Syracuse - Western Michigan Postgame Reactions OR What a Roller Coaster of Emotion
0 Comments Published on 9.05.2018 by Brian Harrison
Get back in there and win us the game!
While it was a fun game, and it was certainly a great result, the game was not an easy watch for Syracuse fans. SU amassed a nice first half lead, Eric Dungey was taken out for Tommy DeVito, and all hell broke loose. Dino Babers put Eric Dungey back in the game and all was right again. Syracuse wins their highest combined season opening score ever, beating WMU on the road 55 to 42.
Offense
B+
Eric Dungey (7/17, 184yds, 2 TD, 0 INT, 200 rush, 1 rush TD) set a single game rushing record for an ACC QB. He had a monster opening day in total, and was clearly the difference in the game. The offensive line was just about as good as advertised, giving good protection to Dungey, as well as massive running lanes for him and the running backs. Moe Neal and Dontae Strickland both had 2 TD on the ground for Syracuse, with Neal getting 82 yards on 28 carries. Jamal Custis was clearly the shining star of the offense, earning 168 yards on 6 receptions, two being TDs and one of them being a massively awesome one handed grab. Tommy DeVito was not ready for the spotlight as the offense did nothing while he was in. Can't say it's too surprising, being that it was his first action in college. No alarm bells yet, but that makes Dungey staying healthy extra important.
Defense
B-
Syracuse held WMU to 2-10 on 3rd down and 1-2 on 4th. They also earned two interceptions. That being said, they can't possibly be given an A for allowing 621 total yards and 24 first downs. This was basically a collapse, starting about halfway through the 2nd quarter, and lasting until the early part of the 4th quarter. Then they did enough to stop the offensive threat of WMU, along with Dungey allowing some rest time for the defense, by actually moving the ball.
Syracuse held WMU to 2-10 on 3rd down and 1-2 on 4th. They also earned two interceptions. That being said, they can't possibly be given an A for allowing 621 total yards and 24 first downs. This was basically a collapse, starting about halfway through the 2nd quarter, and lasting until the early part of the 4th quarter. Then they did enough to stop the offensive threat of WMU, along with Dungey allowing some rest time for the defense, by actually moving the ball.
Special Teams
A
Andre Szmyt was perfect on the day, kicking two field goals (26, 43), and making seven extra points. Additionally, coverage on kicks and punts were great. No reason to not give them an A.
Andre Szmyt was perfect on the day, kicking two field goals (26, 43), and making seven extra points. Additionally, coverage on kicks and punts were great. No reason to not give them an A.
Coaching
C
I, like many other fans, thought that Dino Babers waiting one too many WMU scores before putting Dungey back in the game. I don't think he should have let the game get as close as he did again. Dungey should have come back in when it got back to 34 to 21. Instead, WMU scored, and make the game only 6 points. Dungey than came in and promptly marched down the field and scored, and the game was never really in doubt. But it got too close for comfort and it didn't have to. I will say that I don't think the coaches tried to have Dungey run. He just took off and moved the chains. Which was easy against WMU.
I, like many other fans, thought that Dino Babers waiting one too many WMU scores before putting Dungey back in the game. I don't think he should have let the game get as close as he did again. Dungey should have come back in when it got back to 34 to 21. Instead, WMU scored, and make the game only 6 points. Dungey than came in and promptly marched down the field and scored, and the game was never really in doubt. But it got too close for comfort and it didn't have to. I will say that I don't think the coaches tried to have Dungey run. He just took off and moved the chains. Which was easy against WMU.
GPA
B (3.1)
Again, the ending was great. But it didn't have to be this hard. It never has to be, but it always is when Syracuse is involved. Either way, survive and advance. 1-0 for Syracuse, starting on the road against a MAC team and not an FCS squad. All in all, a nice Friday.
Syracuse heads to the Dome for their home opener against FCS Wagner. They have an extra day to prepare and should handle business, just in time to take on FSU in the Dome. Either way, Syracuse is off to a good start and needs to keep the momentum, and Dungey's health, rolling.
Again, the ending was great. But it didn't have to be this hard. It never has to be, but it always is when Syracuse is involved. Either way, survive and advance. 1-0 for Syracuse, starting on the road against a MAC team and not an FCS squad. All in all, a nice Friday.
Syracuse heads to the Dome for their home opener against FCS Wagner. They have an extra day to prepare and should handle business, just in time to take on FSU in the Dome. Either way, Syracuse is off to a good start and needs to keep the momentum, and Dungey's health, rolling.
Labels: Football
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