First Look: Syracuse Orange(men)

Not too long ago, opponents spoke of playing Syracuse with fear in their eyes. Now, not so much. After three straight dismal seasons, the Orange(men)--they changed from “Orangemen” to just “Orange” a few years ago, but I’m still sticking to tradition--are looking for things to finally turn around. Greg Robinson came in promising change. What most ‘Cuse fans didn’t expect was a change for the worse. This program will get better, but won’t see the vast improvement in 2008 some were hoping for when Robinson was hired. This is an improved team, but the record may not show it.

Three things you should know about Syracuse:

1. Greg Robinson is starting to find an identity -- Syracuse was a super-stable program prior to the firing of Paul Pasqualoni, who had only one losing season (2002) from 1991-2004. Robinson hasn’t had a winning season since coming to Syracuse. Part of that problem was his attempt to install a west-coast offense, removing the old freeze-option Pasqualoni used with great success. Also, Robinson’s forte--defense--took a nose dive. In 2007, Syracuse surrendered 418 points, not what one would expect from a defensive specialist who led the Denver Broncos to two Super Bowl wins. Robinson has revamped his coaching staff, and things are beginning to calm down. If the administration is willing to give him more time, things will turn around.

2. Personnel losses, good and bad -- The unit which couldn’t stop anyone loses four of the top six tacklers, which might not be a bad thing. After that, only five of the top eleven tacklers are lost. On offense, the academic ineligibility of leading wide receiver Mike Williams is a crushing blow to what this team wanted to do in 2008. That, combined with graduated Taj Smith, virtually eliminates all the receiving yards from 2007. All is not lost, thought, as the Syracuse running game looks to improve greatly with the return of Curtis Brinkley, a better offensive line, and underrated quarterback Andrew Robinson. If he gets any time to throw this year (54 sacks in 2007), he’ll put up even better numbers than his 2192 yards with a 13/7 ratio.

3. The schedule won’t help the record -- If Syracuse is looking for a break, it won’t look towards the schedule, as away games at Northwestern, West Virginia, South Florida, Rutgers and Notre Dame are all near-certain losses. But remember last season the Orange(men) beat Louisville in Kentucky and Buffalo, with three-point losses against Pitt and Miami, OH. If Syracuse improves on last season’s 2-10 record, the season should be considered a success.

As promised, I’ve invited Orange::44 blogger Brian Harrison to discuss this game, which he was happy to oblige. So I give you the Penn State/Syracuse series through some Orange eyes:

ZN: How excited is the Syracuse fan base to finally play PSU again?

O44: I can first hand say that it is very exciting to get the chance to play Penn State again, both at the Carrier Dome and in Happy Valley. This rivalry was one of the premier college football games in the east and certainly was always an exciting and interesting game to watch. While I am a little too young (25) to really appreciate the hay day of the rivalry in the late 80's, I am still enough of a Syracuse and college football fan to have done my homework and realize that these were some of the best games of football in those days. Joe Pa would be in battles with Syracuse Coach Dick MacPherson, often with championship implications. While overall there is excitement in the fan base to play PSU again, it is a bit marred by the fact that Syracuse is still not as good as they were when the rivalry was peaking. Yes, Syracuse is improving (I say this not just as a fan, but as an objective observer), but it is not where it can compete at the level it enjoyed the past several decades. That, unfortunately is the back drop for this renewed rivalry game.

ZN: Which SU player could give PSU fits? (offense or defense)

O44: It is very possible that our running game could surprise a lot of teams next season. After a year in which Syracuse's running game ranked second to last in Division 1-A, Syracuse has their top running backs returning from a year in which they both had season ending injuries. Delone Carter broke his hip in preseason camp and Curtis Brinkley broke his leg a few games into the season. Both are good running backs and both will be at full strength for the start of the season. Syracuse also recruited the #1 recruit out of New York State in running back Averin Collier, so look for him to make a moderate impact on the running game right away.

ZN: Random thoughts on the game and/or Syracuse’s season...

O44: The game itself should be good. I imagine that plenty of Syracuse fans will pack the Dome, whether or not the team is good, as well as several people making the trek to Syracuse for the game from State College. I think there is a lot of anticipation building for Orange fans and there is buzz already starting, as it is probably the best game on the Syracuse schedule next season, at least non-conference wise. Like I said, I'm excited about it. I'm not sure what PSU thinks of playing Syracuse. I can't imagine you think that highly of the Orange anymore. Rest assured that Syracuse will be better in the coming years though, as we have started to recruit top talent to the program again. The week after Penn State, 1-AA Northeaster will be entering the Dome for SU's Homecoming game. If Syracuse loses this game, and Penn State absolutely blasts SU, look for Athletic Director Darryl Gross to more than likely fire Greg Robinson mid season.

ZN: What would be your point spread for the game?

O44: I would have to give PSU a 17 point advantage. While I would like to say that Syracuse's reputation should put the spread smaller, the truth is I like to play the favorites. I think Penn State will be favored in this game, but it is hard to say how good Syracuse will really be before the first game of the year. It could be that Syracuse will surprise people, or it could be that we are in for another season of heartbreak. Only time will tell.

Next week's First Look: Temple Owls.

-First Look: Oregon State Beavers
-First Look: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers