Clemson - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR Biggest Win in 30 Years!
0 Comments Published on 10.20.2017 by Brian Harrison
The fans rushed the field and everyone got to celebrate this unbelievable win.
I couldn't believe Syracuse was leading. Or tied. Or winning in the 4th quarter. But Syracuse did just enough. Syracuse was able to make plays and stop Clemson from making them. Syracuse held on and earned the biggest program win in over 30 years. This is a program changing win. A monumental upset that will probably end up being the biggest upset of the season. I still don't believe it. I had to watch the game again Sunday just to believe it. But Syracuse took down the defending National Champions. #2 Clemson falls in the Dome 27 to 24.
Offense
A-
Syracuse on the opening drive, marched right down the field and scored. While, not a crazy stat game, Eric Dungey (20/32, 278yds, 3 TD, 0 INT) had no turnovers, and put the ball where it needed to go. The real offensive stars of the game were Ervin Phillips and Steve Ishmael, who grabbed some critical balls and kept the chains moving. An excellent performance all around, save for coughing up the ball to allow Clemson to tie the game in the first quarter. Weirdly enough, despite the speed of Syracuse's offense, Syracuse had the advantage in time of possession of 34:52. Syracuse was able to convert 8-19 on 3rd, and 2-2 on 4th. They also had more yards with 440. Just an excellent performance against the Clemson defense.
Defense
B+
Syracuse allowed some plays from both Kelly Bryant, and Zerrick Cooper, but they didn't allow any big plays. Hunter Renfrow had some big catches, but they didn't really do any damage. And that was key. Syracuse didn't allow any big plays from Clemson, a team that really isn't a regular big play team. Typically they just grind out games because they have more talent. Syracuse was able to keep them under wraps, and it helped that Bryant really couldn't run. And Cooper was the backup. Despite being on Clemson, he wasn't the starter for a reason. Either way, Syracuse was able to prevent Clemson from advancing the ball in the end zone on several drives. Syracuse limited Clemson to 2-11 on 3rd down and 0-1 on 4th (a terrible fake by the punter).
Special Teams
A-
Syracuse was able to make their two kicks, and Clemson missed a couple of theirs. Coverage was good and Syracuse didn't allow too much for Clemson, while giving Syracuse decent field position when kicks and punts could be fielded.
Coaching
A-
Just a perfect offensive strategy for Syracuse. SU called the right plays for whatever Clemson threw at them. Syracuse put themselves in a great position to be able to win the game. And they executed the plan. Dido Babers and the staff outcoached Clemson and their staff.
GPA
A- (3.56)
It was a masterful performance in a game no one gave Syracuse a shot in. It is the biggest upset for Syracuse in over 30 years. This was an epic win, and everyone correctly celebrated it with the magnitude it deserved. Syracuse played their best game and every piece played their part.
Syracuse now has no time off as they travel to undefeated #8 Miami. Syracuse hasn't played The U in a lot of years, but when they did play it didn't go well for Syracuse then either. SU will again have to show up and limit mistakes. But that is for another day. For now, we can all marvel and enjoy this huge win for a little while longer.
Labels: ACC, Epic Win, Football, Upset Special
An upset of historic proportions.
Editor's Note: Work was crazy this week so I didn't get a chance to do the Pitt recap and even post a Clemson preview. But I wasn't picking Syracuse either way. Easily the biggest upset in the last few decades. History was made. I still can't believe it.
Labels: Epic Win, Smiling child, Upset Special
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| Well, it's been a pleasure, CJ |
As I write this, it's about 15 hours after the Syracuse game ended last night. And I figured if I didn't write this now, I probably never would. It hurts to think about it. As fans, we invest in something -- in a belief, in a desire, in pride. So when that investment fails, we take it personally. We are at a loss. But, we're just fans. It's the players -- the ones we invested in -- that really feel the pain. They lived it. But with time and with perspective, we can all look back on this season, and be thankful for our investment. And the players can look back and be pretty damn proud of what they did this season, even if it all ended so badly. But that'll take some time. For now, Syracuse's 55-53 loss to Dayton is what permeates our thoughts.
- CJ Fair finished his brilliant college career with a double double -- 14 points and ten rebounds. He was just 4-14 from the field, not quite finding that patented CJ Fair jumper we've grown to love.
- Tyler Ennis was the leading scorer on the Orange at 19 points from 7-21 shooting. We'll remember Tyler's inspired play down the stretch that almost gave Syracuse the win here, but the ball couldn't drop in as the buzzer sounded. Tyler characteristically played all 40 minutes, but uncharacteristically had a couple turnovers, one of which was costly at the end.
- CJ, Tyler, and Jerami Grant were the only ones to make it to the free throw line.
- Jerami was basically nonexistent in this game. Four points, six rebounds, and a foul out.
- To round out his own college career, Baye Moussa Keita's only registerable statistic is three minutes played.
- Instead, Michael Gbinije got most of the minutes off the bench -- 22 -- and had a solid eight point effort on 4-5 shooting. We've seen some great things out of Silent G this season, and for Syracuse to be good next season, he'll have to be good.
- Syracuse was 0-10 from three for the game. No made threes. First time Syracuse has done that since 1995 (or at least I think that's the stat I heard on SportsCenter)
- Dayton played a decent game, shooting 41.3% for the game, and 43.8% from three. The Flyers got ten points off turnovers, eleven second-chance points, and had a more productive bench.
- Shooting woes plagued the Orange, as they have for two months now -- a putrid 38.9%. Really, that's all the recapping I need to do there. Bad shooting.
And so, a season that started with four exhibition games in August has come to an end. Syracuse finishes with a final record of 28-6. We say goodbye to CJ Fair, Baye Moussa Keita, and maybe Jerami Grant & Tyler Ennis, too. We'll always remember the 25-0 start, the buzzer beater win at Pitt, the record crowd against Duke to see one of the best games ever in the Dome, Boeheim losing it in Durham, and our first season in the ACC. Mourn the loss now, but remember how good we had it this season. I'm still pretty happy with my investment.
Labels: Basketball, Disappointment, NCAA Tournament, Upset Special
Louisville - Syracuse Postgame Reactions OR Top Ten Trouncing
0 Comments Published on 11.15.2012 by Brian Harrison
Thanks to Ryan and the other seniors for great careers and never losing on Senior Day.
Syracuse was picked by a lot of national media for an upset of #9. It was trendy. I didn't jump on board. After that Cincy fiasco why would I trust that Syracuse could put together an almost perfect performance on the field? But they did. Syracuse never trailed in this one on a nice Homecoming and Veteran's Day Weekend. They beat the Cardinals 45 to 26.
Offense
A
Ryan Nassib (15/23, 246 yds, 3 TD, 0 INT) played brilliantly in his final game in the Dome. He, along with the rushing attack, committed no turnovers for Syracuse. Alec Lemon continuted to be the go to target, earning 176 yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions. Jerome Smith finally got a touchdown after rushing for another 100 plus yard game (144). Syracuse simply could not be stopped. They earned 23 first downs, 524 total yards, committed fewer penalties than their last game, and amazingly earned 14-19 on third down conversions and 1-1 on fourth down conversions. It was just a brilliant day.
Defense
B
Syracuse stopped Louisville several times, forcing them to punt or kick a field goal. Most of the time it was forcing them to punt, or the defense wasn't on the field yet. Syracuse did allow 23 first downs and 472 total yards. However, Louisville was only 6-12 on third down conversions and only gained 48 rushing yards. There was much improvement on the run stop, putting it all on the shoulders of Teddy Bridgewater. And while he gained 424 yards, he also committed an INT, was pressured most of the day, and was generally ineffective in finding the end zone for his team. It also helped their leading rusher was injured and out the rest of the game on the first drive, but hey... them's the breaks.
Syracuse stopped Louisville several times, forcing them to punt or kick a field goal. Most of the time it was forcing them to punt, or the defense wasn't on the field yet. Syracuse did allow 23 first downs and 472 total yards. However, Louisville was only 6-12 on third down conversions and only gained 48 rushing yards. There was much improvement on the run stop, putting it all on the shoulders of Teddy Bridgewater. And while he gained 424 yards, he also committed an INT, was pressured most of the day, and was generally ineffective in finding the end zone for his team. It also helped their leading rusher was injured and out the rest of the game on the first drive, but hey... them's the breaks.
Special Teams
A
Ross Krautman was perfect with his foot, hitting 1/1 on field goals and 6/6 on extra points. Syracuse also blocked a Louisville extra point and recovered a muffed L'ville punt. They also earned some good kick and punt return yards and covered well when they had to kick or punt. Their best special teams performance of the year.
Ross Krautman was perfect with his foot, hitting 1/1 on field goals and 6/6 on extra points. Syracuse also blocked a Louisville extra point and recovered a muffed L'ville punt. They also earned some good kick and punt return yards and covered well when they had to kick or punt. Their best special teams performance of the year.
Coaching
A
When you when like this, you earn the credit for it. Syracuse came out attacking on offense and trying to pressure Bridgewater on defense. Syracuse stayed with their up tempo offensive attack and continued putting offensive pressure on Louisville until the middle of the fourth quarter. Louisville never had a chance to get back in this game and that was the right way to play it. Great job all around.
When you when like this, you earn the credit for it. Syracuse came out attacking on offense and trying to pressure Bridgewater on defense. Syracuse stayed with their up tempo offensive attack and continued putting offensive pressure on Louisville until the middle of the fourth quarter. Louisville never had a chance to get back in this game and that was the right way to play it. Great job all around.
GPA
A- (3.75)
It's been 10 years since Syracuse earned a top 10 win. This is the biggest win for Doug Marrone, other than the Pinstripe Bowl win in 2010. It was a pleasure to sit and watch it from start to finish. No super dumb, drive killing mistakes. No turnovers. No nonsense. It was just a complete football win. Every phase, every play, against a superior opponent. We've been waiting for this team to show up this season. Good to see they finally did.
Syracuse next faces Missouri at Missouri. More importantly, with two games left on the schedule they have two chances to get one win and advance to another bowl game. Two games that are definitely winable if they play like they did on Saturday. With basketball season here, and an impressive first win for them, it's still good to see Syracuse still relevant in the bowl picture instead of completely writing off football for the basketball season.
It's been 10 years since Syracuse earned a top 10 win. This is the biggest win for Doug Marrone, other than the Pinstripe Bowl win in 2010. It was a pleasure to sit and watch it from start to finish. No super dumb, drive killing mistakes. No turnovers. No nonsense. It was just a complete football win. Every phase, every play, against a superior opponent. We've been waiting for this team to show up this season. Good to see they finally did.
Syracuse next faces Missouri at Missouri. More importantly, with two games left on the schedule they have two chances to get one win and advance to another bowl game. Two games that are definitely winable if they play like they did on Saturday. With basketball season here, and an impressive first win for them, it's still good to see Syracuse still relevant in the bowl picture instead of completely writing off football for the basketball season.
Labels: Big East, Football, Upset Special
Syracuse - West Virginia Postgame Reactions OR We're Baaaaaack...
0 Comments Published on 10.26.2010 by Brian Harrison
Good to see you again. It's been a while.
I was wrong. I am completely fine with being wrong. All logic dictated that Syracuse should and would lose in Morgantown this past weekend. Syracuse had not beaten West Virginia since 2001. West Virginia was ranked the 20th best team in the country. By all measures West Virginia had more talent than Syracuse. None of it mattered. The Syracuse defense, and the team as a whole, did just enough to beat West Virginia, get back to second place in the Big East, and beat the #20 team in the nation. They earned respect and a statement win of this program in the Doug Marrone era. West Virginia falls to the Orange 19 to 14.
Offense
C+
This really isn’t the offense’s fault. Syracuse was facing one of the toughest defenses in the country. Delone Carter was knocked out in the second quarter with a bruised hip. Syracuse faced a lot of adversity in this one, and still somehow managed to play a smart, grinding football game that really put a premium on field position. Ryan Nassib (5/15, 63yds, 1 TD, 0 INT) did not dazzle anyone with his effort on the day. But he managed to do what Syracuse needed. He held onto the ball and did not give it away to West Virginia. Delone Carter finished with 75 yards on nine carries before he left, and then Antwon Bailey took over nicely, earning 94 yards on 19 carries. Syracuse again needs to improve its third down conversions as they only had four of 14 as well. They only earned 246 yards on the day, which was a problem as well. Syracuse failed to earn seven points on several red zone trips, having to settle for field goals. Granted they were facing a tough defense, but Syracuse needs to find a way to score in those situations. Overall an average day for the offense, but it was enough, which against this tough a team is pretty astounding.
Defense
A
The defense is the reason Syracuse won the game. Syracuse held West Virginia scoreless for the final three quarters of this game. Not only that, but Syracuse intercepted Geno Smith three times, one of which from inside the end zone. Smith was held to only 178 yards and a touchdown as well. The Syracuse secondary, on occasion, would allow a somewhat big or important pass play in this game to allow drives to continue. They also received some costly personal foul penalties, most correct, some not. However, West Virginia only went 6-17 on third down conversions, 1-2 on fourth down conversions, and only gained 284 total yards on the day. For a defense that was essentially outmatched on paper, they sure got to the quarterback, pressured him, and after his second interception, Smith was clearly shaken the rest of the day. This was an excellent effort from Doug Hogue, Chandler Jones, Mikhail Marinovich, and the entire front seven. And the secondary held when they needed too as well.
Special Teams
B
This grade should be lower. Max Suter gave West Virginia a free possession well into their own territory, which is still unacceptable. However Ross Krautman kicked four field goals (28, 19, 33, 22) and an extra point on the day which gave Syracuse the scoring edge. Additionally, Rob Long finally proved he deserved to be mentioned as the best punter in the league after some marginal games. He kicked six times for a total of 310 yards, two of which were inside the 20, and one that landed on the six yard line that was brilliantly covered by the team. Additionally, the punt coverage, and even kick coverage this game, were excellent.
Coaching
A
How perfect was the defensive game plan from Scott Shafer? You saw various coverages in this game that we have not seen before, including showing false blitzes and then dropping back in coverage. And Geno Smith looked bewildered by the coverage on several occasions. You saw this after an adjustment as well. In the first few series Geno Smith and the WVU defense moved the ball with relative ease. After scoring their second touchdown West Virginia failed to score again. That was huge and excellent coaching on the part of Syracuse. While the offense couldn’t really adjust, they still got some key first downs when needed, and the calls were good, they were simply getting beat by an excellent West Virginia defense. A very solid day from the standpoint of the staff though.
GPA
B+ (3.325)
“The defense played lights out today. There’s no arguing that.” That quote from QB Ryan Nassib sums up the day perfectly. Football is a team game, and the 11 players on defense deserve a hell of a lot of credit for this win. West Virginia, due to their long, sustained drive at the end of the game ultimately to no avail, gave WVU the time of possession edge. The Syracuse defense held strong, and in four down territory provided the coverage needed to prevent a Geno Smith pass, but also the pressure to get to him and sack him twice in a row to end the WVU drive and assure Syracuse the victory. While there are still some problems with the offense in a game like this, you cannot be too upset by beating the #20 team in the country through field position, physical defense, and being smart with the football.
Syracuse next takes on Cincinnati. The Orange are 2-0 on opponent’s Homecomings. It is Cincinnati’s Homecoming this upcoming weekend. Additionally, Cincinnati is coming off a weeknight loss to USF, a team that looks to have its act together. Cincinnati has been, like every team in the Big East, pretty bi-polar. On occasion looking good, other times looking bad. Either way, it should be an entertaining game and another opportunity for Syracuse to show what they are capable and demonstrate that this is a solid football team and that they simply had a bad game against Pittsburgh. Either way, should be an entertaining one.
Labels: Big East, Epic Win, Football, Rivalries, Upset Special
And just like that the lacrosse season is over. No threepeat.Labels: Crying Child, Lacrosse, NCAA Tournament, Upset Special
Syracuse - California Postgame Reactions OR Upset? Not Us.
0 Comments Published on 11.20.2009 by Brian Harrison
If Gerry likes it, you know it's good.Syracuse was the 24th ranked team taking on #13 California. At the end of the day America knew that California was overrated and Syracuse was underrated. Syracuse earns an impressive win in Madison Square Garden. Syracuse wins over Cal to advance to the 2K Sports Coaches Vs. Cancer Classic 95 to 73.
I am continually astounded at how much better Scoop Jardine this season than any of his previous work. He absolutely sucked and was good for a lot of turnovers, and he really cost Syracuse at Georgetown in the 2007-2008 season. But he was excellent in this game, as he has been. He led Syracuse with 22 points in 27 minutes on the floor. He also had six rebounds, six assists, and four steals, with only one turnover. He was a big reason Syracuse did so well in the transition game.
Similarly, Brandon Triche also played well. While he only had nine points, he defended well, hit shots in timely situations, and passed well on the floor. He is still a freshman and is learning, but he is coming along nicely. Nice to see there won’t be another Sean Williams on the roster.
Wesley Johnson also played well. The transfer had 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks. Delivered as advertised again. He is a high riser and an excellent defender.
Arinze Onuaku had an absolutely sick hook shot in this game. Just filthy how good it was right over the defender. He finished with 12 points. Similarly, Rick Jackson had an outstanding pivot post move and finished with eight points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Andy Rautins finished with eight points, four assists, and two steals. He had an outstanding day on defense and played well in transition. That is before he hurt his ankle again. He walked right off the court after, but had some swelling. Frankly I think he will be playing later today, but we’ll see.
Syracuse obviously shot well from the floor, shooting 57.1% from the floor, while California only shot 40%. Additionally, Syracuse limited a typically great shooting team from behind the arc to only 30% (6-20). Syracuse shot 9-23 (39.1%). Syracuse was outrebounded in this game, which is odd as Syracuse had a taller and more athletic team. California had 42 rebounds, 15 offensive, and Syracuse only had 37 and five respectively. Finally, Syracuse led massively in steals and blocks. Syracuse had ten and nine, while Cal only had four and one. That is extremely solid defense.
Speaking of Syracuse’s defense, it obviously caused several turnovers. 15 to be exact. This defense frustrated Cal and was so active that it obviously stifled Cal’s three point shooting as well, as it has all season. This is the kind of defense that wins conferences. If the team can remain this energetic for every game, this team will be hard to score on.
Syracuse played an excellent game and will be rewarded with playing the #4 team in the nation, and the defending National Champions, North Carolina. Syracuse will have their hands full, but they had trouble putting away Ohio State, therefore Syracuse has a real possibility to pull another upset, this time against a top five team. Additionally Syracuse will represent the Big East in a battle against on of the ACC’s best teams. Always a drama filled situation when this occurs. Should be a good one, and if Syracuse plays well again this will be an excellent game to watch. Stay tuned for my usual preview later.
I am continually astounded at how much better Scoop Jardine this season than any of his previous work. He absolutely sucked and was good for a lot of turnovers, and he really cost Syracuse at Georgetown in the 2007-2008 season. But he was excellent in this game, as he has been. He led Syracuse with 22 points in 27 minutes on the floor. He also had six rebounds, six assists, and four steals, with only one turnover. He was a big reason Syracuse did so well in the transition game.
Similarly, Brandon Triche also played well. While he only had nine points, he defended well, hit shots in timely situations, and passed well on the floor. He is still a freshman and is learning, but he is coming along nicely. Nice to see there won’t be another Sean Williams on the roster.
Wesley Johnson also played well. The transfer had 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks. Delivered as advertised again. He is a high riser and an excellent defender.
Arinze Onuaku had an absolutely sick hook shot in this game. Just filthy how good it was right over the defender. He finished with 12 points. Similarly, Rick Jackson had an outstanding pivot post move and finished with eight points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Andy Rautins finished with eight points, four assists, and two steals. He had an outstanding day on defense and played well in transition. That is before he hurt his ankle again. He walked right off the court after, but had some swelling. Frankly I think he will be playing later today, but we’ll see.
Syracuse obviously shot well from the floor, shooting 57.1% from the floor, while California only shot 40%. Additionally, Syracuse limited a typically great shooting team from behind the arc to only 30% (6-20). Syracuse shot 9-23 (39.1%). Syracuse was outrebounded in this game, which is odd as Syracuse had a taller and more athletic team. California had 42 rebounds, 15 offensive, and Syracuse only had 37 and five respectively. Finally, Syracuse led massively in steals and blocks. Syracuse had ten and nine, while Cal only had four and one. That is extremely solid defense.
Speaking of Syracuse’s defense, it obviously caused several turnovers. 15 to be exact. This defense frustrated Cal and was so active that it obviously stifled Cal’s three point shooting as well, as it has all season. This is the kind of defense that wins conferences. If the team can remain this energetic for every game, this team will be hard to score on.
Syracuse played an excellent game and will be rewarded with playing the #4 team in the nation, and the defending National Champions, North Carolina. Syracuse will have their hands full, but they had trouble putting away Ohio State, therefore Syracuse has a real possibility to pull another upset, this time against a top five team. Additionally Syracuse will represent the Big East in a battle against on of the ACC’s best teams. Always a drama filled situation when this occurs. Should be a good one, and if Syracuse plays well again this will be an excellent game to watch. Stay tuned for my usual preview later.
Finally, SU/Cal 1 tweet recap from @JBren: Magnificent defense, great in paint, turnovers galore, heart skips a beat on long passes, this team's "pretty good".
Labels: Basketball, Upset Special