Middle Tennessee State - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR That's Now How That Was Supposed To Go
0 Comments Published on 9.14.2017 by Brian Harrison
That vacant look is what Syracuse fans had when the clock hit 0:00.
A disaster. That's the only word to describe the game against Middle Tennessee State. Syracuse was unable to beat a team they were favored ten points over. Syracuse loses to one of the "easy" games on the schedule. You know, BECAUSE MOST OF THE SCHEDULE IS A LOT MORE DIFFICULT. Syracuse loses by a touchdown to Middle Tennessee State and Scott Shafer 30 to 23.
Offense
D
Syracuse knew what kind of defense was coming, and Syracuse was unable to protect Eric Dungey (26/42, 180yds, 0 TD, 1 INT, 1 rush TD). He was hit a lot and sacked 6 times. The passing game, and the rushing game never really found a rhythm on the day. And any time Syracuse got some momentum, there was a flag or dropped pass. Syracuse had a lot of drops, and from some of their top talent. No excuses. All problems. Syracuse also did very little to capitalize on the three turnovers from MTSU.
Defense
C+
Syracuse did an adequate job stopping the run, but they didn't do much about the passing attack. And Syracuse even managed to give up a couple big plays. Four receivers had long passes of 26 yards or more. While Syracuse did fairly well on third downs (3/12) and stopped them on their one fourth down attempt, they had more offensive yards on the day.
Special Teams
B-
Syracuse played a good field position game, but they missed a field goal, and allowed a couple long returns from MTSU.
Coaching
C
Not really any offensive adjustments, or calling plays to try and get the blitzes to stop. An average day at best.
GPA
C (2.0)
This was brutal as the fast passing attack of Syracuse was assaulted by blitzes (which we knew was coming) and they were helpless to stretch the field and make plays (which we didn't know was coming). Syracuse played their worst game in a couple years in terms of the competition they faced. Might as well have been losing to Temple.
Syracuse takes a devastating blow to their campaign to be Bowl Eligible. 6 wins at this point seems like it would take a monumental upset or minor miracle. Syracuse needs to rebound and get it together against Central Michigan this coming weekend if they hope to improve on their win totals from last season. Ouch.
Labels: Football, Soul Crushing Defeat
Syracuse - Florida State Postgame Reactions OR Yikes!
0 Comments Published on 11.22.2013 by Brian Harrison
This guy isn't the first Side Judge to taste Scott's wrath this season.
Well that was rough. Let's be honest, unless you are mentally ill you didn't think Syracuse was going to upset #2 Florida State in Florida. And they didn't. But it was brutal to watch, the score was lopsided, and a decent percentage of Syracuse ended up pretty seriously injured. FSU won 59-3. Now is the time where I point out that I only grade on a very slight curve.
Offense
D
17 first downs is good. 6-18 on third downs isn't bad. 2-3 on fourth downs is really good. 247 total yards is not good. Neither is losing a fumble and throwing an interception. Terrel Hunt (10/18, 75yds, 0 TD, 0 INT) didn't have a bad day but he didn't do much to keep Syracuse moving in the direction of the end zone. Drew Allen was worse, throwing a pick. PTG was really ineffective with his ankle, and Jerome Smith never got going. All in all a bad day for Syracuse.
Defense
D
This was about the performance we thought we were going to see. Syracuse held FSU to 1-4 on third downs, but that's because they earned 20 first downs total, mostly on downs not labeled with a three. They had 523 yards and put up 59 points. The only reason Syracuse didn't earn an F here was because they were playing #2 Florida State.
Special Teams
B
Hey, we got points! Ryan Norton, remaining perfect after coming off a suspension, nailed a 32 yard FG, his only attempt. Otherwise, punting was average and the coverage was average. But hey, points!
Coaching
C
Maybe the referees felt sorry for Syracuse, or maybe Syracuse finally stopped committing dumb penalties, but the penalties were way down compared to the last few contests, only netting three for 20 yards total. The coaches deserve credit for that. And the play calling wasn't bad when faced with the monumental task of moving the ball against the FSU defense. It doesn't help that both Quarterbacks were really ineffective at moving the ball, forcing the run game to work even harder. Either way, an average effort.
GPA
C- 1.75
All in all we got the game we expected. So you can't really fault Syracuse for being outmatched in the talent department. They performed about how I think they should have, rarely underachieving in a game they were clearly outmatched in. Solid effort. Now time to win the games that are left that are winable.
Syracuse faces longtime opponent Pittsburgh in a winner goes bowling scenario. At least that game will be more fun to watch.
Offense
D
17 first downs is good. 6-18 on third downs isn't bad. 2-3 on fourth downs is really good. 247 total yards is not good. Neither is losing a fumble and throwing an interception. Terrel Hunt (10/18, 75yds, 0 TD, 0 INT) didn't have a bad day but he didn't do much to keep Syracuse moving in the direction of the end zone. Drew Allen was worse, throwing a pick. PTG was really ineffective with his ankle, and Jerome Smith never got going. All in all a bad day for Syracuse.
Defense
D
This was about the performance we thought we were going to see. Syracuse held FSU to 1-4 on third downs, but that's because they earned 20 first downs total, mostly on downs not labeled with a three. They had 523 yards and put up 59 points. The only reason Syracuse didn't earn an F here was because they were playing #2 Florida State.
Special Teams
B
Hey, we got points! Ryan Norton, remaining perfect after coming off a suspension, nailed a 32 yard FG, his only attempt. Otherwise, punting was average and the coverage was average. But hey, points!
Coaching
C
Maybe the referees felt sorry for Syracuse, or maybe Syracuse finally stopped committing dumb penalties, but the penalties were way down compared to the last few contests, only netting three for 20 yards total. The coaches deserve credit for that. And the play calling wasn't bad when faced with the monumental task of moving the ball against the FSU defense. It doesn't help that both Quarterbacks were really ineffective at moving the ball, forcing the run game to work even harder. Either way, an average effort.
