West Virginia Camping World Bowl Quick Predictions
0 Comments Published on 12.28.2018 by Brian Harrison
Syracuse and old rival West Virginia meet again.
Syracuse, after by all accounts having an unbelievable, miracle season, heads to Orlando and the Camping World Bowl to face West Virginia, a team that came up just short in heading to the Big XII title game. Syracuse itself came up a couple 4th quarter leads from only losing to Notre Dame. Now Syracuse has a chance to win ten games for the first time in a season since 2001, my freshman year.
Syracuse has had an outstanding year in terms of results. And while the offense has been great for most of the season, the defense stepped up in several key moments of the season, and Special Teams (with Lou Groza Award winner Andrew Szmyt) somehow kept Syracuse in a lot of games. West Virginia had a great year, only also losing three games. But here is the thing. West Virginia won't have starting QB Will Grier at the helm of their offense. And the backup doesn't have Gary Jennings to throw to either. So the top two offensive players for West Virginia is out. That's not to say Syracuse isn't down a couple defensive players either, but that at least should help the Syracuse defense limit what West Virginia is able to do. Two things will make the difference today. Will Dungey be the Dungey we know he can be, and make play after play, and can Syracuse win the turnover battle for one more game? If Syracuse is able to move the ball with Dungey and get out to a big of an early lead, I think this game will be over in the first half. Not only that, but scoring off turnovers will prevent West Virginia from getting back in the game. West Virginia will have success if they are able to get to Dungey and sack him or even knock him out of the game like Notre Dame earlier this year. Syracuse will need to protect Dungey at all cost. But like I said, if Syracuse is able to get turnovers, and Dungey is going to do what he does, Syracuse should be able to get a nice early lead against a QB (whichever one it is) from West Virginia playing a total of 11 actual snaps all season. This is a rivalry Bowl Game, and Syracuse has a little history, winning the last two games against West Virginia, including the Pinstripe Bowl in 2012. With the starting QB out, I'm taking Syracuse 41 to 31.
This game is available on ESPN / WatchESPN at 5:15pm. John is reporting live from the Bowl. I'll be in the Command Center. It's not that often we see ten win seasons, but we may have one on our hands here. Enjoy it if it happens. And know, no one is laughing at Syracuse Football anymore.
Labels: Bowl Games, Bowling, Football, Preview
Actual belt buckle size may vary.
Syracuse squeaked their way into a Bowl Game with literally six seconds left on their season. They beat Boston College on a well engineered drive, and a timely penalty flag. But the point is they are now in Texas for the Texas Bowl taking on Minnesota.
The Orange seem to have a disadvantage on paper. Minnesota has won eight games this season, including beating then #23 Nebraska, as well as both Northwester and Penn State, two teams Syracuse lost to (although I don't really want to count that Penn State or Northwestern game with Drew Allen blatantly throwing to opposite colored jerseys). They are also one of the best stories in College Football this year, with their coach Jerry Kill coming back from missing games due to seizures related to his epilepsy. They rallied to win eight games and put on some impressive performances. They also have a very solid player in RB David Cobb, who has carried Minnesota on his back in more ways than one. The game, much like the last few tough basketball games, will come down to which individual position performs better for their team. For this game, it is the running back, and to a lesser extent the offensive line. If Jerome Smith and company can create running space, Syracuse will have a very good day, allowing Terrel Hunt to only have to make plays on short third downs, as well as with his legs and not exclusively on longer passes. Similarly, Syracuse has to shut down Cobb. Minnesota has proven that even if they are not being successful by running they will still continue to run the ball way more than they should. Syracuse can force Minnesota into a tough position by simply limiting big plays, and runs of more than a few yards per carry. Their quarterback will make some throws against an admittedly weaker Syracuse secondary, but with the tough defensive rush Syracuse has up front, it will generally force conservative Minnesota to keep trying to run the ball. Syracuse has yet to allow a 100 yard rusher this season in any of their previous 12 games. Although Boston College's Andre Williams may have broken that mark, he was hurt in the first half, so Syracuse can still brag. Either way, I think it will be up to Minnesota to prove they can run against Syracuse's higher ranked defense than Syracuse proving they can stop the Minnesota run. If Hunt manages the ball well and doesn't throw any picks or fumbles it should put Syracuse in a position to prove most of the pickers out there wrong. Frankly I'm not worried. I don't think anyone gave Syracuse a chance last season versus West Virginia in NYC. We know how that worked out. I'll take my Orange, who haven't lost a Bowl Game in the post-Robinson era yet. I'll say Orange over the Gophers 27 to 21.
