirably with the rushing attacks of previous teams this season (yes they actually have the ability to stop the run usually), I feel like McCoy will be, much like the PSU running backs, too much to handle for Syracuse’s defense, who will most likely be on the field an awful lot.
You have to believe that Syracuse is a two touchdown dog in this contest. While there will be some buzz in the Dome related to playing a conference game, and a conference rival, not even a packed crowd would help elevate this team to anywhere they need to be. Look for ‘Cuse to do go down with the ship again.
Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you that we are at a crisis point. You have heard the DOCTOR, you have heard from many fans, and you have even heard from the former players of the Orange. I have revised my opinion and submit that the best way to deal with the current situation is not to allow Greg Robinson to give any more press conferences full of lies and unfounded optimism, and simply remove him immediately after this Pittsburgh game from his head coaching duties. There is enough negative sentiment present, and with essentially the support of the Athletic Director gone, what is there to hold on to. The team should simply install Mitch Browning as the Interim Head Coach, and send Greggers packing. This is the only logical solution at this juncture given the previous week of activity in the media.
I will be listening to the game my friends, but I of course will not like what I hear. To those brave souls heading to the Salt City I salute you. I consider myself to be a fan that can stomach almost anything, after all I sat through the entirety of the Penn State massacre. But this, my good friends, is something that I cannot, in these troubled times, justify economically in any sort of cost benefit analysis. I wish the Orange good luck as always, but know in my heart of hearts, that it is simply another exercise in football futility.
I myself was thinking of venturing again across I-90, the “Mass Pike” and the “New York State Thruway”, paying $7.70 mind you, and heading to this game in the Carrier Dome. While this blog likes to traditionally chronicle exercises in football futility, I could not bring myself, nor my wallet, any further heartbreak in person. Turning to the game itself, Pittsburgh’s stud is Running Back LeSean McCoy. In three games this season he has rushed 242 yards and earned five touchdowns. Keep in mind, our entire team has only rushed for 4 touchdowns in four games, one of which was against a 1-AA school. While Syracuse has dealt admirably with the rushing attacks of previous teams this season (yes they actually have the ability to stop the run usually), I feel like McCoy will be, much like the PSU running backs, too much to handle for Syracuse’s defense, who will most likely be on the field an awful lot.
You have to believe that Syracuse is a two touchdown dog in this contest. While there will be some buzz in the Dome related to playing a conference game, and a conference rival, not even a packed crowd would help elevate this team to anywhere they need to be. Look for ‘Cuse to do go down with the ship again.
Ladies and gentlemen, I submit to you that we are at a crisis point. You have heard the DOCTOR, you have heard from many fans, and you have even heard from the former players of the Orange. I have revised my opinion and submit that the best way to deal with the current situation is not to allow Greg Robinson to give any more press conferences full of lies and unfounded optimism, and simply remove him immediately after this Pittsburgh game from his head coaching duties. There is enough negative sentiment present, and with essentially the support of the Athletic Director gone, what is there to hold on to. The team should simply install Mitch Browning as the Interim Head Coach, and send Greggers packing. This is the only logical solution at this juncture given the previous week of activity in the media.
I will be listening to the game my friends, but I of course will not like what I hear. To those brave souls heading to the Salt City I salute you. I consider myself to be a fan that can stomach almost anything, after all I sat through the entirety of the Penn State massacre. But this, my good friends, is something that I cannot, in these troubled times, justify economically in any sort of cost benefit analysis. I wish the Orange good luck as always, but know in my heart of hearts, that it is simply another exercise in football futility.
Troy could have beaten Northeastern with one arm by 3 TD's. It's Tuesday, which means I ask some questions of my boy Sean at Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician. We wax poetic about the Northeastern game, the coach, and yes even some very early basketball talk. Enjoy!
1. Orange::44: Syracuse earned its first win. How impressive is it considering it was a 1-AA team?
Nunes: If it was possible for a win to still somehow feel like a loss, then this must be what it feels like. The reaction to that game was so depressing we might as well have lost. It was a 9-point win but it didn't even feel that big. The game pretty much came down to the last drive and if not for one mistake on Northeastern's part, we might have been looking at a game that was decided on an onside kick.
Northeastern's quarterback had a career day and I honestly don't think that can be stated more loudly. The quarterback of a 1-AA team that almost exclusively plays against 1-AA defenses had a CAREER DAY against our defense. That. Is. Awful.
2. Orange::44: Should we have won by more?
Nunes: Technically speaking we SHOULD have won by 40. But taking into account the situation, as bad as things have been, we should have won by at least two touchdowns. At the very least. Again, it very easily could have been a 2-point win as well. Or worse.
3. Orange::44: Is this team heading in the right direction?
Nunes: God no. The team is heading directly down the path of 1-11. It's a sign of how horrible things are that Syracuse fans don't even consider Rutgers a very winnable game at this point. And they're TURRRRIBLE.
We're a national joke. Our most famous alumni are publicly deriding the program and calling for a change. We have writers from around the country bashing our coach and our athletic director. It is officially a circus.
Probably the most depressing thing of all is the effect this is having on the historical reputation of Syracuse football. It was hard enough to convince national fans that Syracuse is a prominent program BEFORE the Greg Robinson Era. Try doing it now...it's next to impossible. As far as many young fans are concerned, Syracuse has always been horrible. They don't know any differently.
4. Orange::44: You know my thoughts on removing the head coach. What are yours?
Nunes: At this point, if Greg Robinson's track record wasn't enough to fire him over, the circus atmosphere that has officially taken over the football team should be the final decider. Between the College Gameday piece, Daryl Gross' ego-boosting plea to ESPN and all of the horrible national attention we're getting right now, every day you keep Robinson is another day the shame continues.
It's also another day that Robinson can embarrass us and himself further by pretending everything is okay and we're on the verge of greatness. He's either completely deluded or a fantastic bullshitter. Possibly a little of both.
You know why you should cut him loose right now? Because it honestly can't get any worse. So what do you have to lose?
If I were a betting man (for entertainment purposes, of course), assuming we lose to Pitt, I would put a lot of money on Greg Robinson being unemployed come this Sunday.
5. Orange::44: Turning to basketball, are you satisfied with our developing non-conference schedule?
Nunes: I really like the non-conference schedule. Amazing what a couple games against some top tier programs can do. All of a sudden, you can schedule all of the Cleveland States and Oakland Universitys you want. As long as you games against Florida, Memphis and possibly Kansas on the schedule, everything else is cool.
Best of all, no one can say anything about our non-conference scheduling anymore. And if they do, they reveal themselves as being out of touch and not really paying attention.
As for the conference schedule, I agree with you...not very appealing.
6. Orange::44: Finally, if you were in the Dome, would you have had a paper bag
over your head or something different?
Nunes: As much as I think those guys from the Akron game got a ton of mileage out of the paper bags, I'd go in a different direction. Something a little more "out of the box." Like say, spray-painting myself and an entire row of buddies silver so that we match the bench. Cause it'd be nice to be at a football game, but we want the people at home to think there isn't anyone there, hence speeding up the process for a coaching change. It's a win-win.
Editor’s Note: This is another installment in the ongoing collaboration between Orange::44 and Nunes/Magician. Usually every other Tuesday Nunes::44 will appear here, while the following week Orange::44/Magician will appear on his site. Until then, enjoy Nunes/Magician articles and stay tuned to Orange::44 for complete postgame coverage from every Syracuse game.
Nunes: If it was possible for a win to still somehow feel like a loss, then this must be what it feels like. The reaction to that game was so depressing we might as well have lost. It was a 9-point win but it didn't even feel that big. The game pretty much came down to the last drive and if not for one mistake on Northeastern's part, we might have been looking at a game that was decided on an onside kick.
Northeastern's quarterback had a career day and I honestly don't think that can be stated more loudly. The quarterback of a 1-AA team that almost exclusively plays against 1-AA defenses had a CAREER DAY against our defense. That. Is. Awful.
2. Orange::44: Should we have won by more?
Nunes: Technically speaking we SHOULD have won by 40. But taking into account the situation, as bad as things have been, we should have won by at least two touchdowns. At the very least. Again, it very easily could have been a 2-point win as well. Or worse.
3. Orange::44: Is this team heading in the right direction?
Nunes: God no. The team is heading directly down the path of 1-11. It's a sign of how horrible things are that Syracuse fans don't even consider Rutgers a very winnable game at this point. And they're TURRRRIBLE.
We're a national joke. Our most famous alumni are publicly deriding the program and calling for a change. We have writers from around the country bashing our coach and our athletic director. It is officially a circus.
Probably the most depressing thing of all is the effect this is having on the historical reputation of Syracuse football. It was hard enough to convince national fans that Syracuse is a prominent program BEFORE the Greg Robinson Era. Try doing it now...it's next to impossible. As far as many young fans are concerned, Syracuse has always been horrible. They don't know any differently.
4. Orange::44: You know my thoughts on removing the head coach. What are yours?
Nunes: At this point, if Greg Robinson's track record wasn't enough to fire him over, the circus atmosphere that has officially taken over the football team should be the final decider. Between the College Gameday piece, Daryl Gross' ego-boosting plea to ESPN and all of the horrible national attention we're getting right now, every day you keep Robinson is another day the shame continues.
It's also another day that Robinson can embarrass us and himself further by pretending everything is okay and we're on the verge of greatness. He's either completely deluded or a fantastic bullshitter. Possibly a little of both.
You know why you should cut him loose right now? Because it honestly can't get any worse. So what do you have to lose?
If I were a betting man (for entertainment purposes, of course), assuming we lose to Pitt, I would put a lot of money on Greg Robinson being unemployed come this Sunday.
5. Orange::44: Turning to basketball, are you satisfied with our developing non-conference schedule?
Nunes: I really like the non-conference schedule. Amazing what a couple games against some top tier programs can do. All of a sudden, you can schedule all of the Cleveland States and Oakland Universitys you want. As long as you games against Florida, Memphis and possibly Kansas on the schedule, everything else is cool.
Best of all, no one can say anything about our non-conference scheduling anymore. And if they do, they reveal themselves as being out of touch and not really paying attention.
As for the conference schedule, I agree with you...not very appealing.
6. Orange::44: Finally, if you were in the Dome, would you have had a paper bag
over your head or something different?
Nunes: As much as I think those guys from the Akron game got a ton of mileage out of the paper bags, I'd go in a different direction. Something a little more "out of the box." Like say, spray-painting myself and an entire row of buddies silver so that we match the bench. Cause it'd be nice to be at a football game, but we want the people at home to think there isn't anyone there, hence speeding up the process for a coaching change. It's a win-win.