GPA
C- 1.75
All in all we got the game we expected. So you can't really fault Syracuse for being outmatched in the talent department. They performed about how I think they should have, rarely underachieving in a game they were clearly outmatched in. Solid effort. Now time to win the games that are left that are winable.
Syracuse faces longtime opponent Pittsburgh in a winner goes bowling scenario. At least that game will be more fun to watch.
Labels: ACC, Football, Soul Crushing Defeat
Syracuse - Georgia Tech Postgame Reactions OR That Was Not Pretty
1 Comments Published on 10.26.2013 by Brian Harrison
Yeah Scott, we couldn't believe the scoreboard either.
Wow. Syracuse fans and the team know there would be some growing pains when it came to the new conference slate and all that comes with joining a new conference. But I mean... just wow. Syracuse loses to Georgia Tech 56-0. A score not that different from the last time they played in 2004, a game that resulted in the firing of Coach P. Brutal to see.
Offense
F
Syracuse had only 208 yards in the game, and a dreadful 75 yards on the ground. They had 10 first downs but a dreadful 3-12 conversion rate on third downs. Terrel Hunt (7/14, 68yds, 0 TD, 1 INT) had a bad day, and Drew Allen (6/15, 65yds, 0 TD, 1 INT), who started the second half, had an even worse day. There were two total INTs and one fumble lost. What offense?
Defense
D
Syracuse allowed 26 first downs, 5-8 third down conversions, and 482 total yards. Those are some shocking numbers. More shocking is that the heavy option based offense of GTech managed to fool the secondary and caught them sleeping, letting the QB go 3/3 with a touchdown. Interestingly enough, 14 players carried the ball for GTech. Stuffing the box didn't help. Not much did. But the interception Syracuse had to end GTech's first drive will prevent them from getting the fail.
Special Teams
When your punt gets blocked it definitely lowers your grade more than a missed long field goal will. The punting was fairly solid, but the coverage was something to be desired. And no field goals or XPs were attmepted so there's nothing to lift the grade.
Coaching
D
For saying you've been preparing for the GTech option offense since summer and come up with that performance, it's a miracle that they didn't end up with an F. But there were some moments where the play calling wasn't bad. But when your running game can't get going it forces a lot of passes, which isn't the best game plan. THe defense couldn't stop much either. While a decent chunk of the blame goes to the players, the coaches didn't set then up for success after game planning against this team as long as they did.
GPA
D- (0.75)
Syracuse played their worst game since Northwestern. But this was obviously worse. The offense couldn't get going, and Hunt has yet to really prove himself against a team that isn't Tulane or an FCS squad. This was embarrassing for Syracuse.
Syracuse will have a well timed bye week to lick their wounds before heading back to the friendly confines of the Carrier Dome to take on a winable Wake Forest team. But wow. Not even a field goal is not good. The sooner we forget what happened last weekend the better.
Labels: ACC, Football, Soul Crushing Defeat
Northwestern - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR Derp!
0 Comments Published on 9.03.2012 by Brian Harrison
After all that, we were also left asking "wha happened?"
Syracuse Football opens every season with excitement and optimism. This year was no exception. I, more than a decent chunk of fans, have realistic expectations when looking at this football team. I called this as a loss. That's not why this game was so soul crushing. It was the mental mistakes, bizarre penalties, and moments of truly astounding ineptness. And then falling short by only one point. To the first report card of 2012.
Offense
B+
Ryan Nassib (44/65, 470yds, 4 TD, 1 INT) had a career day and set a school record for completions in a single game. While he was overall impressive, he definitely had some opening game jitters in underthrowing and overthrowing the ball several times. He was 50% responsible for Marcus Sales tipping up the ball for his only interception of the day as well for throwing low. But that being said, he played his heart out and did his best to try and win the game. Not his fault that didn't happen. Marcus Sales (11rec, 117yds, 10.6avg, 1 TD) announced his presence with authority as he returned from a year off due to legal troubles. Jerome Smith and Prince-Tyson Gulley combined for 84yds on 17 carries and 1 TD so not too bad in the running department either. Really, the offense put up 28 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarters to take the lead before Northwestern scored the go ahead touchdown. Not too shabby, but again, receivers have to know when they are running past the first down line or just drifting in the middle of the field. 12 -20 on third down conversions and 33 first downs, with 596 total yards is pretty spectacular all things considered however.
Defense
C
The defense played pretty well overall, especially in the first half. Poor field position thanks to Special Teams is not their fault and really the defense only allowed Northwestern to score 28 of the 42 points essentially. They played better than expected and even managed to break up a few passes. #SHAMARKO Thomas continues to be a very good player for Syracuse and surprisingly the run defense was fairly stingy. Syracuse only allowed Northwestern to convert 5 of 14 third down attempts and stopped them twice on fourth down attempts. It was a passable day for the Orange, despite allowing Northwestern to score in their final drive.
Special Teams
C
Oh boy. They started out well, capitalizing on Northwestern's equally dumb special teams mistakes. But then Syracuse tried to outdo them by allowing a punt return for a touchdown and giving away the majority of the field on field position after punts. Syracuse missed a field goal, which would have not made the final TD by Northwestern the game winner as well, although it was a 43yd attempt. Either way, special teams had an average day, but those mistakes directly led to points on the board for the Wildcats.
Coaching
C
Let me be clear here. Most of the stupid mistakes that occurred on the field were not the fault of the coaches, but the players failing to execute or failing to use their brain. Just unbelievable stupidity. But some of the play calling, especially in the first half was ineffective and they continued to result in punts for Syracuse. However (and this is a first), Marrone was too aggressive on Syracuse's final scoring drive, leaving over two minutes for Northwestern to drive down the field and score. They needed to take a little more time before heading to the end zone, and also tell your players to use the entirety of the play clock.