This game is available nationally on ESPN and Watch ESPN tonight at 6:00pm eastern and 5:00pm local time. Neither John or I made the trip down to Texas, but we'll be rooting for Syracuse to earn their second win in two trips to the state of Texas for a Bowl. The last trip was the 1960 Cotton Bowl, where Syracuse earned the National Championship. That worked out. Hopefully this will too. Either way, a win is icing on an pretty good first season in the ACC for the Orange. A loss, well we made a Bowl Game, and no one thought Syracuse was doing that this season. Except both John and I predicted a Bowl Game. So I guess that shows we know Syracuse better than most of the media. Which may or may not be true, but probably. Enjoy the game and, as always, GO ORANGE!
Labels: Bowl Games, Bowling, Football, Preview, Syracuse Needs to Win to Make New Years Tolerable
Let's go bowling. #BeatWVU
Syracuse had a rough go in some of their early games, but finishing strong on the year put them at 7-5 and back in the Pinstripe Bowl in Yankee Stadium. Below will be my standard preview, followed by John chiming in on the football preview spectrum. Then I'll have some closing words and send you on your way to enjoy the game wherever you happen to find yourself tomorrow.
The Orange and the Mountaineers of West Virginia are no strangers to each other. They have played an awful lot over then years and then as conference mates in the Big East. But the changing landscape of college football and athletics has put them at odds with one another in the postseason. Oddly, the numbers for both teams offensively and for both quarterbacks are similar in terms of yards gained and production per game. Even the stud wide receiver duos of Tavon Austin/Stedman Bailey and Marcus Sales/Alec Lemon have similar numbers on the year. Honestly, the only offensive numbers that are radically different are Geno Smith's 40 touchdowns versus Ryan Nassib's 29. We know both quarterbacks can throw the ball well. This is not in dispute. However, on the other side of the ball, both defenses are not as good as their offensive counterparts. However, the difference in these teams is really found in the passing defense. West Virginia ranks next to last in the nation at passing defense, giving up 328.3 passing yards per game and a total of 36 passing touchdowns. Compare that to Syracuse, who only allows 236.9 passing yards per game and 21 passing TDs. Either way, this game will be won by Syracuse if they can establish an offense that moves the ball and doesn't commit turnovers. Syracuse has a slightly better rushing attack and if they can sustain long drives, it will put them in a position to wear out the WVU defense quicker and allow for more passing opportunities later in the game. Syracuse, in the previous two meetings, have found ways to attack Smith, sacking him numerous times. Syracuse will need to do that again, making it easier on the SU secondary, and harder for Geno to gain big yards through the air. This game is basically a coin flip at this point. I'll rely on the recent history between these teams, and the pro-Syracuse crowd in the stands, as well as Syracuse's performance in the last Pinstripe Bowl to guide my decision here. I'm picking the Orange in a close one 41 to 38.
John Brennan's Preview
Before I get to my analysis of what Syracuse needs to do to win the game, I want to focus on a few parallels to 2010:
- In 2010, Syracuse finished the regular season at 7-5.
- In 2012, Syracuse finished the regular season at 7-5.
- In 2010, the San Francisco Giants (my favorite baseball team) won the World Series.
- In 2012, the San Francisco Giants (still my favorite baseball team) won the World Series.
- In 2010, every seat in the House of Representatives and one-third of the seats in the Senate was up for election.
- In 2012, every seat in the House of Representatives and one-third of the seats in the Senate was up for election.
- In 2010, Syracuse was selected by the Pinstripe Bowl to be the game's representative from the Big East.
- In 2012, Syracuse was selected by the Pinstripe Bowl to be the game's representative from the Big East.
- In 2010, a major snowstorm struck the northeast in the days leading up to the Pinstripe Bowl, forcing snow to be plowed from the field at Yankee Stadium.