Editor’s Note: This is another installment in the ongoing collaboration between Orange::44 and Nunes/Magician. Usually every other Tuesday Nunes::44 will appear here, while the following week Orange::44/Magician will appear on his site. Until then, enjoy Nunes/Magician articles and stay tuned to Orange::44 for complete postgame coverage from every Syracuse game.
Labels: Basketball, Football, Nunes/Magician
Yeatman loves the sauce.As you, the loyal Orange::44 reader knows, one of the secondary missions of this blog is to inform you of the legal transgressions and scuffles of various natures that are not exactly on the up and up. This Tuesday we have a double dip for you from the weekend.
First up, we have some booze news out of the University of Notre Dame. ESPN.com reports that several students were arrested this past weekend. I thought Catholics loved to drink? Anyway, among them were two members of the Notre Dame Football Team. 20 year old Right End Will Yeatman, and 18 year old Mike Golic, Jr., have been charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor, and Yeatman will face the additional charges of false informing and resisting arrest. The arrests came subsequent to an investigation targeting businesses selling to underage kids. Yeatman could be facing even more charges as previously he was charged with driving drunk on a campus sidewalk, and the charges were dismissed last February if he managed to stay out of trouble for a year. Obviously he has not. Golic, it should be noted, is the son of ESPN television and radio host Mike Golic of “Mike & Mike In The Morning”. Additionally, several unnamed players from the men’s lacrosse team at the university are also in trouble for similar offenses. The District Attorney is determining on how to proceed.
Second, out of New Jersey we have an incident from the Rutgers Football Team. ESPN.com reports that Quarterback Mike Teal, in the waning seconds of the Rutgers loss to Navy, threw a punch at fellow Scarlet Knight Glen Lee. No action will be taken against Teal, he has apologized, and Coach Greg Schiano calls the incident “over and done with”. I guess these kind of things happen when you go from being atop the Big East to being worse than Syracuse. At least things are correct in that regard. Now if only UConn would have an epic collapse and Syracuse would win some games, all would be right with the world.
While clearly the second incident has no legal ramifications really, it is still worth note. At least Syracuse players are not punching each other on the sideline. As for the drinking, clearly this happens all the time in college so I do not really fault Golic too much, especially when he has not played a game for ND yet. Yeatman, however, is not exactly new to the criminal justice system and seems to have an alcohol problem. After getting a huge break on his last legal incident he then does this. Sorry, that is unacceptable. Hopefully all these crazy kids will learn from their mistakes. Stay tuned to Orange::44 for all the legal analysis of rival players in trouble you can stand.
First up, we have some booze news out of the University of Notre Dame. ESPN.com reports that several students were arrested this past weekend. I thought Catholics loved to drink? Anyway, among them were two members of the Notre Dame Football Team. 20 year old Right End Will Yeatman, and 18 year old Mike Golic, Jr., have been charged with consumption of alcohol by a minor, and Yeatman will face the additional charges of false informing and resisting arrest. The arrests came subsequent to an investigation targeting businesses selling to underage kids. Yeatman could be facing even more charges as previously he was charged with driving drunk on a campus sidewalk, and the charges were dismissed last February if he managed to stay out of trouble for a year. Obviously he has not. Golic, it should be noted, is the son of ESPN television and radio host Mike Golic of “Mike & Mike In The Morning”. Additionally, several unnamed players from the men’s lacrosse team at the university are also in trouble for similar offenses. The District Attorney is determining on how to proceed.
Second, out of New Jersey we have an incident from the Rutgers Football Team. ESPN.com reports that Quarterback Mike Teal, in the waning seconds of the Rutgers loss to Navy, threw a punch at fellow Scarlet Knight Glen Lee. No action will be taken against Teal, he has apologized, and Coach Greg Schiano calls the incident “over and done with”. I guess these kind of things happen when you go from being atop the Big East to being worse than Syracuse. At least things are correct in that regard. Now if only UConn would have an epic collapse and Syracuse would win some games, all would be right with the world.
While clearly the second incident has no legal ramifications really, it is still worth note. At least Syracuse players are not punching each other on the sideline. As for the drinking, clearly this happens all the time in college so I do not really fault Golic too much, especially when he has not played a game for ND yet. Yeatman, however, is not exactly new to the criminal justice system and seems to have an alcohol problem. After getting a huge break on his last legal incident he then does this. Sorry, that is unacceptable. Hopefully all these crazy kids will learn from their mistakes. Stay tuned to Orange::44 for all the legal analysis of rival players in trouble you can stand.
Labels: Big East, Breaking The Law, Drinking, Football
| Rank | Team | Delta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Cal | -- |
| 2 | Georgia | -- |
| 3 | Oklahoma | -- |
| 4 | Florida | -- |
| 5 | LSU | 2 |
| 6 | Texas | -- |
| 7 | Missouri | 2 |
| 8 | Texas Tech | 1 |
| 9 | Wisconsin | 1 |
| 10 | Brigham Young | 4 |
| 11 | Penn State | 4 |
| 12 | Alabama | 1 |
| 13 | South Florida | 3 |
| 14 | Wake Forest | 3 |
| 15 | Auburn | 2 |
| 16 | East Carolina | 8 |
| 17 | Ohio State | 2 |
| 18 | Clemson | 2 |
| 19 | Kansas | 1 |
| 20 | Oregon | 8 |
| 21 | Utah | -- |
| 22 | Illinois | -- |
| 23 | Fresno State | 2 |
| 24 | Vanderbilt | 2 |
| 25 | TCU | 1 |
Dropped Out: West Virginia (#23), Florida State (#24).
*West Virginia and Florida State drop out after losing their games this week.
*Oregon drops eight spots by losing to unranked Boise State. The same goes for the East Carolina Pirates who lost to NC State.
*Auburn only drops two after a fantastic game with LSU. Conversely LSU jumps to five, and the next time someone holds up two fingers and asks you how many, you say Thursday.
*Missouri drops two spots even though they won because other teams I think are just better.
*BYU jumps four spots after another shutout victory. They certainly are impressive.
What do you think?
Northeastern - Syracuse Postgame Reactions or Congratulations on Beating A 1-AA
0 Comments Published on by Brian Harrison
Once again, everything was great except some of the game.Syracuse earned its first win this past Saturday. I was there. I saw it happened. Sitting in Section 120 with several of my alumni friends, I actually saw a win in the Carrier Dome. Pretty rare these days. Syracuse won versus 1-AA Northeastern 30-21. That’s right, nine points separated us from a middle-of-the-pack 1-AA team. I know you are used to the standard grading rubric that any college or university uses based on a 4.0 system. However, much like that two credit billiards class you took to make your last semester light, you could not take that for a letter grade to pad your GPA, therefore they made you take it pass/fail. Much like that billiards class, playing a 1-AA team should not entitle you to pad your GPA either, or say a bowl resume as well. Therefore, we will grade the Syracuse squad on that pass/fail basis. To the report card.
Offense
Pass
Yeah, they actually scored some touchdowns. I was sort of impressed with the offensive line the most in this game, as they opened some really big holes for the running backs to run through. However, just by sight you could tell that the Northeastern players were not as big as Syracuse’s, so how impressive could it be? Cantley had a pedestrian day (14/17, 167 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) with statistics, but he did look good, making crisp and on target passes the majority of the game. The running game looked excellent in this game. Curtis Brinkley earned 145 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Doug Hogue had exactly 100 yards and a touchdown. Overall, they did their jobs, so they get the pass, but against the defense of a 1-AA team they should have been able to do more. See that Brinkley touchdown below.
Defense
Fail
Syracuse’s defense allowed 383 total yards of offense. They passed for 293 yards and rushed for 90. Once again, Syracuse was mostly effective in stopping the rushing attack of the other team, however they gave up quite a bit of yards in the air, including a 54 yard TD pass. Syracuse still has not found a way to field a competent pass rush or pass defense. They simply gave up too much to this inferior team. I will give credit for earning two interceptions, one to ice the game, but with all those yards given up, it is not acceptable.
Special Teams
Pass
Patrick “Sex Offender Mustache” Shadle hit three field goals, the longest of which was 46 yards that was right down the pike. Michael Homes had three kick returns for 81 yards, and Max Suter had one return for ten yards. Rob Long punted once for 55 yards. Clearly Shadle was the highlight of the day, as he continues to be clutch in kicking field goals.
Coaching
Fail
Coaching continues to be an issue for this team. It is unacceptable to earn delay of game penalties not for strategic purposes. It is also not acceptable that they have not addressed the poor tackling or continued failing in covering open receivers. Additionally, Syracuse only beating a 1-AA team by nine points is an unacceptable margin of victory. I think we all know this. It is just unfortunate that Syracuse had to stoop to a 1-AA school to get their one and only win.
Final Grade
Pass
Yes, Syracuse got a win. Therefore, they get the pass this week. It is not the team’s fault that they scheduled a 1-AA team. Frankly, it is not the team’s fault that they are not being instructed correctly in the art of tackling because Robinson does not let them tackle in practice so they do not get hurt. Thus, when they get to a game, they do not tackle. Plus, the fact that there are no real game changers on this team does not help. Either way, they got their win and the team was clearly the best on the field, but I think we all know it was still an unacceptable level of performance.
Syracuse got win number one. Good for them. Those kids are trying hard, that is certain. What is evident is that they can only perform so high because of the bad coaching they are receiving, and the poor recruiting attempting to help them do their job. Either way, this game was a farce and should be treated for what it was; scheduling an inferior team to pad the win line. It makes me sick to think the question used to be “what bowl game are we going to?” rather than “are we making a bowl game this year?” My the times have changed.
Special thanks to all of my good friends who showed up to Homecoming. It was enjoyable to see some folks I do not normally get a chance to see. Special shout outs to Jill Ring, member of the fine Staples Corporation so her former supervisor will be impressed. Clearly she needs some extra vacation days. As always, thanks to Orange::44 correspondent John Brennan. Thanks to Jayme Rubinstein for making the game so bearable. Finally, thanks to Collin Long for putting together another great section for the game. Hope you had a great homecoming, and if you couldn’t make it out I hope you had fun celebrating wherever you were.
Offense
Pass
Yeah, they actually scored some touchdowns. I was sort of impressed with the offensive line the most in this game, as they opened some really big holes for the running backs to run through. However, just by sight you could tell that the Northeastern players were not as big as Syracuse’s, so how impressive could it be? Cantley had a pedestrian day (14/17, 167 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT) with statistics, but he did look good, making crisp and on target passes the majority of the game. The running game looked excellent in this game. Curtis Brinkley earned 145 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Doug Hogue had exactly 100 yards and a touchdown. Overall, they did their jobs, so they get the pass, but against the defense of a 1-AA team they should have been able to do more. See that Brinkley touchdown below.