GPA
C+ (2.33)
While I am encouraged by the fact that the Syracuse offense performed as well as they did, they will not be so lucky in the future I'm guessing. Additionally, mental mistakes and costly special teams plays doomed this team, despite the fact that the offense managed to come back. Hey! Offense wasn't the problem! Yaaaaaaay!. Special teams needs to have a lot of practice time this week however.
Intangibles
Let me address the late hit out of bounds penalty. I was sitting in the second tier with the same viewing angle as the referee, who threw the flag (not the line judge on the sideline). As an official myself I would have also thrown that flag if in the same position. Because Lyn had his hands on the player as he went out, despite a probable acting job from Northwestern, officials will throw that flag ten out of ten times. As a player you have to take your hands off the guy once he steps out. Period. Lyn didn't. You can argue that the rule should be clarified on the NCAA's end, but exactly what happened will be called every time, whether you think that is bullshit or not.
A+ to the new video boards and LEDs that line the Dome.
A to the students that showed up and filled the lower sections and a pretty considerable overflow section in the 3rd tier.
D- to the fact it was about 95 degrees inside the Dome during the game. I know there is absolutely nothing they can do about that, but it still sucked.
A+ to the fact you can use your credit card anywhere in the Dome now.
A+ to the fact that beer stands now have several verities on tap at every stand, instead of designated stands for specific beers.
The first game is in the books. Losing by 1 is ROUGH. I'd rather lose by a few touchdowns than by one. Either way, Syracuse starts 0-1. And there is a 99.9% chance they start 0-2. And so it goes. USC is next. The season rolls on.
Let me address the late hit out of bounds penalty. I was sitting in the second tier with the same viewing angle as the referee, who threw the flag (not the line judge on the sideline). As an official myself I would have also thrown that flag if in the same position. Because Lyn had his hands on the player as he went out, despite a probable acting job from Northwestern, officials will throw that flag ten out of ten times. As a player you have to take your hands off the guy once he steps out. Period. Lyn didn't. You can argue that the rule should be clarified on the NCAA's end, but exactly what happened will be called every time, whether you think that is bullshit or not.
A+ to the new video boards and LEDs that line the Dome.
A to the students that showed up and filled the lower sections and a pretty considerable overflow section in the 3rd tier.
D- to the fact it was about 95 degrees inside the Dome during the game. I know there is absolutely nothing they can do about that, but it still sucked.
A+ to the fact you can use your credit card anywhere in the Dome now.
A+ to the fact that beer stands now have several verities on tap at every stand, instead of designated stands for specific beers.
The first game is in the books. Losing by 1 is ROUGH. I'd rather lose by a few touchdowns than by one. Either way, Syracuse starts 0-1. And there is a 99.9% chance they start 0-2. And so it goes. USC is next. The season rolls on.
Labels: Football, Soul Crushing Defeat
It was a valiant comeback attempt, but of course it didn't work out.
Labels: Crying Child, Football, Soul Crushing Defeat
Marquette - Syracuse NCAA Postgame Reactions OR Not So Sweet This Season
0 Comments Published on 3.21.2011 by Brian Harrison
Believe me Jim, we understand.
And just like that, Syracuse is out of the NCAA Tournament. They made it to Round 2 (Round 3 if you want to use this year's method of keeping track) Which is better than some teams, but not as good as where Syracuse could have gone. I certainly didn't pick them to get back to the Final Four, but getting to the Sweet 16 for the third year in a row, something Syracuse has oddly never done, would have been nice. But alas, Marquette, a familiar Big East foe retires the Orange 66 to 62.
Syracuse started the game playing well, moving the ball and shooting well. The first half was a game of runs however, as Syracuse would get up, and Marquette would catch up. Then Syracuse would get up again, and the Golden Eagles would get it close again. Turnovers sadly also played the Orange as Syracuse couldn't ever really create distance between them and Marquette. Finally, off two of the dumbest plays of Syracuse's season, Marquette took the lead. Syracuse came out playing well from the locker room, but there were several more lead changes, and big shots made by both teams. Then, with a tie game, Marquette hit a dagger three. Syracuse would never see the lead again. Marquette held on to win a tight game that was a hard fought 40 minutes.
- Dion Waiters was Syracuse's leading scorer coming off the bench. He finished with 18 points in 23 minutes on 8-10 shooting. However, he is not as strong of a defender as Brandon Triche, and he showed that, failing to cover Darius Johnson-Odom who made the go ahead three point basket. Additionally he contributed to the backcourt violation Jardine committed by not waiting to pass the ball in. Why Jim Boeheim has a freshman put the ball in play I'll never know.
- Kris Joseph had the best offensive game of the starters. He finished with 12 points hitting 5-7 from the floor, and earned a tough nine rebounds. He played well, hitting mid range shots, fade aways, and cut to the hoop. This was probably his best game overall statistic wise in recent memory. However, he had one of the worst plays in the waining seconds of the first half when he committed an intentional foul on a player that clearly had a lay up. That gave Marquette two free throws and the ball back. This was one of the reasons they took the lead heading into the half.
- Triche Had eight points on 3-5 shooting, 2-3 from behind the arc. Sadly he fell really hard and officially had a bruised tailbone. Judging from the video of the play I'm guessing that hurt like hell. He sat the rest of the game. While probably not affecting the outcome, Syracuse sure could have used Triche on the floor. Although he did have a team high four turnovers.
- In his final game in a Syracuse uniform, Rick Jackson earned 7 points and four rebounds, playing all 40 minutes for SU. Mostly at center. He had a tough game as he was frequently doubled, but when he wasn't, he played pretty well. Thanks Rick.
- Baye Moussa Keita had a cough and seemed pretty sick. After starting the first half he only played four minutes and then sat the bench.
- CJ Fair and James Southerland played a combined 35 minutes and earned 11 points. Fair played really well overall, but Southerland could have stood to have a better shooting day. He was only 3-8 and 1-4 respectively.
- Fab Melo played only five minutes and managed one rebound, one turnover, and three fouls. He really needs to work this off season. After showing glimpses of talent in the Big East Tournament against St. John's, he clearly is still not ready for the big time stages of college basketball.
- Finally, Scoop Jardine. He earned six points on 2-8, 1-5 shooting. He also earned six assists. And did two of the stupidest things I've ever seen on a basketball court. First he, after getting the ball kicked to him with the shot clock off in the first half, took a three with about 17 seconds left to give Marquette a chance to get up by another score. Of course they made a jump shot. Then he committed a backcourt violation when the game was tied. Technically the turnover was given to Dion Waiters, but Scoop was just at fault. Why he didn't just take the ball in the back court to avoid the call is one of the biggest mysteries we'll ever know. JoeFieldsEra has an interesting take on the call, saying it wasn't a violation according to the rules. He may or may not be right, but either way Scoop and Dion put themselves in that position unnecessarily.
- Syracuse wasn't going to win this game with all the turnovers and the dumb plays. Syracuse needs to improve their basketball IQ drastically next season. And their consistency on defense.
- Syracuse's season, and Rick Jackson's career at Syracuse, is now over.
- Thanks for reading all season long. Syracuse now turns their collective attention to lacrosse. Speaking of, I'll be contributing to College Crosse in the near future, along with the usual writings here, so you have that to look forward to.
Labels: Basketball, Big East, NCAA Tournament, Soul Crushing Defeat
Boston College - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR The Outhouse Outplayed Us
0 Comments Published on 11.30.2010 by Brian Harrison
In this picture clearly Syracuse is Charlie Brown.
There were high hopes for the last game of the season. Unfortunately Syracuse played their worst game of the season against an old rival, and of course it was in the Carrier Dome. Let us just go straight to the analysis.Offense
D-
Ryan Nassib (15/24, 147yds, 0 TD, 1 INT) was dreadful. Even worse than the last game. It was a fitting end to his day to get intercepted. He repeatedly overthrew or underthrew his receivers and continues to show little skill in evading defenders closing in on his pocket by stepping forward like he did in earlier games. Delone Carter was banged up for most of the second half, so the majority of runs rested on Antwon Bailey. While he stepped in nicely (18car, 72yds, 4.0avg, 1 TD), he was unable to consistently gain 2 yards on command, which was a problem when trying to convert on third and short. The bright spot in the offense was the wide receivers who were fairly consistent in catching fairly well thrown balls. Marcus Sales was again the MVP for the receiving corps, earning 73yds on five receptions. The offensive line did pretty well, but I’m definitely on board with thinking a division 1 center should be able to do a shotgun snap. Honestly, had it not been for the touchdown drive to start the second half this unit would have received an F. 2-9 on third downs and 238 total yards is pathetic after some of the games Syracuse played earlier in the season. And for this to continually happen at home is odd and ridiculous. The offense has regressed and it was pretty hard to watch them struggle. It looked like 2007 all over again.
Defense
D
Not one of the proudest days for this tough defense. To allow another team to simply continue to run the ball (with yet another backup running back I might add, again) was another regression for this team. BC’s running back carried 42 times, earned 185 yards, and a touchdown. And he earned it on basic runs to the outside, through holes, and moving the chains on third and short. BC converted 11-18 third downs. That is embarrassing honestly.
Special Teams
D
A week after firing their special teams coordinator and I suppose this game was evidence that that move was a correct one. The special teams were very special in earning around four penalties to bring the team back to a more difficult starting field position, negating any real good special team plays. Rob Long, once and for all, derailed his Heisman bid after shanking one punt real bad, and moderately shanking another. Ross Krautman never had to attempt a field goal but he was perfect on his extra point. He’s clearly the MVP of the special teams on the season. But a bad Saturday for everyone on this game.
Coaching
C
The fact that Syracuse lost this game was not that of the coaches or their plans. But to have taken virtually no shots down the field, including any in the final drive before the interception, to extend the vertical passing game seems foolish. Especially when the wide receivers have had a couple good games recently. Then there was not going for it on fourth down with just over five minutes to go. I’ve heard his explanation about playing percentages, and what makes sense in terms of a rational argument. However, when you are down two scores you have to score either way, and with time ticking down it seems that scoring earlier has to be the priority and the most likely percentage for success. Not going for it at that point is still pretty mind boggling to me.
GPA
D+ (1.175)
This game was pretty terrible to see, especially in the second half. Syracuse looked like a shell of it’s former self and I can only assume it has to be due to the players being mentally and physically banged up, along with the pressure and motivation meeting their goal of a bowl game being nonexistent because it was met. Either way, it’s a good thing Syracuse can take a week or two off and then have a bunch of extra practices in preparation for a bowl game. They will need it. But hey, the Bronx will be fun right?
Intangibles
B+ to the crowd, the biggest of the season. Syracuse didn’t really gain any benefits from the extra loud crowd except BC burning a time out or two, but it was fun in the first half, and good to see.
Football is done for now, but not done for the year. Stay tuned later this week for some reactions on how the Big East could shake out, the TCU business, and possible bowls for the Big East. We’ll find out the official bowl list on the 4th, but it seems all but certain Syracuse will be bowling in the Bronx. Either way, it’s pretty good to see us bowling and earning a winning season. I guess it’s even better that we’re really disappointed with how we played at home and the end of the season as it shows just how far we’ve come.
Labels: ACC YA, Football, Soul Crushing Defeat
Connecticut - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR No Blame If You Left Early
0 Comments Published on 11.24.2010 by Brian Harrison
Doug Marrone attempting to get the officials to make basic calls.
Offense
D
This was the worst the Syracuse offense has been all season. Ryan Nassib (20/36, 171yds, 0 TD, 1 INT) looked dreadful for the majority of the game. And every time he seemed to look like he was finding a rhythm someone on his team would commit a penalty and instead of having ten yards to gain it would be 15. Delone Carter was mostly ineffective in only earning 67 yards on 19 carries. The majority of the time he was either stopped at the line or ran east/west instead of north/south. Overall the wide receivers played really well in this game, but at key moments they had big drops yet again. This was a nightmarish day for the offense, and despite trying several plays from the shotgun, they actually managed no points. Only 235 yards and going 4-15 on third down is not good. Connecticut’s defense is pretty good, but mistakes, penalties, and failures to execute were the true causes of Syracuse’s woes.
Defense
B+
The defense was literally the only bright spot on Syracuse’s day. Syracuse held Connecticut to only 254 yards and under 100 yards through the air. They also held Connecticut to a stingy 2-12 on third downs. But that being said UConn was 2-2 on fourth down and were allowed to make big plays as the defense again used soft zone coverage against the wide receivers of the Huskies so they converted without it being too hard. However, overall it was another pretty good day for the defense. After all, the majority of UConn’s scores were due to mistakes and turnovers by the offense. They even did a similar feat as at Rutgers by sacking the quarterback which led to a field goal miss by Connecticut. A good day overall.
Special Teams
C-
Shankapotomus reared his ugly head for Rob Long, who had maybe the worst game of his career with a pretty hideous shank when punting. Also, Mike Holmes had a similar problem to Delone Carter, not running down the field. Ross Krautman was a perfect 2/2 on the day and continues to be rock solid. Dorian Graham was also average to great on kick returns as well. A middle of the road day. Thanks for your service Bob.
Coaching
B-
There were no major gaffes or objectionable calls. But two questions remain on the day. First, why would you not perhaps challenge the fumble by Ryan Nassib on the four yard line. With three time outs, despite it being early in the third quarter why would you not try to get that ball back? Additionally, why was the offensive game plan still so conservative? After Syracuse took a shot on their first play on offense, despite the ball being thrown out of bounds, would you not take another now and then to keep the defense honest? There were literally only two deep balls thrown on the day. Too conservative again, and hopefully Marrone will expand the playbook and really use the extra month of practice to rest up, get their top talent ready, and really open the playbook up.
GPA
C (1.925)
This game was a nightmare, not only because of the offense, but because this was against Connecticut. On top of that, Syracuse is better than this and they have not been able to play well at home in the league. Hopefully Syracuse will rebound for next week, but at the very least they have an extra month of practice to open up the playbook, rest up, and be fully prepared to execute an offensive game plan that is balanced and can keep defenses off balance.
Intangibles
C- to the referee crew. While certainly far from the worst crew we have seen this season (See Pittsburgh, Rutgers [same crew]), they missed a blatant delay of game call on Connecticut after the play clock was on 00 for about two seconds. Doug Marrone was livid and I was too. The back judge is suppose to be watching that, and no one was. Connecticut went on to score on that drive and that was a third down play that they converted on. While it didn’t matter in the final score that is an inexcusable miss for a division 1 crew.
A- to the crowd in the Carrier Dome who were loud, into the game when prompted by the players, and never gave Connecticut a free play on third down by being quiet. Despite them leaving early which I addressed above, they were a great crowd and the year’s largest.
A+ to all the Syracuse internet famous hanging out in the back room at Faegan’s and in the various parking lots all weekend in Syracuse. I completely enjoyed meeting you all at various points and it was a great weekend. Sadly you couldn’t see a better game.
Syracuse is still going to a bowl, but beating Connecticut would have been nice. Either way we now turn our attention to turkey and then a renewed rivalry with Boston College, a team that Syracuse sent to the ACC with a pair of losses from the Dome and in Chestnut Hill. This game means a lot for many alumni and long time Syracuse football fans. I’m sure it won’t be lost on Doug Marrone as well. This game is a noon affair, but this time on the flagship station ESPN. For Boston, for Boston… the outhouse on the hill. A better bowl is at stake, along with pride and the legacy of Diamond Ferri.
Labels: Big East, Football, Ryan Nassib, Soul Crushing Defeat, UConn
Butler - Syracuse Sweet 16 Postgame Reactions OR The Madness Ends Here
1 Comments Published on 3.25.2010 by Brian Harrison
You're doing alright. I'm really worried about Ricky.And just like that... poof. Like Keyser Soze, the season has vanished. We went from losing to a Division 2 team across town, and being picked to finish sixth in the league, to winning the Big East regular season title and achieving a #1 ranking during the year. I'll get to the season later, but bracketing expectations and the like, this game was not good at all. Syracuse did not play their game and Butler was able to capitalize. The Orange go down thanks to Butler 63 to 59.
Syracuse started poorly, allowing Butler to get an 11-1 lead. Butler expanded their lead by capitalizing on Syracuse turnovers, bringing their biggest lead to 12. Finally Syracuse was able to get the ball inside to cut the lead to only ten points at the half. Syracuse took the lead with 13:29 to go in the game, but Syracuse was unable to create separation due to quick, ill advised three point attempts, turnovers, or a combination therein. Syracuse did manage to get a four point lead but lucky bounces on three point attempts and Syracuse committing unforced errors allowed Butler to get right back in. They ended up holding off Syracuse earning the four point victory over the Orange.