- In 2012, a major snowstorm struck the northeast in the days leading up to the Pinstripe Bowl, forcing snow to be plowed from the field at Yankee Stadium.
- In 2010, Syracuse won the Pinstripe Bowl.
Anyway, onto the game. Unlike most bowl match-ups where two teams from different conferences that know little to nothing about each other play, Syracuse and West Virginia have a history. An annual history. To the point that the annual winner took the Schwartzwalder Trophy* (not this time). Bottom line is, these two teams know each other. The Mountaineers know Ryan Nassib, and the Orange know Geno Smith. Thing is, Syracuse beat WVU the last couple times out. I know, personnel change; coaches change; schemes change. But that's no different than what these two teams would deal with prepping for their annual conference tilt. This year's WVU squad features a high-powered offense and a porous defense. Those are clearly the strengths and weaknesses, respectively, for this Mountaineer team. Syracuse in 2012 has featured a more balanced attack, with no one squad consistently dominating but rather the team just finding ways to win games. Of note is West Virginia's center being out for this game for academic reasons. Syracuse has some suspensions of its own, but I think those are in areas where others can pick up the slack. Geno Smith needs clean snaps in order to be effective, especially given the weather forecast of mid-30s with snow. If Syracuse can exploit that, create some turnovers, and limit Mountaineer offensive possessions that result in scores, then the Orange has a good chance in this game. If I'm Doug Marrone, I want the ball first: get out there, pick apart the WVU secondary, and put points on the board. Then go out there and play the defense of your life. If Syracuse can grab the early lead and put Geno & company on their heels, Syracuse has a good chance of winning. Despite the vulnerable WVU secondary, Syracuse must establish a balanced attack on offense and throw in plenty of play action, so the defenders are always guessing. Defensively, Syracuse needs to contain Geno Smith. Easier said than done, and obviously don't get frustrated when he throws for touchdowns; it's gonna happen. But it's all about the pressure, creating turnovers, or field goals instead of touchdowns. In last year's Friday night game in the Dome against West Virginia, Syracuse won, in a blowout. The Pinstripe Bowl won't be a blowout, but I pick Syracuse to win on Brian's 30th birthday 44-35.
In case you missed it earlier, check out the back and forth I had with Chris Sedenka of The Jack Fleming Society here, along with my answers on their site here.
Yes, that's right. Internet rumors are true, this game is being played on my 30th Birthday. While we'll have fun either way, a win would go a long way in ensuring a great time in NYC the entire weekend. Either way, it should be a great game to watch. The game is on ESPN at 3:15pm. So find your seat or your television. I may be dead on Sunday, but we live the dream Saturday. And as always, GO ORANGE!
Labels: Bowl Games, Bowling, Preview
Eight days away. Time to start previewing.
Syracuse is facing a pretty familiar foe in the Pinstripe Bowl this year. The Mountaineers may be in a different conference now, but it hasn't been too long since we hated each other. So it's fun that Syracuse is playing the Mountaineers again in a Bowl Game. We spoke to Chris Sedenka of The Jack Fleming Society. Somehow, after graduating from WVU, he's able to read and write. You can feel free to harass him on Twitter here. Questions and answers are below.
Orange::44: West Virginia started out rolling, winning their first five games. Then the lost the next five. What was the difference?
Chris: There were a few factors. The first being that the terrible defense finally caught up with WVU. The unit got away with it against Baylor and Texas. However, when a unit is that bad it's only a matter of time before it gets burned. So, the minute the offense slipped, WVU fell off. The amount of pressure put on Geno Smith and the offense was just too much. If WVU had to punt a few times early they would find themselves down two scores in no time. It just became impossible for them to keep up with efficient teams. After a few losses the team's confidence was noticeably shaken, and games that should have been wins just ended up being garbage fires. It took a Herculean effort led by Tavon Austin to right the ship.
O::44: How have the fans reacted to now playing Big XII opponents?
Chris: It's been a great transition. Sure, the season hasn't gone the way most would want, but it really has been fun. Changing UConn and Rutgers to Oklahoma and Texas has been incredibile. Especially for one of the lone Big East schools that was football-first. I think most fans would love to still have Pitt and Syracuse on the schedule, but really nothing else is a huge miss from the Big East.
O::44: What is the most important unit to the success of West Virginia?
Chris: It would have to be the offense. The defense just doesn't have the talent to keep WVU in games, so the offense better be hitting. Look for WVU to use Austin a lot early to try and create some big plays. The Mountaineers will give up points, so Geno and the offense better be ready to keep pace.
O::44: Obviously the WVU offense can score. Why does the defense have such trouble stopping opponents?
Chris: A lack of consistent pass rush, which then kills very weak cover corners and backers. There's just not a lot of talent, experience or depth at those positions, and it has really hurt WVU. The middle of the field is pretty good. The Mountaineers can and have stopped the run. However, the pass has simply murdered WVU all year. If Ryan Nassib has a good pocket, he will pick the secondary apart.
O::44: Most fans don't seem happy being in the Pinstripe Bowl. Why is that? What are your thoughts?
Chris: The fans are ridiculous. A bowl game is a bowl game. Anytime you make the postseason it's a good season. The problem is many thought this team had a chance to make a serious run at the BCS this year. That was never going to happen with the defense that WVU put on the field.
It's also great for a big alumni base that typically is untapped. Folks don't understand how big the northeast WVU alumni base is. Northern New Jersey and New York have very good alumni numbers, and I expect a decent showing in the Bronx. Plus, it's not a bad drive from Maine, so I'll take it.
O::44: WVU is favored, but the crowd will definitely be more SU fans than WVU. I think this game is more of a push, don't you agree?
Chris: This game is completely a push. There should be more Cuse fans, but I still expect a nice showing of blue and gold. On the field we have two offenses that will probably dictate the game. If you're a betting man take the over.
O::44: Final predictions?
Chris: First to 40! I'll take WVU 42-40 Maybe they'll have the ball last. I really dont expect WVU to stop Syracuse. I also think Geno, Tavon and Stedman Bailey will have huge final games for the Mountaineers. Plus, Dana Holgorsen will have nearly a month to create some crazy gameplan.
Thanks to Chris and the fellas over at the site. My answers to his questions can be found here, so be sure to check those out as well. We'll be seeing Chris in New York and there's a Twitter bet on the line so stay tuned.
Labels: Blog Talk, Bowl Games, Bowling, Football, Preview
Syracuse - Missouri Postgame Reactions OR Let's Go Bowling! Thanks SEC!
1 Comments Published on 11.20.2012 by Brian Harrison
DOC Gross will congratulate even though it's against the rules to cross that dashed line!
And just like that, Syracuse is going back to a Bowl Game. It took another late come from behind effort, but Syracuse again got it done. Nassib to Lemon happened four times in 1:32 and 81 yards for six points. It gave Syracuse the lead with 20 seconds on the clock. Like that, Missouri fans were shocked and Syracuse fans were rejoicing. The Orange leave SEC country with the win 31 to 27.
Offense
B
Ryan Nassib (26/40, 385yds, 2 TD, 1 INT) struggled a little bit in spots during this game, but made big plays when it counted. When Syracuse needed to move the ball he made passes. Jerome Smith and Prince-Tyson Gully didn't rack up significant yardage (101yds), but they did each have a touchdown. Syracuse finished with 25 first downs, 508 total yards, were 7-15 on third downs and 1-1 on fourth down, which happened on the final scoring drive. The offense was stagnant particularly in the third quarter. And they could have put more pressure on Missouri by scoring on their second to last drive instead of throwing a pick, but either way you can't argue with Alec Lemon and Ryan Nassib's performance on the final drive, and the absolute ineptitude to cover Lemon on the final scoring play due to a clever bunch formation which confused the defense and allowed Lemon to go ungarded into the end zone.
Defense
B
Syracuse wasn't a brilliant defense, and really they didn't stop Missouri from scoring in critical situations. However they did limit Missouri in the 3rd quarter from scoring at all and managed to only allow a field goal on the final scoring drive of Mizzou. They did just enough yet again. Despite allowing 25 first downs they did limit Missouri to 4-13 on third downs. A good effort, but not a great effort. But that was enough as they put the game within reach for the offense in the final two minutes.