Defense
Fail
Syracuse’s defense allowed 383 total yards of offense. They passed for 293 yards and rushed for 90. Once again, Syracuse was mostly effective in stopping the rushing attack of the other team, however they gave up quite a bit of yards in the air, including a 54 yard TD pass. Syracuse still has not found a way to field a competent pass rush or pass defense. They simply gave up too much to this inferior team. I will give credit for earning two interceptions, one to ice the game, but with all those yards given up, it is not acceptable.
Special Teams
Pass
Patrick “Sex Offender Mustache” Shadle hit three field goals, the longest of which was 46 yards that was right down the pike. Michael Homes had three kick returns for 81 yards, and Max Suter had one return for ten yards. Rob Long punted once for 55 yards. Clearly Shadle was the highlight of the day, as he continues to be clutch in kicking field goals.
Coaching
Fail
Coaching continues to be an issue for this team. It is unacceptable to earn delay of game penalties not for strategic purposes. It is also not acceptable that they have not addressed the poor tackling or continued failing in covering open receivers. Additionally, Syracuse only beating a 1-AA team by nine points is an unacceptable margin of victory. I think we all know this. It is just unfortunate that Syracuse had to stoop to a 1-AA school to get their one and only win.
Final Grade
Pass
Yes, Syracuse got a win. Therefore, they get the pass this week. It is not the team’s fault that they scheduled a 1-AA team. Frankly, it is not the team’s fault that they are not being instructed correctly in the art of tackling because Robinson does not let them tackle in practice so they do not get hurt. Thus, when they get to a game, they do not tackle. Plus, the fact that there are no real game changers on this team does not help. Either way, they got their win and the team was clearly the best on the field, but I think we all know it was still an unacceptable level of performance.
Syracuse got win number one. Good for them. Those kids are trying hard, that is certain. What is evident is that they can only perform so high because of the bad coaching they are receiving, and the poor recruiting attempting to help them do their job. Either way, this game was a farce and should be treated for what it was; scheduling an inferior team to pad the win line. It makes me sick to think the question used to be “what bowl game are we going to?” rather than “are we making a bowl game this year?” My the times have changed.
Special thanks to all of my good friends who showed up to Homecoming. It was enjoyable to see some folks I do not normally get a chance to see. Special shout outs to Jill Ring, member of the fine Staples Corporation so her former supervisor will be impressed. Clearly she needs some extra vacation days. As always, thanks to Orange::44 correspondent John Brennan. Thanks to Jayme Rubinstein for making the game so bearable. Finally, thanks to Collin Long for putting together another great section for the game. Hope you had a great homecoming, and if you couldn’t make it out I hope you had fun celebrating wherever you were.
Labels: Football
Enjoy this cute puppy and a small repreve from the crying children.Labels: Football
Ernie Davis would listen to this podcast.As promised, here is the latest Orange::44 podcast. Orange::44 correspondent John Brennan and I are reporting live from The Genesee Grande Hotel here in Syracuse in preparation for a solid evening and a quality Homecoming experience. Tonight we wax poetic about The Express premier, the Penn State debacle, the Ernie Davis statue on the quad, and finally we preview the Northeastern game tomorrow. Enjoy the return of the audio euphoria that is the Orange::44 podcast and if you would like, download the show here.
Labels: Audio Euphoria, Football, The Express
Kitty wants some candy. Reeeeeoooorrr.The other “Huskies” Syracuse play are coming to down. Syracuse looks to earn their first *cough – only – cough* win of the season. Can we do it, or will Syracuse end up winless and broken? My gut says it will be too close for comfort, but my head says we’re pulling this one out.
The stats for these teams are too close for my comfort. Northeasters’s stats are here, and Syracuse’s are here. Honestly, Northeastern is the 1-AA bizzaro version of Syracuse. We are going to win though. And if we don’t, the Syracuse Police Department better put a security detail on Greg Robinson and his family, because it could get ugly. Not to mention all the bleach that will be bought, ropes tied, and knives sharpened. We’re winning this game, but look for Northeastern to go to Conor Gilmartin-Donohue in the air when the running game stalls. He could do some damage as we all know Syracuse couldn’t stop a passing… well anything. Either way, Syracuse is winning by 13 points I think. I doubt they could actually make it two touchdowns or something further apart. Hopefully I’m wrong on this one.
This weekend is Homecoming, so it is less about the game and more about seeing some old friends and making fun of Greg Robinson. That will definitely occure. Either way, if you are making the trip or not, all of us Syracuse alums raise a glass to you and congratulate us all on earning a degree from a very prestigious academic institution, that is still good at basketball and lacrosse and used to be good at football. Cheers.
Remember when I said I was going to have a new podcast? Well fret not, it simply got postponed until later this afternoon where I will be recording one live from Syracuse with Orange::44 correspondant John Brennan. He and I will surely do PTI justice as we talk about The Express premier, which we both attended, the Penn State tragedy, the Ernie Davis Statue-gate business, and preview tomorrow’s game. Check it out, I promise it will be entertaining and enjoyable. Until later, stay out of trouble and tell your loved ones to keep an eye on you if we end up losing tomorrow.
The stats for these teams are too close for my comfort. Northeasters’s stats are here, and Syracuse’s are here. Honestly, Northeastern is the 1-AA bizzaro version of Syracuse. We are going to win though. And if we don’t, the Syracuse Police Department better put a security detail on Greg Robinson and his family, because it could get ugly. Not to mention all the bleach that will be bought, ropes tied, and knives sharpened. We’re winning this game, but look for Northeastern to go to Conor Gilmartin-Donohue in the air when the running game stalls. He could do some damage as we all know Syracuse couldn’t stop a passing… well anything. Either way, Syracuse is winning by 13 points I think. I doubt they could actually make it two touchdowns or something further apart. Hopefully I’m wrong on this one.
This weekend is Homecoming, so it is less about the game and more about seeing some old friends and making fun of Greg Robinson. That will definitely occure. Either way, if you are making the trip or not, all of us Syracuse alums raise a glass to you and congratulate us all on earning a degree from a very prestigious academic institution, that is still good at basketball and lacrosse and used to be good at football. Cheers.
Remember when I said I was going to have a new podcast? Well fret not, it simply got postponed until later this afternoon where I will be recording one live from Syracuse with Orange::44 correspondant John Brennan. He and I will surely do PTI justice as we talk about The Express premier, which we both attended, the Penn State tragedy, the Ernie Davis Statue-gate business, and preview tomorrow’s game. Check it out, I promise it will be entertaining and enjoyable. Until later, stay out of trouble and tell your loved ones to keep an eye on you if we end up losing tomorrow.
Labels: Football
Welcome back. Your table is right over here.Last year I gave you my 2007 Guide to Homecoming. It was filled with bar descriptions, food places, and generally good knowledge to know if you wanted to relive some college glory days. This year, some things have changed and some have remained the same. Enjoy the Orange::44 guide to Homecoming. With a 3:30pm start to the football game, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to.
Food On The Hill
El Saha – The most delicious pita happens to be the cheapest on Louis Marshall Way. With delicious options to cram in your pita, an entertaining staff, and usually South Park or Family Guy on the television, this is where you want to stop for a pita.
Pita Pit – For you traditionalists out there, you will probably still want to head to your old favorite. It is slightly more pricy, but they offer a few more toppings, an artsy menu, and everything is amazing with bacon.
Jimmy John’s – The smells are free, but sadly the subs are not. This sandwich shop is delicious however. Their bread is baked fresh, the staff is bizarre, and now they do not use the till money to buy drugs. I recommend the Lulu, or if you are drunk and adventurous, the “Buzz Shaw”, an Italian Nightclub and a Bloody Mary (Bloody Mary not available).
Augie’s Pizza – This pizza place is in the place where Konrad’s used to occupy, but with $1 slices you will not care that you cannot visit the popular drink stop. Get two if you are really hungry, because one will not do. Just do not mess with the staff, they will not hesitate to kick you out, and a fight may break out in front.
Cosmo’s Pizza – A classic joint that has a greasy diner feel. Their pizza is good, but I would go for any number of other choices they offer. Finish the deal with a THB and a scoop of vanilla.
Varsity Pizza – The best cheese steak on the hill. They also have many other tasty choices, plenty of tables, and if we beat the 1-AA team , come on down after the game and see the band flip the Northeastern banner over. Beware, you are on the clock if you eat the pizza.
Faegan’s Pub – For something a little more upscale, this is probably the place you should be. With a multitude of salads, burgers, wraps, and sandwiches you have plenty of options. Also, with over 40 beers on tap, you can find something to go with any meal. More on this later.
Aladdin’s – This place offers several natural and organic choices, for the more health conscious. I’ve only ever eaten here a handful of times but it hasn’t really disappointed me. The desserts are also great here.
Acropolis Pizza – They have subs and the usual fare. Nothing too remarkable. Why go here when you can just go to Cosmo’s though. Upside is that they do serve alcohol.
Aladdin’s – This place offers several natural and organic choices, for the more health conscious. I’ve only ever eaten here a handful of times but it hasn’t really disappointed me. The desserts are also great here.
Acropolis Pizza – They have subs and the usual fare. Nothing too remarkable. Why go here when you can just go to Cosmo’s though. Upside is that they do serve alcohol.
Food In Syracuse
Tully’s – Located on Erie Blvd. and in Liverpool this is the ultimate sports bar in Syracuse. With a shit ton of TV’s, excellent food ranging from appetizers to dinners, and the best chicken tenders (Tully’s Tenders) in Syracuse, this will surely cure your hunger, especially if you want to watch a game.
Spaghetti Warehouse – With a seemingly endless dining room, and a lot of pasta options, this is the place for Italian. The Marsala may cost you, but the bread is free. Especially tasty when dining with friends in the trolley car.
Pastabilities – A bit more upscale than the Warehouse, it is a favorite of many folks on the hill. While not my favorite, there are plenty of tasty options on the menu, and it is conveniently located near all of your favorite downtown bars.
Empire Brewing Company – A small underground restruant that has a small but somewhat fancy menu. They brew their own beer and can pair it with any meal you choose which is also very nice. Try the burgers, or if you are feeling frugal the Chicken Po’ Boy.
Syracuse Suds – This bar also makes their own beer and has an extensive sports bar type menu. The appitizers are very good here and they serve some great steaks as well. Finish it off with some homemade rootbeer.
Zebb’s – Way out in Mattydale just off I-81, it is a hidden gem. I feel like not many SU kids know about this one. It has a diner feel, with most standard American fare. They have a “Build Your Own Burger Bar”, you can get shots of vanilla, cherry, or chocolate flavor in your cola, and they have the definitive appatizer menu in the Syracuse area. In the mood for alcohol? Try the mojito. I don’t think it’s a gay drink. Moooooo-heeeeeeeee-tooooooooo. Also, if you are allergic to nuts, stay away from the cookies. Bastards.