Syracuse's leading scorer was Wes Johnson. He had 17 points on a pretty good shooting day. He was 6-10 from the floor and 1-2 from three point range. He also made four of six free throws. Syracuse's size advantage also allowed him to pull down nine rebounds. While he had a good scoring day he was not as dominating as the previous tournament games he played in. He was unable to lift Syracuse on his back and score when Syracuse truly needed to. Maybe it was because he didn't receive the ball, maybe it was because he just didn't try to make a move. Either way he was unable to go that extra mile.
Andy Rautins added another 15 points from the floor. He shot four of eight from behind the arc and four of nine from the floor. He also added five rebounds, a couple of which led to Syracuse fast break opportunities. A lot of times he couldn't seem to get open off a screen as Butler was playing very good man defense. Andy found it tough to find room to shoot the ball, but when he did it usually went in, much like the previous games in the Tournament. Sadly he led the team in turnovers with five. However, because most of his turnovers came in the first half they probably didn't affect the game as much as other players in that way.
Scoop Jardine also had a good game off the bench again. He had 14 points on 5-13 shooing, 2-6 from distance. While he stroked the ball well from the floor inside the arc especially in transition, he took some ill advised shots from behind the line. Scoop did spur some necessary offense off the penetrating drive and kick.
Kris Joseph was the biggest disappointment for Syracuse in the Tournament and he was not great in this game either. He finished with six points on 2 on 3-8 shooting. He had seven rebounds and was good in transition for Syracuse, but overall was not an offensive force he had been all season.
Brandon Triche also went back to being anemic on the offensive end. He had three points on 1-3 shooting. He disappeared in this game, but was good for a rebound. Sadly he didn't help his assist to turnover ratio.
DaShonte Riley filled the defensive end well as expected. Although he did get beat once or twice by a more experienced center for Butler by giving him the inside edge to pivot around. He was again a huge liability on the offensive end, but his defense was good and for what he has played this year, the five minutes he was in were fine.
Syracuse once again led the other team in offense. Syracuse was 21-48 (43.8%) from the floor and 7-19 (36.8%) from three. Butler shot 21-52 (40.4%) and 6-24 (25%) respectively. Syracuse outrebounded Butler 33 to 27 which was expected. What was not expected was Syracuse's 18 turnovers versus only seven from Butler. This caused Butler to earn that ten point lead in the first half and allowed Butler, while Syracuse shot better, to keep a lead or stay in the game when
Syracuse briefly held their lead.
The story of this game is turnovers. While again Rautins led the team with five, Jackson and Johnson each had three of their own. Jackson's came at more critical times down the stretch. Jackson only earning four points on 2-5 shooting was also mind boggling. Arinze Onuaku was clearly more powerful and dependable in the low post all season, but this was easily Jackson's worst game in the last ten, maybe all season. He has been brilliant ever since a coming out party of sorts in the game against Florida.
The Syracuse defense was as good as it has been all season. It held Butler to 40.4% and only six three point baskets, as well as only 63 points. What Syracuse didn't do was score. Syracuse averages just above 80 points and the Butler defense was outstanding against Syracuse, interrupting passes, causing steals, and preventing anyone from getting really good open looks often.
Syracuse just didn't do what they do best. They didn't make enough threes and they didn't have a good enough presence in the paint. Worst of all they played sloppy like this was the third game in the season instead of the third game in the NCAA Tournament. Turnovers didn't help and part of that related to Syracuse never falling into a good rhythm in this game. They never did all game and Butler ends up surviving and advancing.
Syracuse's next game will now be next season and Orange Nation turns their complete focus to lacrosse again, a team that has a very real chance of earning their third National Championship in a row. We'll be back with a wrap up of this great basketball season we just witnessed, as well as continuing coverage of the lacrosse team. Additionally we will pause and pay proper respect to the big anniversary that this blog just enjoyed. Look for all of this and more next week. For now we root for West Virginia in the tournament, and I rest and rejuvenated by boozing heavily this weekend, adding degenerate gambling to the mix. If I'm not dead I'll be back next week.
Labels: Basketball, NCAA Tournament, Soul Crushing Defeat
Your mascot is still just a dude.Syracuse is now officially out of the Bowl Game hunt. That happened courtesy of the Louisville Cardinals, a team even Greg Robinson had been beating. We should have again, were it not for several failings of football competency. Sadly the road does not get any better for Syracuse as they host a rolling Rutgers squad on Senior Day.
Rutgers, fresh off their crushing defeat of South Florida 31-0, enters the Carrier Dome ready to earn win #8 on the season. After beating the likes of Howard, Florida International, and Texas Southern in the non-conference slate, they have gone on to beat Connecticut and South Florida in the conference slate, but lost to Cincinnati on opening day and a very good Pittsburgh team over a month ago. This team is a bit of a conundrum to me at the moment, as I did not think they have been good at all this season, then they go and blow the doors off of USF. The statistics are not that great for either team, but Rutgers manages to score points. QB Tom Savage (109/198, 1535yds, 10 TD, 2 INT) has been good enough this season to have Rutgers keep winning games they should. Meanwhile, Syracuse has got problems man. They just lost another key defense player for the year in Derrell Smith, who led the team in tackles and sacks. Just great. Syracuse will be hard pressed to put pressure on the quarterback and stop the above average rush attack from Rutgers. However, this game should still be won through the air by Rutgers, in what will be an ugly game not in terms of the score, but it terms of how anemic Syracuse will probably be, and how tragic some breaks will go. Rutgers over Syracuse in this one, 31 to 13.