Syracuse wasn't a brilliant defense, and really they didn't stop Missouri from scoring in critical situations. However they did limit Missouri in the 3rd quarter from scoring at all and managed to only allow a field goal on the final scoring drive of Mizzou. They did just enough yet again. Despite allowing 25 first downs they did limit Missouri to 4-13 on third downs. A good effort, but not a great effort. But that was enough as they put the game within reach for the offense in the final two minutes.
Special Teams
B
Ross Krautman hit the one field goal he was tasked to from 44 yards out. In general, field position on punt and kick returns were good. Jeremiah Kobena bobbled the ball on a kick return once, but recovered and managed to get to the 19 yard line to start the final scoring drive for Syracuse. In general, an adequate day.
Ross Krautman hit the one field goal he was tasked to from 44 yards out. In general, field position on punt and kick returns were good. Jeremiah Kobena bobbled the ball on a kick return once, but recovered and managed to get to the 19 yard line to start the final scoring drive for Syracuse. In general, an adequate day.
Coaching
A
Syracuse had a 4th and ten late in the game and decided to go for it. It was the right call. A field goal attempt to tie the game would have been over 50 yards and into the wind. No way it would have gone through the uprights. Despite the fact that Syracuse still can't stop screen plays (see Mizzou's first touchdown), Syracuse has continued to not have penalties that kill drives, the call to switch Lemon into a bunch formation on the final scoring play was brilliant as he was able to go undetected on the field to score. Gutsy but correct call, then great play calling. It put Syracuse in a position to win. Well done.
Syracuse had a 4th and ten late in the game and decided to go for it. It was the right call. A field goal attempt to tie the game would have been over 50 yards and into the wind. No way it would have gone through the uprights. Despite the fact that Syracuse still can't stop screen plays (see Mizzou's first touchdown), Syracuse has continued to not have penalties that kill drives, the call to switch Lemon into a bunch formation on the final scoring play was brilliant as he was able to go undetected on the field to score. Gutsy but correct call, then great play calling. It put Syracuse in a position to win. Well done.
GPA
B+ (3.25)
While Syracuse shouldn't have had this game so close, Syracuse won the game and earned a bowl birth for the second time in three years. I thought they had the ability to play well enough on the road with the momentum built from last weekend and get to that 6 game plateau. They did, and if you hate Doug Marrone sorry. Win or lose at least this team is exciting to watch. Unlike five years ago.
Syracuse now will finish their year heading down to Temple the day after Thanksgiving. A team that Syracuse is very capable of beating at this point. Syracuse could have another eight win season if all things go according to plan. It starts by finishing up the regular season with one more win.
While Syracuse shouldn't have had this game so close, Syracuse won the game and earned a bowl birth for the second time in three years. I thought they had the ability to play well enough on the road with the momentum built from last weekend and get to that 6 game plateau. They did, and if you hate Doug Marrone sorry. Win or lose at least this team is exciting to watch. Unlike five years ago.
Syracuse now will finish their year heading down to Temple the day after Thanksgiving. A team that Syracuse is very capable of beating at this point. Syracuse could have another eight win season if all things go according to plan. It starts by finishing up the regular season with one more win.
#AllTheOranges
It's Bowl time again for college football. While Syracuse isn't attending, that means we can't celebrate the litany of meaningless but fun college football matchups, leading up to a computer deciding the two best teams in America playing for a giant crystal football. Join John and I in the Orange::44 College Bowl Pick'em. See if you know more about college football than us. Hell you might. But I'm a Blogpoll Voter. You're supposed to lie to me and kiss my butt. Anyway, it's on Yahoo. The group ID # is 11186. Or hopefully you can just click this link here to join. No password needed, the group is open to the public. Invite your friends. No prizes involved but pride. Enjoy.
PS - First bowl is Saturday the 17th. Get your picks in before that.
Labels: Bowling, Crazy Cool Contests, Football
Pinstripe Bowl Postgame Reactions OR A Return To Normal
0 Comments Published on 1.08.2011 by Brian Harrison
It's true Doug, that crew sucked.
Most people that aren't big time Syracuse Syracuse Kansas State Syracuse Kansas State
Offense
A
This was the best offensive game
Defense
C
Special Teams
D
Most of it was due to the fact that Rob Long was not punting or kicking, but kickoffs were terrible. The coverage was fine, but the ball just was never kicked far enough, and its fairly embarrassing when the opening kickoff goes right out of bounds. Additionally Ross Krautman missed an extra point, which as we all know are as close to a gimmie kick as there can be. He did drill the one field goal attempted from 39 yards out. And the punting was fairly prodictive from Ryan Lichtenstein. Overall not a good day, but when there isn’t a true special teams coach or your star punter/kicker it was a pretty good effort overall.
Coaching
B
I’m not sure if it was because the team was so banged up or there was just no time to implement all of these plays before, but the offensive playbook basically had no limit. And it was awesome. The coaching staff had the offense ready to play. I wish that the team had spent some more time on tackling drills or zone coverage on the defensive end, but overall the team played well, was not that conservative, pounded the ball until they were stopped (which was almost never), and made great play calls. Overall a great job.
GPA
B-/C+ (2.5)
Once again this was a fantastic game. No matter what you think of the infamous call
The Call
The call was correct, but I agree it was absolute bullshit. As a football referee myself I would have maybe made that call earlier in a game, but NEVER in that situation where the game was clearly in the balance. Now
Intangibles
A+ to the
D to the officiating crew. They were from the Big Ten and made some absolutely terrible calls. Mostly against
A+ to all my friends that came out and a special shout out to my friends that I was with for both this bowl game and the Insight.com bowl back in 2001. It has been quite the ride. Let’s hope for another decade of being friends.
The football season is done but we’ll be back with the final report card for the season and our final postgame thoughts sometime in the next week or two. Meanwhile, it’s all basketball. Stay tuned to Orange::44 for it all.
Labels: Bowling, Epic Win, Football, We Salute You
Congratulations to Syracuse winning their first bowl since 2001.
Labels: Bowling, Congratulations Are In Order, Epic Win, Football
No question, this one is for Rob.
I'm personally in unfamiliar territory. While I've been to the last two bowl games Syracuse has played in, including the last bowl win on this very day nine year ago. What is unfamiliar is the fact that for the entire time this blog has been in existence we have not gone to a bowl game. Therefore no criteria on how to preview or cover a bowl game here at Orange::44 has been established. But we will blaze new ground here and discuss Syracuse's first bowl game since 2004.
Syracuse enters this game, as does Kansas State, after a month of rest and preparation. That was much needed for the Orange as they were clearly beat up in the final month of the season and failed to win either of their last two games at home, even one against Boston College. The big problem was offense as Syracuse was unable to convert on third downs, sustain drives, and move the ball. The defense also had some set backs as they were unable to key in on various running backs and allowed teams to methodically move the ball down the field. But that was over a month ago now. Syracuse is well rested, healthy, and despite having lower numbers for various reasons, look to put a cap on an overall outstanding season compared to where we were a season ago. Syracuse will first and foremost use Delone Carter to establish a running game. While the weather is predicted to be sunny and clear and around 40 degrees of course the weather is never guaranteed. This game could be a game of inches and ground battles and Delone Carter is the perfect back for this kind of game. Some would argue the kind of game football was made for. This is similar to what Kansas State has done all year. They are a run first, pass later kind of team. They are headed by Daniel Thomas running the ball over and over. They are averaging 206 rushing yards a game as a team, good enough for 20th in FBS and Thomas himself has 16 touchdowns on the year. They run a lot of plays out of the wildcat formation and Syracuse will have their hands full limiting Kansas state to only a couple yards a carry. The interesting news is that Syracuse is actually averaging more passing yards a game than Kansas State. Carson Coffman is behind center for KState. He has about 200 less passing yards and four less touchdowns on the season than Nassib, but he does have a 64.2% completion rate, higher than Nassib's 56.1. But again this game will probably need to be won on the ground overall to allow play action for Syracuse and get a few big passes in. Syracuse will also need big games from Bud Tribby, Chandler Jones, Doug Hogue, and Darell Smith, who need to not take any plays off and continue to get penetration to stop the Kansas State run. The major X factor will be Syracuse special teams as they are without a true special teams coach and P Rob Long, who was a key piece of several victories through field position. He is also the holder for field goals and extra points. He has been in NYC working with the players to get them ready for this game to perform as well as he would have, but the questions still remain. If Syracuse can play well on special teams and limit field position for Kansas State they have a real shot in this game. The crowd and the weather will be heavily in favor for Syracuse, who will be used to the snow and will have a major contingency of Orange fans in the stadium. While that is nice, the players still have to play. I think they will be focused and ready and honestly I have a feeling they might be better prepared and focused than Kansas State due to not having to travel that far and they are used to this kind of snow. I think it will be a close, back and forth game. The type of game we saw at Rutgers or maybe even against West Virginia. I try in every preview to give an objective view of how Syracuse will do and then guess the outcome accordingly. While Syracuse has the potential to lose this game like all the others I just refuse to pick against Syracuse in this one. I like our chances and I look for Syracuse to pull off the win 20 to 17.