Empire Brewing Company – A small underground restruant that has a small but somewhat fancy menu. They brew their own beer and can pair it with any meal you choose which is also very nice. Try the burgers, or if you are feeling frugal the Chicken Po’ Boy.
Syracuse Suds – This bar also makes their own beer and has an extensive sports bar type menu. The appitizers are very good here and they serve some great steaks as well. Finish it off with some homemade rootbeer.
Zebb’s – Way out in Mattydale just off I-81, it is a hidden gem. I feel like not many SU kids know about this one. It has a diner feel, with most standard American fare. They have a “Build Your Own Burger Bar”, you can get shots of vanilla, cherry, or chocolate flavor in your cola, and they have the definitive appatizer menu in the Syracuse area. In the mood for alcohol? Try the mojito. I don’t think it’s a gay drink. Moooooo-heeeeeeeee-tooooooooo. Also, if you are allergic to nuts, stay away from the cookies. Bastards.
Dinosaur BBQ – The most famous of all the Syracuse eateries. Without a doubt, the best BBQ you can get in all of Upstate New York. Syracuse is the original location and also the most colorful. Enjoy the “Big Ass Pork Plate” or sample the two best meals with a House Special of a quarter rack of ribs and a quarter chicken. The sides are also especially delicious and if salt potatoes are on the specials it is a must.
Bars On The Hill
Chuck’s – What could best be described as a hole in the wall. Graffiti covers the walls, but the pitchers flow well here. During Friday Happy Hour pitchers are $3/5, and while they do not have an impressive menu, their fries do the trick. This bar gets awfully crowded with bitchy undergrads wearing pink shirts and popped collars. If that is your cup of tea then this is your bar.
Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar – Do not insult me by actually caring about this bar.
Darwin’s Pub – RIP.
Maggie’s – The new maggies is located below the Student Choice Market. I’ve been down in it but never frequented it. It has a lot of new HiDef televisions and a “VIP” section. It could be fun, but enter at your own risk. Unless you were in a sorority. Then game on.
Faegan’s Pub – The gold standard in Marshall Street Bars. With over 40 beers on tap and bartenders that are skilled in the craft of making drinks and shots, this is where most alumni end up. While there are not many specials on Friday, it is vastly less crowded and a much better atmosphere than Chuck’s. Say hi to Guy for me and tell him Mr. Harrison sent you.
Harry's – This bar has a small place in my heart, as my father's cousin was Harry. However, he long sold the bar before I got to the hill so no free drinks for me. This bar is ideal for MNF watching and eating wings. However, you will not be in town on Monday. Not a bad option for a bar choice though. It is solid with decent food and probably not a big crowd.
The Sheraton Hotel – While I would not stay here all night, they do have free wings and pizza for a couple hours starting at five. If you are a broke alumni with a lot of debt, maybe you should start out here.
Bars In Armory Square
Daisy Dukes – This country bar has beer and liquor. They also have a bull to ride, which can be outstanding if there are cute ladies up for it. Be warned though, one of their bouncers was recently arrested for assault, so be on your best behavior.
Mully’s – This Irish bar is undistinguishable in every way. They have booze and you don’t. Who’s more Irish?
PJ Dorsey’s – This is a fun little bar with room, dancing, and a favorite of mine as I spent my 21st birthday there. Nothing too remarkable about it, but again, they have drinks and you want some.
The Blue Tusk – This is the most expensive place downtown, but it could be worth it if you enjoy rare brews and an upscale atmosphere. A LOT of beers on tap. Also, the back room is the perfect place to sit down, enjoy the company of friends, and some fine ales.
Bar – This is an upscale place with a dress code and loud music. It is also very dark. Perfect for being sketchy if you are into that sort of thing. The bartenders know what they are doing, so you’ll be good to go. This would not be my first choice though.
Syracuse Suds – This bar is also a micro-brewery. Nowhere else in Syracuse can you get a root beer keg. A lot of older people come here so it will not get out of hand, but it is a nice, chill place to drink some beers.
Empire Brewing Company – This is also a quite place to enjoy some freshly brewed local beers. This is like an irish pub, but instead of Guinness try the Blueberry Wheat.
There are plenty of other restaurants and bars I am forgetting about, but really, this is the guide. If it is not on this list, you either should not waste your time or you already know about it because it is not that popular but you like it anyway. Both cases are fine.
Now is some advice to carry you through the weekend:
·It is important to remember that no matter how drunk you get, you do not live off campus anymore. Try not to show up to a former residence and try to break in just because you used to live there.
·This one is for the younger kids; Homecoming is too short for you to deal with drama and people trying to make you feel like crap. Avoid people that you would have a problem with and just hang out with people you enjoy.
·Tailgating is an art. Respect it and it will respect you.
·If you hate Nancy Cantor like my friends do, enjoy a nice pee on Nancy’s $6 million wall. It is the world’s most expensive outdoor urinal.
·Enjoy the sights and sounds of your old campus, but avoid public safety. They have guns now.
·Enjoy some beers on the quad. It is private property after all. Just don’t sneak into Maxwell Hall to shotgun some beers like you did back in the day.
·Bring two pairs of shoes. You never know if your buddy will pee in them.
Everything above is just solid advice. Feel free to ignore it, but you’ll probably regret it. With a 3:30 start time on the game you should have a few hours of tailgating bilss, but do check out some of the places above as they are still as great as you remembered them before you left. Take care and I’ll see you in the Dome. Seriously, because there will not be that many people there. I’ll look for you. I’ll be in the #44 jersey and the hat.
Labels: Football, Homecoming
I try to explain wa'happened. Bad tackling for one.This past Tuesday, as we usually do, my good friend Sean over at Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician sent me some questions. I answered them, because I too am a slave to this cog we call blogging. The main focus was of course the Penn State game and what it was like that day, both in the Dome and out. Needless to say I did not particularly enjoy reliving that weekend and those moments in time, but what doesn’t kill you… right? Anyway, enjoy the last edition of Orange::44 is an Absolute Magician. Hard to believe we are on our 14th go around. That’s a lot of weeks of anguish preserved forever on the internets. Stay tuned later today for the return of the Orange::44 audio euphoria, known as the podcast where we will surely cover the events of last weekend, including The Express premier. That is sure to waste a few moments of your precious time, perhaps while you droll away to your job via the subway on your iPod.
Labels: Football, Nunes/Magician
The blue represents awesome.After a small absence from Orange::44, we have once again become members of the voting panel of the Blogpoll. Some would say this is the most accurate way to measure who truly is ranked higher, as not many people do their homework like bloggers. I cannot necessarily disagree. Here is my ballot that I will be submitting. Feel free to leave your comments and I may tweak mine as the final submissions are due on Wednesdays. I will post my ballot on Mondays or Tuesdays and allow you, the reader, to tell me how correct you think I am. I will normally give some imput on the teams, but this week I'll just stick with my poll and see what you say about it.
| Rank | Team | Delta |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Cal | 25 |
| 2 | Georgia | 24 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 23 |
| 4 | Florida | 22 |
| 5 | Missouri | 21 |
| 6 | Texas | 20 |
| 7 | LSU | 19 |
| 8 | East Carolina | 18 |
| 9 | Texas Tech | 17 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | 16 |
| 11 | Alabama | 15 |
| 12 | Oregon | 14 |
| 13 | Auburn | 13 |
| 14 | Brigham Young | 12 |
| 15 | Penn State | 11 |
| 16 | South Florida | 10 |
| 17 | Wake Forest | 9 |
| 18 | Kansas | 8 |
| 19 | Ohio State | 7 |
| 20 | Clemson | 6 |
| 21 | Utah | 5 |
| 22 | Illinois | 4 |
| 23 | West Virginia | 3 |
| 24 | Florida State | 2 |
| 25 | Fresno State | 1 |
Dropped Out:
Labels: BlogPoll
Penn State - Syracuse Postgame Reactions or What A Weekend
2 Comments Published on 9.15.2008 by Brian Harrison
Pictured Above: Brian Harrison circa the 3rd Quarter.Don't do me like that, don't do me like that.
What if I love you baby, don't do me like that.
Don't do me like that, don't do me like that.
Someday I might need you baby, don't do me like that.
~ Don't Do Me Like That by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Last week I made some judgments about this team. After losing to Akron, in a close game over BCS TEAM, I thought that the team could not do worse than that. Sadly I was wrong. I am a firm believer in staying the whole game. This game certainly tested my fortitude of doing just that. I managed to endure this entire massacre, but it was not without a little emotional damage I fear. Either way, that was some game to welcome back Penn State with. #17 Penn State crushes Syracuse 55-13.
Offense
D-
Could this offense manage to sustain anything? Hardly. Yes they scored a touchdown, but did they do anything else? Not really. Cantley got the second start in a row for the Orange at quarterback. He took a major step back during this game (13/32, 110yds, 1TD, 1INT) compared to last week. He literally threw his interception directly at a Penn State defender, not even remotely near any Syracuse players. And talk about a case of the dropsies for the receivers. The running game also hit a brick wall, as Carter, Hogue, and Brinkley only combined for 33 yards of rushing. Syracuse only got eight first downs in the game. While Syracuse earned a touchdown, that was against the second or third string players on Penn State. This game was a huge step back for the Orange. While Penn State is clearly an elite team, Syracuse still should have performed better and more poised than they did. This was an atrocious effort for Syracuse.
Defense
D-
Penn State racked up 560 total yards. Syracuse cannot stop anyone’s passing game. If I were a football team playing Syracuse, I would not even bother running the ball until Syracuse could make just one stop on defense while I pass. This team could not stop much of anything against Penn State. They do not get an F because they were playing the #17 team in the country, but if they were playing anyone else, they probably would have gotten one.
Special Teams
B-
Again, nothing too special, but they definitely did their jobs. Something that cannot be said for the other units. Syracuse returned eight kicks for a total of 194 yards. Patrick “Sex Offender Mustache” Shadle went 2/2 on field goals, the longest of which was 44 yards. He also made his one extra point opportunity. Rob Long punted a total of seven times for 359 yards, averaging 51.3 yards, the longest of which was 70 yards. He also pinned one inside the Penn State 20 yard line. Nothing else of note occurred with this unit, but at least they did what they were supposed to do, without many mistakes.
Coaching
F
I think no one was under any illusion that something magical would occur for Syracuse during this game. However, you at least need to try, and run your game to the best of your ability. You have to put the best game you can on the field, and in this case they simply did not. It is an unfortunate truth, but Greg Robinson deserves no further consideration from you, or me, or DOCTOR Gross, or anyone. He simply needs to resign now, but of course he will not because he cannot even admit that he has made any mistakes ever period. This was a sad day for Syracuse, which is unfortunate because The Express premier was outstanding.
GPA
D- (0.83)
This was not a game, this was an assault on my delicate football sensibilities. I understand that Penn State is a better team, but actually regressing from the last two games is absolutely unacceptable. I cannot believe that this occurred and I am begging for Robinson to be relieved of all coaching duties immediately. This game is merely the latest evidence in a litany of mistakes he has made. I never knew how good I had it when I was an undergrad and Coach P was at the helm.
The game was sad, but overall it was an outstanding weekend for Syracuse University and the memory of Ernie Davis. Needless to say, the only thing that probably could have helped during the game would have been the corpse of Ben Schwartzwalder coaching, or the ghost of Ernie Davis running the ball for Syracuse. Hell, Dennis Quaid probably could have coached better. This was a travesty of football and every Syracuse fan should seriously evaluate what they really appreciate in life and decide if you can stand viewing another football game with this team. I will have a complete recap of my account of The Express Premier later on today. Congratulations to Megan Hickey for picking the closest in our Penn State wager by picking a 40 point spread when the actual spread was 42. Until next time, try to stay positive that Syracuse has basketball right around the corner. Finally, I do not normally endorse things, but you should probably hurry up and buy one of these t-shirts. They are clearly the most accurate shirt I have seen all semester.
Offense
D-
Could this offense manage to sustain anything? Hardly. Yes they scored a touchdown, but did they do anything else? Not really. Cantley got the second start in a row for the Orange at quarterback. He took a major step back during this game (13/32, 110yds, 1TD, 1INT) compared to last week. He literally threw his interception directly at a Penn State defender, not even remotely near any Syracuse players. And talk about a case of the dropsies for the receivers. The running game also hit a brick wall, as Carter, Hogue, and Brinkley only combined for 33 yards of rushing. Syracuse only got eight first downs in the game. While Syracuse earned a touchdown, that was against the second or third string players on Penn State. This game was a huge step back for the Orange. While Penn State is clearly an elite team, Syracuse still should have performed better and more poised than they did. This was an atrocious effort for Syracuse.
Defense
D-
Penn State racked up 560 total yards. Syracuse cannot stop anyone’s passing game. If I were a football team playing Syracuse, I would not even bother running the ball until Syracuse could make just one stop on defense while I pass. This team could not stop much of anything against Penn State. They do not get an F because they were playing the #17 team in the country, but if they were playing anyone else, they probably would have gotten one.
Special Teams
B-
Again, nothing too special, but they definitely did their jobs. Something that cannot be said for the other units. Syracuse returned eight kicks for a total of 194 yards. Patrick “Sex Offender Mustache” Shadle went 2/2 on field goals, the longest of which was 44 yards. He also made his one extra point opportunity. Rob Long punted a total of seven times for 359 yards, averaging 51.3 yards, the longest of which was 70 yards. He also pinned one inside the Penn State 20 yard line. Nothing else of note occurred with this unit, but at least they did what they were supposed to do, without many mistakes.
Coaching
F
I think no one was under any illusion that something magical would occur for Syracuse during this game. However, you at least need to try, and run your game to the best of your ability. You have to put the best game you can on the field, and in this case they simply did not. It is an unfortunate truth, but Greg Robinson deserves no further consideration from you, or me, or DOCTOR Gross, or anyone. He simply needs to resign now, but of course he will not because he cannot even admit that he has made any mistakes ever period. This was a sad day for Syracuse, which is unfortunate because The Express premier was outstanding.
GPA
D- (0.83)
This was not a game, this was an assault on my delicate football sensibilities. I understand that Penn State is a better team, but actually regressing from the last two games is absolutely unacceptable. I cannot believe that this occurred and I am begging for Robinson to be relieved of all coaching duties immediately. This game is merely the latest evidence in a litany of mistakes he has made. I never knew how good I had it when I was an undergrad and Coach P was at the helm.
The game was sad, but overall it was an outstanding weekend for Syracuse University and the memory of Ernie Davis. Needless to say, the only thing that probably could have helped during the game would have been the corpse of Ben Schwartzwalder coaching, or the ghost of Ernie Davis running the ball for Syracuse. Hell, Dennis Quaid probably could have coached better. This was a travesty of football and every Syracuse fan should seriously evaluate what they really appreciate in life and decide if you can stand viewing another football game with this team. I will have a complete recap of my account of The Express Premier later on today. Congratulations to Megan Hickey for picking the closest in our Penn State wager by picking a 40 point spread when the actual spread was 42. Until next time, try to stay positive that Syracuse has basketball right around the corner. Finally, I do not normally endorse things, but you should probably hurry up and buy one of these t-shirts. They are clearly the most accurate shirt I have seen all semester.
Labels: Football
Just when you thought they couldn't get any worse...Labels: Football
So they are from a mountain. Great.
As promised, here are the answers to my questions about the game with the fine folks at Zombie Nation, a Penn State Football blog.
1. Orange::44: So things are still bad for Syracuse. How much will Penn State win by on Saturday?
ZN: I'm going with a win by 30+ points. There are some games where, in the back of your mind, you hesitate to call out that kind of spread, but Syracuse is bad. Not like bad where they'll show up for the rivalry game and play well, but bad where they can't even use emotion to play well. I wouldn't be surprised if this one is over sooner than PSU/OrSU--at the half.
2. Orange::44: Are you still excited for this rivalry game, even though it might not be close?
ZN: As a big fan of PSU playing its former Eastern rivals, I love this game. I've said for a long time that if there were two or three teams PSU should play every season, one should be SU. I was kind of hoping Greg Robinson would have a somewhat competent team this season, so the game would be a bit more hyped. Oh well.
3. Orange::44: What PSU player will have the biggest impact on the game and why?
ZN: For the fun of it, let's go with the entire PSU offensive line. No sacks yet, better than 7 yards per carry--for the team!--and 286 yards rushing per game. 'Nuff said.
4. Orange::44: What Syracuse player are you worried about for Penn State?
ZN: Cameron Dantley. What? Yeah, PSU's secondary hasn't been out-of-this-world good so far. They've been living on thin ice. As long as the SU O-line can get Dantley more than 3-4 seconds to throw, he should put up some numbers. But, that all depends on his protection.
ZN: It's not Ohio State at USC, but this game is special. It harkens back to the days when college football was still bigger than pro football. Although next year is in Beaver Stadium, I would love to see this game played in Giants Stadium every year. It would do wonders for both schools' recruiting, especially since Rutgers now has NJ in a headlock.
Thanks to Zombie Nation for answering my questions. To see my answers to the same questions, check out Zombie Nation right here. Enjoy the game and try to remember we use to beat Penn. Reporting live from Syracuse, I'm Brian Harrison, Orange::44.
Labels: Football
What does make a lion Nitney anyway?What can I say that I haven’t already said? We’re gonna lose this game. By a lot. My money is on a 34 point loss. Literally. I have a bet with friends we are going to lose by that exact amount. How sad is it that for entertainment purposes I am betting AGAINST my team about how bad they are going to lose.
Penn State is coming into the Carrier Dome ranked 17th. The good news is that even though Syracuse probably will not win, the outcome is a win/win for Syracuse fans. Allow me to explain. Syracuse, if we win, will have pulled of a HUGE, EPIC upset against Penn State at home. Fans in the Dome will enjoy that, as well as fans around the nation. The drawback is that you think Gross and the Athletic Department will say that this is the improvement they were looking for and keep him. I disagree. I think he is gone win lose or draw. Additionally, if we do lose by a lot, that will be even more reason to get rid of him sooner. Either way, Robinson is gone, we might have a win, and I know I will be three sheets to the wind in the Dome. This is what I and my associates are calling a “Two Flask Game”. As in, we will need to sneak in two flasks to make this thing alright. And believe me, we will. I’ll be out of the home office and in Syracuse until Sunday, so expect a full recap of The Express premier, the Penn State game, and any other noteworthy tidbits such as the unveiling of the new Ernie Davis statue on the Quad. Stay tuned to see if I run into Dennis Quaid. And keep in mind that because of the aforementioned flasks, the crying child may make an appearance later on Saturday, rather than directly after the game as per usual. And stay tuned later today for my chat with Zombie Nation, a great Penn State football blog, around 4:00pm.
Penn State is coming into the Carrier Dome ranked 17th. The good news is that even though Syracuse probably will not win, the outcome is a win/win for Syracuse fans. Allow me to explain. Syracuse, if we win, will have pulled of a HUGE, EPIC upset against Penn State at home. Fans in the Dome will enjoy that, as well as fans around the nation. The drawback is that you think Gross and the Athletic Department will say that this is the improvement they were looking for and keep him. I disagree. I think he is gone win lose or draw. Additionally, if we do lose by a lot, that will be even more reason to get rid of him sooner. Either way, Robinson is gone, we might have a win, and I know I will be three sheets to the wind in the Dome. This is what I and my associates are calling a “Two Flask Game”. As in, we will need to sneak in two flasks to make this thing alright. And believe me, we will. I’ll be out of the home office and in Syracuse until Sunday, so expect a full recap of The Express premier, the Penn State game, and any other noteworthy tidbits such as the unveiling of the new Ernie Davis statue on the Quad. Stay tuned to see if I run into Dennis Quaid. And keep in mind that because of the aforementioned flasks, the crying child may make an appearance later on Saturday, rather than directly after the game as per usual. And stay tuned later today for my chat with Zombie Nation, a great Penn State football blog, around 4:00pm.
Labels: Football
1961 Heisman Trophy Winner Ernie DavisEditors Note: This is part four of a four part series on the legacy of Ernie Davis in his hometown of Elmira, New York. This is to show the very prominent position Ernie Davis still has in Elmira today, as well as lead up to the world premier of The Express in Syracuse, New York on Friday September 12th. Part one can be found here, part two can be found here, part three can be found here.
Ernie Davis lived his life to the fullest in the short time he was on this earth. However, he died far too young and with too much potential left in him. Upon his death, he was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, located at 1200 Walnut Street. He is buried among other famous Elmirans including Mark Twain, John Jones, Hal Roach, and most notably for me is my father. It is a sprawling, beautiful cemetery located minutes from the Elmira Correctional Facility, Downtown Elmira, and the Arnot Ogden Medical Center.
Here, Ernie Davis has a fairly large headstone, which is detailed very modestly. At the top it simply reads “Ernie Davis, Heisman Trophy 1961”. In the bottom right corner it reads “Ernest R., 1939-1963”. This grave, although not in my pictures, usually at various points in the year has different items people have left for him in his memory. There is usually a football placed at the base of the stone, and various cards and mementos left for him. As you can see, people still place flowers on the grave regularly. This is his final resting place after only a short life lived to the fullest.
While Davis may be gone, clearly his memory, especially in his hometown, lives on. That legacy will be even more solidified tonight with the world premier of The Express, the movie about his life. I will be in attendance this evening to chronicle “The Orange Carpet” events, and give my thoughts on the movie when I return. Look for that on Sunday or Monday, along with my post-mortem of the Penn State game. While Syracuse football future remains unclear, one thing is certain; the legacy of Ernie Davis is secure, even before the movie, in his hometown of Elmira, New York, who will never forget not only his innate athletic ability, but his good citizenship and desire to give back to those around him. He is truly missed. The full gallery of all my pictures of the various Davis related sights can be found here.
Ernie Davis lived his life to the fullest in the short time he was on this earth. However, he died far too young and with too much potential left in him. Upon his death, he was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, located at 1200 Walnut Street. He is buried among other famous Elmirans including Mark Twain, John Jones, Hal Roach, and most notably for me is my father. It is a sprawling, beautiful cemetery located minutes from the Elmira Correctional Facility, Downtown Elmira, and the Arnot Ogden Medical Center.
Here, Ernie Davis has a fairly large headstone, which is detailed very modestly. At the top it simply reads “Ernie Davis, Heisman Trophy 1961”. In the bottom right corner it reads “Ernest R., 1939-1963”. This grave, although not in my pictures, usually at various points in the year has different items people have left for him in his memory. There is usually a football placed at the base of the stone, and various cards and mementos left for him. As you can see, people still place flowers on the grave regularly. This is his final resting place after only a short life lived to the fullest.
While Davis may be gone, clearly his memory, especially in his hometown, lives on. That legacy will be even more solidified tonight with the world premier of The Express, the movie about his life. I will be in attendance this evening to chronicle “The Orange Carpet” events, and give my thoughts on the movie when I return. Look for that on Sunday or Monday, along with my post-mortem of the Penn State game. While Syracuse football future remains unclear, one thing is certain; the legacy of Ernie Davis is secure, even before the movie, in his hometown of Elmira, New York, who will never forget not only his innate athletic ability, but his good citizenship and desire to give back to those around him. He is truly missed. The full gallery of all my pictures of the various Davis related sights can be found here.
Labels: Ernie Davis, The Express
Replace Tennessee players with PSU, and Nunes with a current QB. Look familiar?This week has been hectic for me, so I’m sure you silently complained when this past Tuesday answers from our good friend Sean of Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician did not appear here at Orange::44. Well fret not intrepid football watchers. We have Mr. Nunes himself. Well not the real one… it’s the guy that… you know what I mean. I asked the questions, and Sean gives the answers. Enjoy, that is if you can enjoy reading about this football team.
1. Orange::44: What is the most frustrating thing about this team?
Nunes: The most frustrating thing about the team has to be that there never seems to be any kind of improvement. You see the same problems game after game after game (poor tackling, lack of cohesive offense, poor decision-making). I'm not quite sure what to make of it other than that it's poor coaching. A good coach can take unskilled players and turn them into a decent team. But a bad coach takes decent players and burns them into the ground. I think that's what's going on here.
Clearly the methods of teaching aren't working. So either change the methods or challenge the players to meet higher expectations. You do them no favors by saying you saw a lot of good to build on for the future because you're basically rewarding mediocrity. You just keep getting the same results time and time again.
2. Orange::44: Is Greg Robinson even making it through the season? Should he?
Nunes: I think he WILL make it through the season but he certainly SHOULD NOT. I think we've all accepted that we will lose to Penn State. The Northeastern game is the key...as sad as that sounds. Obviously, if we lose that game, he should just walk off the field, into the tunnel, out the back door and into his car and never look back. But if they win, I think everyone is going to play up the "fresh start" angle and really dig in that we need to allow Robinson to chance to make one last stand...again...for the last time...once more.
As far as I'm concerned, it's a lost cause. At best, we're going 2-10 and I think most people are thinking 1-11 at this point. We know Robinson is gone. Even if it's an interim basis, get rid of him and install Mitch Browning. Signal to recruits that this is a new dawn for the program and allow Browning the chance to make his own mark so we can decide how to move forward as well. There's nothing lost because it can't possibly get any worse and it's not like there's some recruits out there who won't come play for us cause they really wanted to play for Greg Robinson. I don't see the downside.
3. Orange::44: How much is Penn State going to beat us by?
Nunes: Fifty. Seriously. I can't believe what I'm seeing with a 25-point spread. Louisville got 30+ on us last year and no one is going to confuse last year's Louisville squad with this year's Penn State team. They run a spread, which we can't stop, and they have athletes that are ten times better than those on Northwestern and Akron. Oh, and we can't pass the ball for longer than ten yards at a time so the Penn State defense is going to key on our running backs and swallow them whole.
We will lose by fifty on Saturday. I'm pretty sure of it.
4. Orange::44: Who or what, if anything, is the bright spot on this team?
Nunes: Well it's been very nice to see Curtis Brinkley and Delone Carter rejuvenate themselves. It makes me happy, and I'm sure all Cuse fans, to see their hard work pay off, even if the W's aren't there to back up their efforts. But it is certainly appreciated.
The kicking game is good too, which is something fans of terrible teams can always seem to count on.
Shoot me.
5. Orange::44: Who are your front runners to replace GRob?
Nunes: Obviously the trendy pick is Skip Holtz and I do believe that the fervor over him will die down soon. ECU will lose 1-2 games along the way, Holtz will be highly regarded but not so much so that he wouldn't talk to us.
What's scaring the crap out of me is hearing about all these lifer NFL coordinators and/or failed NFL coaches who are gunning for the job. Marty Morninhwig? Kevin Gilbride? I don't know about you but they sound like the LAST people we want coming in right now. We need someone who will hit the ground running with recruits, not someone who hasn't recruited since 1985. We need someone who knows the college game inside and out, not someone who is going to try and convert their Pro style to ours and take three years to pull it off. We need someone young and fresh and hungry, not someone desperate for one last chance.
My fear is that we will go for the "name" over the "right guy for the job." I'll take someone like Florida's Dan Mullen over any big NFL name you can throw out at me any day.
6. Orange::44: If there were no laws, how would you remove GRob as head coach of the Orange?
Nunes: You assume I live my life according to the laws of man.
Well...you'd be right. So if I didn't, here's what I'd do...
Before the flight to West Virginia in a couple weeks, I'd distract Greg while the rest of the team boarded. Then, when he wasn't looking, I'd switch his plane ticket with a ticket for Oceanic Airlines and put him on their next flight to Australia. The plane would hit turbulence, break apart somewhere over the Pacific and crash land on a mysterious island where the laws of physics, time and reality seem to bend and even break. Once there he would befriend his fellow "losties" as they banded together to understand the phenomena around them.
At this point I assume he would be trampled by a polar bear or attacked by the smoke monster.
But I would wish him well...
7. Orange::44: Finally, give some encouraging words to the fans out there to not lose all hope in Syracuse University as a whole.
Nunes: You want some encouraging words for Syracuse University?
NCAA Lacrosse Champions. Jim Boeheim. Gary Gait. Cody Jamieson. Jonny Flynn. Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautin's surgically-repaired ACLs. Katie Rowan. Making the NCAA Tournament. Beating Johns Hopkins. Kristof! The Melo Center.
Don't lose faith in the whole, people. Just in this one guy...
1. Orange::44: What is the most frustrating thing about this team?
Nunes: The most frustrating thing about the team has to be that there never seems to be any kind of improvement. You see the same problems game after game after game (poor tackling, lack of cohesive offense, poor decision-making). I'm not quite sure what to make of it other than that it's poor coaching. A good coach can take unskilled players and turn them into a decent team. But a bad coach takes decent players and burns them into the ground. I think that's what's going on here.
Clearly the methods of teaching aren't working. So either change the methods or challenge the players to meet higher expectations. You do them no favors by saying you saw a lot of good to build on for the future because you're basically rewarding mediocrity. You just keep getting the same results time and time again.
2. Orange::44: Is Greg Robinson even making it through the season? Should he?
Nunes: I think he WILL make it through the season but he certainly SHOULD NOT. I think we've all accepted that we will lose to Penn State. The Northeastern game is the key...as sad as that sounds. Obviously, if we lose that game, he should just walk off the field, into the tunnel, out the back door and into his car and never look back. But if they win, I think everyone is going to play up the "fresh start" angle and really dig in that we need to allow Robinson to chance to make one last stand...again...for the last time...once more.
As far as I'm concerned, it's a lost cause. At best, we're going 2-10 and I think most people are thinking 1-11 at this point. We know Robinson is gone. Even if it's an interim basis, get rid of him and install Mitch Browning. Signal to recruits that this is a new dawn for the program and allow Browning the chance to make his own mark so we can decide how to move forward as well. There's nothing lost because it can't possibly get any worse and it's not like there's some recruits out there who won't come play for us cause they really wanted to play for Greg Robinson. I don't see the downside.
3. Orange::44: How much is Penn State going to beat us by?
Nunes: Fifty. Seriously. I can't believe what I'm seeing with a 25-point spread. Louisville got 30+ on us last year and no one is going to confuse last year's Louisville squad with this year's Penn State team. They run a spread, which we can't stop, and they have athletes that are ten times better than those on Northwestern and Akron. Oh, and we can't pass the ball for longer than ten yards at a time so the Penn State defense is going to key on our running backs and swallow them whole.
We will lose by fifty on Saturday. I'm pretty sure of it.
4. Orange::44: Who or what, if anything, is the bright spot on this team?
Nunes: Well it's been very nice to see Curtis Brinkley and Delone Carter rejuvenate themselves. It makes me happy, and I'm sure all Cuse fans, to see their hard work pay off, even if the W's aren't there to back up their efforts. But it is certainly appreciated.
The kicking game is good too, which is something fans of terrible teams can always seem to count on.
Shoot me.
5. Orange::44: Who are your front runners to replace GRob?
Nunes: Obviously the trendy pick is Skip Holtz and I do believe that the fervor over him will die down soon. ECU will lose 1-2 games along the way, Holtz will be highly regarded but not so much so that he wouldn't talk to us.
What's scaring the crap out of me is hearing about all these lifer NFL coordinators and/or failed NFL coaches who are gunning for the job. Marty Morninhwig? Kevin Gilbride? I don't know about you but they sound like the LAST people we want coming in right now. We need someone who will hit the ground running with recruits, not someone who hasn't recruited since 1985. We need someone who knows the college game inside and out, not someone who is going to try and convert their Pro style to ours and take three years to pull it off. We need someone young and fresh and hungry, not someone desperate for one last chance.