I’m going to this game, which is apparently the only way you can see it if you don’t have ESPN360. This game is not even being broadcast on Time Warner Cable Sports. Frankly I think I’m going hate being here, because it would be like knowing a car wreck will happen, and being powerless to stop it, but nevertheless I am a fan and it is Senior Day, so I will sit and cheer. I make no promises on my sobriety or depression levels. At least they were kind enough to put it at 3:30pm instead of noon. Either way, tune into myself and Orange::44 Correspondent on Twitter as per usual (@BH_Orange44 and @JBren) as we will probably be drunk and hilarious. Or just bitter. We aren’t exactly sure yet. Either way it will be something I’m sure. Hopefully the basketball team can get another big win and ease the pain.
Rutgers, fresh off their crushing defeat of South Florida 31-0, enters the Carrier Dome ready to earn win #8 on the season. After beating the likes of Howard, Florida International, and Texas Southern in the non-conference slate, they have gone on to beat Connecticut and South Florida in the conference slate, but lost to Cincinnati on opening day and a very good Pittsburgh team over a month ago. This team is a bit of a conundrum to me at the moment, as I did not think they have been good at all this season, then they go and blow the doors off of USF. The statistics are not that great for either team, but Rutgers manages to score points. QB Tom Savage (109/198, 1535yds, 10 TD, 2 INT) has been good enough this season to have Rutgers keep winning games they should. Meanwhile, Syracuse has got problems man. They just lost another key defense player for the year in Derrell Smith, who led the team in tackles and sacks. Just great. Syracuse will be hard pressed to put pressure on the quarterback and stop the above average rush attack from Rutgers. However, this game should still be won through the air by Rutgers, in what will be an ugly game not in terms of the score, but it terms of how anemic Syracuse will probably be, and how tragic some breaks will go. Rutgers over Syracuse in this one, 31 to 13.
I’m going to this game, which is apparently the only way you can see it if you don’t have ESPN360. This game is not even being broadcast on Time Warner Cable Sports. Frankly I think I’m going hate being here, because it would be like knowing a car wreck will happen, and being powerless to stop it, but nevertheless I am a fan and it is Senior Day, so I will sit and cheer. I make no promises on my sobriety or depression levels. At least they were kind enough to put it at 3:30pm instead of noon. Either way, tune into myself and Orange::44 Correspondent on Twitter as per usual (@BH_Orange44 and @JBren) as we will probably be drunk and hilarious. Or just bitter. We aren’t exactly sure yet. Either way it will be something I’m sure. Hopefully the basketball team can get another big win and ease the pain.
Finally though, I want to say thank you and congratulations to the seniors that day in and day out give their all for this team and this program. You deserve much more than your career win/loss record, but you stuck in there and played hard every game. Congratulations and good luck to all fo them in the future.
Labels: Big East, Football, Preview, Soul Crushing Defeat
Syracuse - Louisville Postgame Reactions OR Broken
4 Comments Published on 11.16.2009 by Brian Harrison
This is how I looked in the bar.Syracuse led in every offensive category against Louisville, except points, the only category that truly matters. Unbelievably (or more than likely you saw this coming a mile away) Syracuse loses the game by a point, blowing several chances and simply failing to make plays of even the most basic level in college football. Syracuse loses in Louisville ten to nine.
Offense
C
A lot of focus has been placed on the quarterback situation at Syracuse, but without Delone Carter Syracuse would have not performed as well in this game or several others this season. Delone Carter (28att, 129yds, 4.6avg, 1 TD) had a nice day and looked unstoppable on several run plays during the day. Greg Paulus (12/16, 89yds, 0 TD, 1 INT) looked alright on this day, but without a major target to throw to, he gives up too easily on a play, got sacked several times, and tried to run way too much. It was an exercise in futility in passing on this day, and just to make sure Syracuse couldn’t come back, Marcus Sales tipped the ball to the L’ville defender to effectively end the game for Syracuse. Just dreadful. While Paulus did not sink this game for Syracuse, he didn’t overtly help either.
Defense
D+
While Syracuse held Louisville to only 151 total yards, a decade low for Louisville, they could not stop Louisville when they needed to. The secondary, save for one interception that led to Syracuse’s touchdown, was dreadful in the fourth quarter. They are still not able to finish a game. This allowed Louisville to march down the field and score to put them up by one point. While the defense held Louisville to only 34 rushing yards, again, Syracuse could not stop Louisville through the air. Had Syracuse won this game, it could have been one of the best grades the defense gets all year. But it was not meant to be.
Special Teams
D
Syracuse missed an extra point. Extra points should be automatic. Always and forever, extra points should be automatic. Sadly the hold was not good, and Syracuse missed it. Of course, unlike Northwestern earlier in the Dome when they botch a special teams play it ends up in the end zone, Syracuse just fails to convert. Additionally, although it did not count, Syracuse let Louisville run a punt return back. Then, before they started their final drive Syracuse again let them have a massive punt return to set up their final scoring drive. While Rob Long punted extremely well in this game, and even Ryan LICHTENSTEIN had a nice pooch kick, Syracuse’s return coverage was dreadful in this game. Returns for Syracuse were good, including the last return to set up the failed final drive for Syracuse, but they started well in range that they should have been able to at least kick another game winning field goal.
Coaching
C+
I’m not going to be too, too critical of the coaching staff, because really the issues in this game were not bad play calls or poor planning, but failed execution by the players on the field. That being said, they did fail in many areas, specifically special teams coverage. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised of Doug Marrone fired Special Teams Coach Bob Casullo just to save some face. I bet he won’t, but it could be a good idea. Either way, there was nothing novel in this game for Syracuse. Offensively they ran the ball until they were stopped, and threw when they had to. However, when it is third and long, why do teams run up the middle ever? Take a shot at converting or at least getting a chunk of yards back. Additionally, there were a ton of penalties for Syracuse in this game. In that regard the team was not overly prepared.