I'll be in NYC starting this evening doing some celebrating, but hopefully we'll be turning around and doing the same thing Thursday night. I'm guessing since this game is outdoors, and because the game is nationally available, I will not be doing much on the Twitter (@BH_Orange44) during the game, but I'll try to capture the before and after and all of the cool things you might miss if you aren't there. Check out @JBren to see what he's up to as well. I'm sure he'll be Tweeting next to me. He can't help himself. I look forward to seeing several friends and bloggers in NYC so if you see me say hello. I'll be creeped out for a second but then be alright with it. Orange::44 will be on sabbatical until 2011, but look for full Pinstripe Bowl Coverage when we return to the home office, as well as Notre Dame coverage. Until then, enjoy the Pinstripe Bowl and have a very happy New Year!
Labels: Bowling, Cancer Sucks, Football, KState, Preview, Syracuse Needs to Win to Make New Years Tolerable
We're bowling. Get the info.
Syracuse has accepted their Pinstripe Bowl bid. But that's not all that's happened lately. Orange::44 Correspondent John Brennan and I spend 55 minutes talking about much more. We start out talking about the end of the football season. But then we venture into Syracuse's and the Big East's bowl picture. We then talk about the hot topic of TCU joining the Big East, and we finish off with some basketball talk with where the team is, and what will happen in the upcoming games the team will play. It's what you've come to expect from our podcasts. Listen below, or download this or any previous podcast here.
Labels: Audio Euphoria, Basketball, Big East, Bowling, Football
Syracuse - Rutgers Postgame Reactions OR Let's Go Bowling
0 Comments Published on 11.16.2010 by Brian Harrison
It was as fine as any evening could be in NJ. Syracuse clinched a bowl.
It definitely wasn’t pretty. I agree with my colleague John in his assessment of the SU / Rutgers football contest. But on a final drive in which Syracuse traveled 66 yards, made Rutgers burn all of their time outs, and then got a go ahead score, it was perfection. In the stands it was a thing of beauty. On the field, it was a well earned release for seniors and upper classmen haunted by the ghosts of Greg Robinson and his losing ways. Syracuse earned more than a bowl with this win. They earned respect back. This has turned into a dream season for Syracuse fans as Syracuse clinching a bowl birth on their seventh win. They win two in a row over Rutgers, returning the world to its natural order, winning in Piscataway 13 to ten.
Offense
C
The Syracuse offense was pretty forgettable in the first half, save for one scoring drive in which Ryan Nassib had forever to find an open Antwon Bailey. The second half was just as pitiful, except for the final magical drive in which the team drove 66 yards in 2:44 to get a 24 yard field goal. Ryan Nassib (16/31, 214yds, 1 TD, 1 INT) had flashes of good moments, and at times looked bad underthrowing and lofting balls he should be more accurate with. Three turnovers do not help either. Delone Carter and Bailey were the stars of the offense in this game, along with Marcus Sales, who led the team in receptions and yards, appeared out of nowhere to be very solid and contribute in that final drive as well. The offensive line really had trouble on occasion, as well as a needless personal foul to kill some momentum. Overall, the offense was not that good, but they were good enough when they needed to be.