My fear is that we will go for the "name" over the "right guy for the job." I'll take someone like Florida's Dan Mullen over any big NFL name you can throw out at me any day.
6. Orange::44: If there were no laws, how would you remove GRob as head coach of the Orange?
Nunes: You assume I live my life according to the laws of man.
Well...you'd be right. So if I didn't, here's what I'd do...
Before the flight to West Virginia in a couple weeks, I'd distract Greg while the rest of the team boarded. Then, when he wasn't looking, I'd switch his plane ticket with a ticket for Oceanic Airlines and put him on their next flight to Australia. The plane would hit turbulence, break apart somewhere over the Pacific and crash land on a mysterious island where the laws of physics, time and reality seem to bend and even break. Once there he would befriend his fellow "losties" as they banded together to understand the phenomena around them.
At this point I assume he would be trampled by a polar bear or attacked by the smoke monster.
But I would wish him well...
7. Orange::44: Finally, give some encouraging words to the fans out there to not lose all hope in Syracuse University as a whole.
Nunes: You want some encouraging words for Syracuse University?
NCAA Lacrosse Champions. Jim Boeheim. Gary Gait. Cody Jamieson. Jonny Flynn. Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautin's surgically-repaired ACLs. Katie Rowan. Making the NCAA Tournament. Beating Johns Hopkins. Kristof! The Melo Center.
Don't lose faith in the whole, people. Just in this one guy...
Editor’s Note: This is another installment in the ongoing collaboration between Orange::44 and Nunes/Magician. Usually every other Tuesday Nunes::44 will appear here, while the following week Orange::44/Magician will appear on his site. Until then, enjoy Nunes/Magician articles and stay tuned to Orange::44 for complete postgame coverage from every Syracuse game.
Labels: Football, Nunes/Magician
1961 Heisman Trophy Winner Ernie Davis Editors Note: This is part three of a four part series on the legacy of Ernie Davis in his hometown of Elmira, New York. This is to show the very prominent position Ernie Davis still has in Elmira today, as well as lead up to the world premier of The Express in Syracuse, New York on Friday September 12th. Part one can be found here, part two can be found here.
While Ernie Davis has been gone from this earth for many years now, his legacy obviously lives on. Now in this instance, when I say legacy I am not talking about his great football playing, or even the fact he was a Heisman Trophy. Rather, I am talking about his legacy as a good citizen and a hard worker.
In Elmira, a mere half a block from the Ernie Davis Middle School at 362 East Fifth Street is the Ernie Davis Community Center. Here there are several activities for local youths, including mentoring and tutoring, martial arts, cultural dance, seniors program, daily recreation, educational programming, arts and crafts and field trips. It is here that the true reputation of Davis lives on. He was just as well known for being a gentleman and a scholar as his football playing.
This is where the continued message that education will get you everywhere lives on in Davis’ memory. Kids in the Elmira community have many doors opened to them because of the Ernie Davis Community Center and they will continue for many years to come. This is exactly what Ernie would want to be remembered for, even over the Heisman Trophy.
While Ernie Davis has been gone from this earth for many years now, his legacy obviously lives on. Now in this instance, when I say legacy I am not talking about his great football playing, or even the fact he was a Heisman Trophy. Rather, I am talking about his legacy as a good citizen and a hard worker.
In Elmira, a mere half a block from the Ernie Davis Middle School at 362 East Fifth Street is the Ernie Davis Community Center. Here there are several activities for local youths, including mentoring and tutoring, martial arts, cultural dance, seniors program, daily recreation, educational programming, arts and crafts and field trips. It is here that the true reputation of Davis lives on. He was just as well known for being a gentleman and a scholar as his football playing.
This is where the continued message that education will get you everywhere lives on in Davis’ memory. Kids in the Elmira community have many doors opened to them because of the Ernie Davis Community Center and they will continue for many years to come. This is exactly what Ernie would want to be remembered for, even over the Heisman Trophy.
Labels: Ernie Davis, The Express
1961 Heisman Trophy Winner Ernie DavisEditors Note: This is part two of a four part series on the legacy of Ernie Davis in his hometown of Elmira, New York. This is to show the very prominent position Ernie Davis still has in Elmira today, as well as lead up to the world premier of The Express in Syracuse, New York on Friday September 12th. Part one can be found here.
Ernie Davis went to Elmira Free Academy, one of the two public high schools in Elmira. At the time, it was located at 610 Lake Street in Elmira, before a new EFA was built across town. Notable alumni of EFA include Eileen Collins, Hal Roach, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as my mother. But when EFA moved across town and made its previous building a middle school, they renamed it to Ernie Davis Junior High. Now Ernie Davis Middle School, it has a very famous statue of Davis out front. It also has a plaque with very inspiring words. The statue itself is a pride of the city and the community and there is even a picture of it in the display case outside the Ernie Davis room at the Carrier Dome.
One of the highest honors a community can give to an individual is name a school after them, and Elmira did that for Ernie Davis. Every student that passes through school on the north side of Elmira will attend the school and learn of his legacy. This will continue to make sure that his sportsmanship and good nature will not be forgotten.
Ernie Davis went to Elmira Free Academy, one of the two public high schools in Elmira. At the time, it was located at 610 Lake Street in Elmira, before a new EFA was built across town. Notable alumni of EFA include Eileen Collins, Hal Roach, Tommy Hilfiger, as well as my mother. But when EFA moved across town and made its previous building a middle school, they renamed it to Ernie Davis Junior High. Now Ernie Davis Middle School, it has a very famous statue of Davis out front. It also has a plaque with very inspiring words. The statue itself is a pride of the city and the community and there is even a picture of it in the display case outside the Ernie Davis room at the Carrier Dome.
One of the highest honors a community can give to an individual is name a school after them, and Elmira did that for Ernie Davis. Every student that passes through school on the north side of Elmira will attend the school and learn of his legacy. This will continue to make sure that his sportsmanship and good nature will not be forgotten.
Labels: Ernie Davis, The Express
1961 Heisman Trophy Winner Ernie Davis Editors Note: This is part one of a four part series on the legacy of Ernie Davis in his hometown of Elmira, New York. This is to show the very prominent position Ernie Davis still has in Elmira today, as well as lead up to the world premier of The Express in Syracuse, New York on Friday September 12th.
Ernie Davis came to Elmira, New York at the age of 12, but it was always what he considered his hometown. Everyday in Elmira he built a reputation of not only being a good athlete, but a great person as well. For the purposes of this series however, I am going to assume that you are a true fan and already know most of the Ernie Davis story. This article is about the legacy he has left in the town he grew up in, as well as my hometown. This is about the legacy he has left in Elmira and how Elmira remembers him.
In this first part, we take a look at a fixture now in Elmira, New York. This is something that most strangers visiting the area for the firs time encounter. The “Welcome To Elmira” sign is something that all travelers to Elmira get a chance to see when they first enter town taking Exit 56 off of Interstate 86, formerly Route 17. Former Elmira Mayor Stephen Hughes had it erected in 2003 after a slogan contest. The city slogan, which is present on the sign, now reads “Honoring the Past, Building the Future”. The sign certainly honors the past. Present left to right on the sign are famous people that are either originally from Elmira, or called Elmira their home for a significant portion of their life. They are Brian Williams (Anchor of NBC’s Nightly News), Hal Roach (A film pioneer), Ernie Davis, Mark Twain (Famous American writer and humorist), Eileen Collins (First female space shuttle pilot and Syracuse Alumnae), John Jones (Former slave and abolitionist), and Tommy Hilfiger (Clothing designer). Of course, Ernie Davis was included among some of the most beloved Elmirans.
Because of this sign, it is instantly recoganizable that Ernie Davis is from Elmira. I myself saw him every morning on the way to work this summer, as many locals do. It is one of the most recoganizeable and renound signs in the area and it is a point of pride for the City.
Ernie Davis came to Elmira, New York at the age of 12, but it was always what he considered his hometown. Everyday in Elmira he built a reputation of not only being a good athlete, but a great person as well. For the purposes of this series however, I am going to assume that you are a true fan and already know most of the Ernie Davis story. This article is about the legacy he has left in the town he grew up in, as well as my hometown. This is about the legacy he has left in Elmira and how Elmira remembers him.
In this first part, we take a look at a fixture now in Elmira, New York. This is something that most strangers visiting the area for the firs time encounter. The “Welcome To Elmira” sign is something that all travelers to Elmira get a chance to see when they first enter town taking Exit 56 off of Interstate 86, formerly Route 17. Former Elmira Mayor Stephen Hughes had it erected in 2003 after a slogan contest. The city slogan, which is present on the sign, now reads “Honoring the Past, Building the Future”. The sign certainly honors the past. Present left to right on the sign are famous people that are either originally from Elmira, or called Elmira their home for a significant portion of their life. They are Brian Williams (Anchor of NBC’s Nightly News), Hal Roach (A film pioneer), Ernie Davis, Mark Twain (Famous American writer and humorist), Eileen Collins (First female space shuttle pilot and Syracuse Alumnae), John Jones (Former slave and abolitionist), and Tommy Hilfiger (Clothing designer). Of course, Ernie Davis was included among some of the most beloved Elmirans.
Because of this sign, it is instantly recoganizable that Ernie Davis is from Elmira. I myself saw him every morning on the way to work this summer, as many locals do. It is one of the most recoganizeable and renound signs in the area and it is a point of pride for the City.
Labels: Ernie Davis, The Express
Akron - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR Can This Team Get Lower?
1 Comments Published on 9.09.2008 by Brian Harrison
Can you find Nancy Cantor freaking out on the sideline?So you wanted to take a break.
Slow it down some and have some space.
Well, fuck you too.
~Song for the Dumped by Ben Folds Five
They could not even beat Akron. In the 25 years I have been on this earth I have seen a lot of great Syracuse games, and a lot of bad Syracuse games, but I have to say that this is one of the lowest lows. Alright, seeing as this is a day late you already know the situation, and if you are reading this blog you are a fan of Syracuse, this one will mostly be emotionally cleansing for you and me. So strap in and here we go.
Offense
C
All in all, Cameron Dantley (nicknamed last year as Cantley) did not have a bad day (13/20, 135yds, 3TD, 1INT). However, when you have a three touchdown day and do not win the game, you know you could have done better. He also had a lost fumble. However, the fact of the matter is when you have the ball late in the game, you have to score, especially if you are down. Curtis Brinkley also had a fine day with 21 carries for 143 yards and a touchdown. The rush unit had 232 yards on the ground which is decent as well. I am not sure if the Cantley start over ARob was something that really changed the outcome of this game in any way, but I was impressed with Cantley last year and I was not unimpressed with him in this game. Either way, the offense is not the real big issue with this team, which is surprising considering how the offense really stunk last year.