GPA
C- (1.65)
This is easily one of the most depressing games I have witnessed. Syracuse could have won this game, or at least had several opportunities to stop Louisville, but they failed to make even the most basic of plays and allowed Louisville to go ahead, and then end Syracuse’s final drive. I was helpless to sit and watch Syracuse squander opportunity after opportunity and find ways to lost this game and play down to Louisville. Frankly I am embarrassed Syracuse was involved in this game. This is a low of low points for a program that started out with lofty expectation and much improvement. But with talent missing from quitting and injury, this team is just unable to win games they could have in week 1.
Syracuse will now turn to Rutgers this week, also a winnable game in week 1, but after their drubbing of USF this past week, this looks like a drubbing is coming for Syracuse, unless some lucky breaks that have escaped Syracuse all year suddenly appear. This game was so notably bad that Orange::44 got some prime national coverage thanks to Yahoo!’s college football blog Dr. Saturday. Even they recognize how tough this stuff is to stomach week in and week out. Our good friend Sean from Nunes/Magician also appears. It’s been a tough couple of weeks, so it will be nice to turn our focus to some basketball in the next few days. Anything is a welcome distraction from the current disaster and last place team that we now have.
Offense
C
A lot of focus has been placed on the quarterback situation at Syracuse, but without Delone Carter Syracuse would have not performed as well in this game or several others this season. Delone Carter (28att, 129yds, 4.6avg, 1 TD) had a nice day and looked unstoppable on several run plays during the day. Greg Paulus (12/16, 89yds, 0 TD, 1 INT) looked alright on this day, but without a major target to throw to, he gives up too easily on a play, got sacked several times, and tried to run way too much. It was an exercise in futility in passing on this day, and just to make sure Syracuse couldn’t come back, Marcus Sales tipped the ball to the L’ville defender to effectively end the game for Syracuse. Just dreadful. While Paulus did not sink this game for Syracuse, he didn’t overtly help either.
Defense
D+
While Syracuse held Louisville to only 151 total yards, a decade low for Louisville, they could not stop Louisville when they needed to. The secondary, save for one interception that led to Syracuse’s touchdown, was dreadful in the fourth quarter. They are still not able to finish a game. This allowed Louisville to march down the field and score to put them up by one point. While the defense held Louisville to only 34 rushing yards, again, Syracuse could not stop Louisville through the air. Had Syracuse won this game, it could have been one of the best grades the defense gets all year. But it was not meant to be.
Special Teams
D
Syracuse missed an extra point. Extra points should be automatic. Always and forever, extra points should be automatic. Sadly the hold was not good, and Syracuse missed it. Of course, unlike Northwestern earlier in the Dome when they botch a special teams play it ends up in the end zone, Syracuse just fails to convert. Additionally, although it did not count, Syracuse let Louisville run a punt return back. Then, before they started their final drive Syracuse again let them have a massive punt return to set up their final scoring drive. While Rob Long punted extremely well in this game, and even Ryan LICHTENSTEIN had a nice pooch kick, Syracuse’s return coverage was dreadful in this game. Returns for Syracuse were good, including the last return to set up the failed final drive for Syracuse, but they started well in range that they should have been able to at least kick another game winning field goal.
Coaching
C+
I’m not going to be too, too critical of the coaching staff, because really the issues in this game were not bad play calls or poor planning, but failed execution by the players on the field. That being said, they did fail in many areas, specifically special teams coverage. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised of Doug Marrone fired Special Teams Coach Bob Casullo just to save some face. I bet he won’t, but it could be a good idea. Either way, there was nothing novel in this game for Syracuse. Offensively they ran the ball until they were stopped, and threw when they had to. However, when it is third and long, why do teams run up the middle ever? Take a shot at converting or at least getting a chunk of yards back. Additionally, there were a ton of penalties for Syracuse in this game. In that regard the team was not overly prepared.
GPA
C- (1.65)
This is easily one of the most depressing games I have witnessed. Syracuse could have won this game, or at least had several opportunities to stop Louisville, but they failed to make even the most basic of plays and allowed Louisville to go ahead, and then end Syracuse’s final drive. I was helpless to sit and watch Syracuse squander opportunity after opportunity and find ways to lost this game and play down to Louisville. Frankly I am embarrassed Syracuse was involved in this game. This is a low of low points for a program that started out with lofty expectation and much improvement. But with talent missing from quitting and injury, this team is just unable to win games they could have in week 1.
Syracuse will now turn to Rutgers this week, also a winnable game in week 1, but after their drubbing of USF this past week, this looks like a drubbing is coming for Syracuse, unless some lucky breaks that have escaped Syracuse all year suddenly appear. This game was so notably bad that Orange::44 got some prime national coverage thanks to Yahoo!’s college football blog Dr. Saturday. Even they recognize how tough this stuff is to stomach week in and week out. Our good friend Sean from Nunes/Magician also appears. It’s been a tough couple of weeks, so it will be nice to turn our focus to some basketball in the next few days. Anything is a welcome distraction from the current disaster and last place team that we now have.
Labels: Big East, Football, Soul Crushing Defeat
Easily one of the worst games I have ever witnessed.(H/T John Brennan for the idea to include this)
Labels: Big East, Crying Child, Football, Soul Crushing Defeat
If you want to get beat by Le Moyne keep playing like crap.Le Moyne just beat Syracuse in basketball. Let that sink in. LeMo just came across town to the Carrier Dome, where Division 1 Syracuse plays. A Big East Conference team. Division 2 Le Moyne just won 82 to 79. This is not as horrific as you may think as Syracuse could have poured it on earlier, but this is a dark day in SU Basketball history. In my live tweeting of the game I reached my limit of tweets (didn’t know there was such a thing), so if you messaged me I’ll get back to you soon. But honestly, I’m stunned. Maybe more on this later. For the immediate future though this is just unbelievable.
Labels: Basketball, Soul Crushing Defeat