Defense
B
They held Rutgers to only 280 yards total, caused one turnover, and almost had another but the fumble went out of bounds. They allowed Rutgers to run the ball out of the Wildcat set up the middle too many times to mention for big gains though, which was extremely frustrating to watch. When we as fans in the top of Rutgers Stadium can see they are going to run up the middle, surely the defense should right? However, they managed to stop Rutgers behind the line, and then get a sack to push Rutgers just out of field goal range, with a little help from a bad snap. Really, they only allowed one touchdown, and held Rutgers scoreless in the last quarter. They also only allowed ten total points for Rutgers in this defensive heavy game. Despite bending, they never really broke except the one touchdown drive for Rutgers. Syracuse did manage in the final analysis to hold both Rutgers QBs to low numbers as well and get sacks when needed. An impressive day overall.
Special Teams
B+
Ross Krautman is your hero in this one. The local NJ project got it done with family in attendance. He drilled a career long 48 yard attempt, and scored the go ahead points with 1:07 to go from 24 yards out on the difficult right hash. Rob Long did his job, punting well in this important position game. Kick and punt returns were also again solid. This might have been the special team’s best overall day this season.
Coaching
C
Syracuse allowed Rutgers to gain too many yards on the ground in the wildcat set. They knew Rutgers was going to use it over and over, and yet they continued to let Rutgers gain chunks of yards and first downs with it. No adjustments were made to put more people up on the line, or bring coverage out to help with run stopping. Similarly, I liked the call going for it on 4th down in the game that needed sparks on offense, but the play call was bad. When you are within inches, why not just QB sneak the ball over the line and get a fresh set of downs. Instead the quarterback had to drop back three yards to hand the ball off, where Carter was stopped behind the line by a dominant Rutgers defense at that moment. With a changed snap count, and a QB sneak, that would have been a drive that was able to be continued. Either way, a few questionable calls, not too many adjustments, and some interesting choices on offense. Shotgun formation anyone? Still no on that?
GPA
B- (5.575)
It’s hard to be too upset when the result goes in your favor, but this game could have easily ended up lost in regulation or overtime because of the inability for the offense to put together sustained drives. Overall the defense and special teams did their jobs, and the offense did when it was absolutely necessary, after their initial score. The team played hard and together, and this win is all the more impressive looking at where the team is during the year and the physical toll football has, as well as the scholarship levels for Syracuse. I’ll take it, along with a bowl bid thanks.
Intangibles
B+ to the amount of SU fans that showed up in Piscataway. There were three big groups of orange around the stadium, and many more scattered around. It was nice to see a heavy road presence in person, and a fun atmosphere to enjoy a win in.
A to all the nice Syracuse fans that approached myself, John, or Matt Glaude. Not only was your timing spot on, but all of the conversations were enjoyable.
F to the Rutgers fan that screamed at me out of the blue on the concourse “Fuck you Syracuse!” You stay classy Rutgers.
A to all of the tributes and fundraising efforts for injured Rutgers player Eric LeGrand. Even Syracuse fans helped support such a brave individual who has been the victim of a tragedy.
Syracuse will now take on hated Connecticut, the next best thing to a rival Syracuse has after West Virginia and lately Rutgers. Randy Edsall is now the perfect villain for Syracuse fans, and he continues to play that part well. I’ll have my preview out later this week, but who honestly knows what will happen? What we do know will happen is that Syracuse is bowling for the first time since 2004 after earning their seventh and clinching win against a Rutgers team struggling to find wins as the season fades. But I’ll enjoy this one, as it has been a long time. Syracuse sweeps their conference road slate, winning all four games for the first time in Syracuse history. I was at the last two Syracuse bowls, and I look forward to seeing this one as well. Hell, This notebook didn’t even exist the last time Syracuse went to a Bowl Game.
Programming Note: I will not be having any Postgame Reactions for the first two basketball games of the season. I was on the road and couldn't give them my usual attention in watching, so we'll pick up with the Detroit game, as handled by John Brennan. I'll be back next week with full coverage of the Connecticut game, and the basketball therein.
Labels: Big East, Bowling, Football, Suck It Rutgers