Central Connecticut - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR Great Way to Start The Season
0 Comments Published on 9.05.2017 by Brian Harrison
Eric Dungey picked up right where he left off, playing very well.
Syracuse has a very tough schedule. They need to win the games that are winable. And starting the year again with an FCS school is winable. Syracuse did the job, and started the season 1-0, in a convincing victory that was never in doubt. Syracuse rolled over Central Connecticut (CConn), 50 to 7.
Offense
A
Syracuse's passing attack showed no slowing down from last season. Granted, Syracuse was playing against smaller pass defenders than they will be seeing the rest of the year. But, it was a good day for Eric Dungey (28/36, 328yds, 3 TD, 0 INT, 2 Rush TD), who was out early in the 4th quarter. Syracuse spread the rushing attack around, but Dontae Strickland and Moe Neal are clearly getting a good chuck of the work, with Markenzy Pierre right behind. And Steve Ishmael and Ervin Philips can grab almost any ball near them.
Defense
B
Syracuse surprisingly did very well on pass coverage in breaking up passes, as well as making difficult tackles in space. However, Syracuse allowed some fairly big runs between the tackles from CConn. And those athletes aren't the level they will see in the coming weeks. That is a huge red flag. Either way, they only allowed one score on the day and only allowed two plays of 20 or more yards. Alarm bells may ring in the future, but for now you have to like how they handled the outmatched CConn offense.
Special Teams
B-
Cole Murphy missed an XP, and Syracuse really wasn't ever able to get a punt return going. But again, they were against CConn, so you gotta live with that.
Coaching
B
No real hard decisions to make in this one. Syracuse called a confident passing attack, and mixed in runs. Babers lost a challenge, but they probably should have won it as it was clear the officials blew the ball dead when there was a clear fumble. I can't hate the clear message they have clearly given to Dungey all off season to be a bigger pocket presence. It has paid off.
GPA
B (3.18)
Syracuse did exactly what they needed to. They only let CConn score once, and they hung 50 on them. Syracuse marched down and scored on their first drive, after a few big plays and only a few minutes of game time. This game was never in doubt. Against an FCS school, it's exactly what you need to do. 1-0 and on to the next one.
Syracuse now has a long week, and they have Middle Tennessee coming in on Saturday. Scott Shafer makes his return to Syracuse. They are paying $1 Million for MTSU to come in, so Syracuse needs to win. For a lot of reasons.
Labels: Football
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