Defense
Offense
C
All in all, Cameron Dantley (nicknamed last year as Cantley) did not have a bad day (13/20, 135yds, 3TD, 1INT). However, when you have a three touchdown day and do not win the game, you know you could have done better. He also had a lost fumble. However, the fact of the matter is when you have the ball late in the game, you have to score, especially if you are down. Curtis Brinkley also had a fine day with 21 carries for 143 yards and a touchdown. The rush unit had 232 yards on the ground which is decent as well. I am not sure if the Cantley start over ARob was something that really changed the outcome of this game in any way, but I was impressed with Cantley last year and I was not unimpressed with him in this game. Either way, the offense is not the real big issue with this team, which is surprising considering how the offense really stunk last year.
Defense
D-
This defense continues to be terrible, and the real problem for this team. Arm tackles do not work, and I cannot believe none of the coaches have told the players this. Several players on Akron needed to have contact a second or third time to even think about going down. This is unacceptable and goes against every defensive fundamental of the game of football. I cannot give them an F in this instance because they could actually stop most of the running attack of Akron, however the passing game being stopped was a completely different story. Most of the time players on Akron were wide open by several yards. I am not sure if this is because the defensive players are just bad, or they do not trust themselves, of if it is simply the type of zone or man defense they are playing, but either way I think I probably could have earned a couple touchdowns against the Syracuse defense. This is completely unacceptable, and if I hear Greg Robinson called a defensive guru ever again I just may lose it. Again, because they managed to stop the running attack, and Darrell Smith actually got an interception, therefore I will not give them an F. I truly feel like you have to have done nothing right to fail, however they do not earn much more from me because of everything else. Enjoy your moral victory of juuuuust being better than an average Pee Wee team would have been.
Special Teams
B-
Not a bad day for the special teams unit. Patrick “Sex Offender Mustache” Shadle went 4/4 on extra point attempts. Good for him. They should be automatic and sure enough they were. He did not attempt any field goals, so he had a nice day. The punter Rob Long punted three times for a total of 116 yards, two of which were inside the 20 yard line, so he had a good day as well. I believe one of which was also on the three yard line, so there was good help from his fellow special teamers. Max Suter had an alright day, returning five kick returns for a total of 105 yards, the longest of which was 24 yards. Therefore, once again the Special Teams unit earns best unit of the day, less for their playmaking, but more for the fact that they did their jobs competently.
Coaching
D-
I mean honestly, in actually executing this game, they did not do too badly. However, I believe the coaching grade has to reflect on how the overall team performed during the game, which was poor. Especially the defense. The simple fact is that nothing on the defense was fixed between last weekend and this weekend, and that rests squarely on the shoulders of the coaching staff. Something has to improve or they will continually get low marks from this commentator.
GPA
D+ (1.28)
This game was easily the most winnable game for Syracuse, other than Northeastern, on the schedule. Yet, they lost by two touchdowns. Syracuse was favored in this game. Yet they lost by two touchdowns. Syracuse had the opportunity to see their mistakes from the previous week and fix them. Yet they lost by two touchdowns. Greg Robinson recently was quoted as saying “It's pretty obvious I would have liked to have won more games to this point. I really didn't have that much knowledge of where the program was at that point [when he took over from Paul Pasqualoni in 2005]. There was a lot of work to be done.” Yeah, and it was your job to do it. I guess you did not. Thanks Greg for finally admitting you are terrible. We appreciate it. At least one thing was fixed from last year. H/T to Orange::44 correspondent John Brennan for the video.
Next week Penn State will be in town, and the Carrier Dome will be packed. Not with Syracuse fans, although some will come, but rather travelers from State College and all points in between. Syracuse will surely be demolished. Here is my prediction now; if Syracuse loses to Penn State by more than 40 points, and we either lost to Northeastern, or we do not win by a touchdown, Greg will be fired after that game. Just a gut feeling. We’ll see if I am right, and at this point I am praying I am. I wish I did not have to stomach an impending 1-11 season, but I and you are as well. I will be in Syracuse this Friday for the world premier of The Express, and subsequently the Penn State game on Saturday so look for lots of writing about all that next week. In the meanwhile, starting later today will be part one of my four part series on Ernie Davis’s hometown legacy in Elmira, New York. Until then, stay away from sharp objects.
This defense continues to be terrible, and the real problem for this team. Arm tackles do not work, and I cannot believe none of the coaches have told the players this. Several players on Akron needed to have contact a second or third time to even think about going down. This is unacceptable and goes against every defensive fundamental of the game of football. I cannot give them an F in this instance because they could actually stop most of the running attack of Akron, however the passing game being stopped was a completely different story. Most of the time players on Akron were wide open by several yards. I am not sure if this is because the defensive players are just bad, or they do not trust themselves, of if it is simply the type of zone or man defense they are playing, but either way I think I probably could have earned a couple touchdowns against the Syracuse defense. This is completely unacceptable, and if I hear Greg Robinson called a defensive guru ever again I just may lose it. Again, because they managed to stop the running attack, and Darrell Smith actually got an interception, therefore I will not give them an F. I truly feel like you have to have done nothing right to fail, however they do not earn much more from me because of everything else. Enjoy your moral victory of juuuuust being better than an average Pee Wee team would have been.
Special Teams
B-
Not a bad day for the special teams unit. Patrick “Sex Offender Mustache” Shadle went 4/4 on extra point attempts. Good for him. They should be automatic and sure enough they were. He did not attempt any field goals, so he had a nice day. The punter Rob Long punted three times for a total of 116 yards, two of which were inside the 20 yard line, so he had a good day as well. I believe one of which was also on the three yard line, so there was good help from his fellow special teamers. Max Suter had an alright day, returning five kick returns for a total of 105 yards, the longest of which was 24 yards. Therefore, once again the Special Teams unit earns best unit of the day, less for their playmaking, but more for the fact that they did their jobs competently.
Coaching
D-
I mean honestly, in actually executing this game, they did not do too badly. However, I believe the coaching grade has to reflect on how the overall team performed during the game, which was poor. Especially the defense. The simple fact is that nothing on the defense was fixed between last weekend and this weekend, and that rests squarely on the shoulders of the coaching staff. Something has to improve or they will continually get low marks from this commentator.
GPA
D+ (1.28)
This game was easily the most winnable game for Syracuse, other than Northeastern, on the schedule. Yet, they lost by two touchdowns. Syracuse was favored in this game. Yet they lost by two touchdowns. Syracuse had the opportunity to see their mistakes from the previous week and fix them. Yet they lost by two touchdowns. Greg Robinson recently was quoted as saying “It's pretty obvious I would have liked to have won more games to this point. I really didn't have that much knowledge of where the program was at that point [when he took over from Paul Pasqualoni in 2005]. There was a lot of work to be done.” Yeah, and it was your job to do it. I guess you did not. Thanks Greg for finally admitting you are terrible. We appreciate it. At least one thing was fixed from last year. H/T to Orange::44 correspondent John Brennan for the video.
Next week Penn State will be in town, and the Carrier Dome will be packed. Not with Syracuse fans, although some will come, but rather travelers from State College and all points in between. Syracuse will surely be demolished. Here is my prediction now; if Syracuse loses to Penn State by more than 40 points, and we either lost to Northeastern, or we do not win by a touchdown, Greg will be fired after that game. Just a gut feeling. We’ll see if I am right, and at this point I am praying I am. I wish I did not have to stomach an impending 1-11 season, but I and you are as well. I will be in Syracuse this Friday for the world premier of The Express, and subsequently the Penn State game on Saturday so look for lots of writing about all that next week. In the meanwhile, starting later today will be part one of my four part series on Ernie Davis’s hometown legacy in Elmira, New York. Until then, stay away from sharp objects.
Labels: Football
Matt Glaude, purveyor of truth and taxes.I cannot point out how much Matt Glaude is still a blogging mentor to me. It is simply because he writes stuff like this, or even just this. On top of it, when enthusiastic Hoya bloggers fail to get the joke, it makes for even more hilarity. Thus, Matt has to respond with the likes of this. When Matt started his new notebook, Hoya Suxa, he simply reasoned that it would be much easier to make up facts than write about real ones and back them up. Any person reading the blog that has half a brain would know that it is complete satire. Thus, unabashedly hating on Georgetown and the like was born. So enjoy Matt Glaude in all his splendor, because when he actually takes the time to write, it will clearly be the funniest thing you read all day.
Labels: Matt Glaude, Syracuse Blogisphere
Can't even beat Akron. Nice.Labels: Football
Fear the mighty kangaroo "Zippy".
The Zips? Really? That is the nickname you’re going with. The Akron Zips? Alright. I have to be honest. I do not know that much about Akron. I know they are in the MAC. I know the only time they have gone to a bowl game was in 2005 and they lost. Their 2007 record was 4-8. Hey, Syracuse is actually favored in this game. So where does this leave us?
I think everyone realizes (and by everyone I mean the staff of the Syracuse Football Team), that we need to improve on offense to even beat Akron, and Andrew Robinson realizes he needs to shake off the Northwestern game and actually play like we all know he can.
Time to predict how we will do this weekend though. My guess (at this point it might as well be a guess) is that Syracuse will want to get the bitter taste of an opening loss out of their mouths. No better place to do it than with an inferior opponent at home. Akron will keep it close the first half, but even with the team conditioning being suspect at best, Syracuse will outlast Akron to win by only ten. But a victory is a victory. And for this team, they will take whatever they can get. I’ll be out of the home office until Sunday, but expect a full recap either then or Monday. Have a good weekend. Also look for my special four part series on Ernie Davis everyday next week. It will be a nice precursor to The Express premier in Syracuse on Friday before the Penn State game. Until then take care and try not to eat a gun if things go south on Saturday.
I think everyone realizes (and by everyone I mean the staff of the Syracuse Football Team), that we need to improve on offense to even beat Akron, and Andrew Robinson realizes he needs to shake off the Northwestern game and actually play like we all know he can.
Time to predict how we will do this weekend though. My guess (at this point it might as well be a guess) is that Syracuse will want to get the bitter taste of an opening loss out of their mouths. No better place to do it than with an inferior opponent at home. Akron will keep it close the first half, but even with the team conditioning being suspect at best, Syracuse will outlast Akron to win by only ten. But a victory is a victory. And for this team, they will take whatever they can get. I’ll be out of the home office until Sunday, but expect a full recap either then or Monday. Have a good weekend. Also look for my special four part series on Ernie Davis everyday next week. It will be a nice precursor to The Express premier in Syracuse on Friday before the Penn State game. Until then take care and try not to eat a gun if things go south on Saturday.
Labels: Football
