'Cuse breakdown with Orange::44

Penn State hosts the Syracuse Orange this weekend, in what's been dubbed "Classic Day" by the folks in charge of marketing. Cute, but I'm more concerned with what's going down on the field, not in the stands. Penn State and Syracuse have played 69 times, as the Lions lead the series 41-23-5.

Today we'll hear from Brian Harrison, publisher of the fine Syracuse blog Orange::44. You may remember him stopping by last season. But what about 2009?

ZN: How badly did the Minnesota loss hurt? Or did it at all? What can the Orange team and fans take away from that game?

O44: Yes the Minnesota game hurt a little bit. When it is all said and done it is still a loss for Syracuse. However, this game was by far the most entertaining and competent game Syracuse fans have seen in the Carrier dome in a few years. More than anything, the game was encouraging and everyone took a small sense of relief from the game knowing that Syracuse may not be a great time, but that they are on the road to being a great time again.

ZN: Penn State handled a decent Akron team last week, 31-0 at the half. The Zips essentially picked their poison, committing to stopping the run and letting PSU shred them through the air (379 pass yards, 3 TDs). It actually worked, as PSU had trouble on the ground, and if it wasn't for the fake punt, wouldn't finished with only 99 yards rushing. How do you expect the Syracuse defense to attack the PSU offense, and what kind of success do you think the Orange will have?

O44: First off, I would love to see Syracuse play “decent” against PSU. I’d take “decent” any day of the week. All kidding aside, Syracuse attacking the running game will start with star NT Art Jones. He is a bone fide all star and a beast up front on the defensive line. He can penetrate the offensive line, or plug a lane. On top of that, LB Doug Hogue and DE Mikhail Marinovich made some nice plays in the first game, and will try to do the same against Penn State. They stopped the run behind the line of scrimmage on several occasions, so moderate run stopping success can and should be achieved by Syracuse.

ZN: Give us a breakdown of the most important unit-vs-unit match up going into this game.

O44: Probably the most important match up will be the Penn State wide receivers versus the secondary of Syracuse. Minnesota possess one of the best wide receivers in the nation in Eric Decker. While Syracuse limited him in the first half, he was occasionally unstoppable in the second half, allowing Minnesota to come within field goal range to tie the game and send it to overtime. The team will be looking hard at the film, and will most certainly adjust their coverage schemes and will be tougher to pass on this coming week. Obviously Penn State can do damage through the air, so it will be interesting to see if Penn State can throw the ball around and move the chains at will or if Syracuse can cause some drops and jar the ball loose with contact.

ZN: We talked about this last season, when PSU and the Orange met for the first time in nearly two decades. But last season, Penn State went into the Carrier Dome, where most of these teams' match ups did not historically take place (Archbold Stadium) in New York. Now, Syracuse comes into Beaver Stadium, where all of the teams meetings at Penn State took place (even in its old location, it was still the same structure). What does it mean for Orange fans to get to return to a place so historic to both teams? And do Orange fans have any diabolical plans for the Nittany Lion Shrine this time around?

O44: It is exciting, but tragic at the same time. It is similar to last season. Although we are happy that this rivalry game is being rekindled, there is a bitter feeling because this is not a team that can truly challenge Penn State like it could in the 80’s and 90’s. It should be a fun game however, as Syracuse has low expectations so they can open up the playbook and try whatever they want. It will also be a learning experience for this young team to play in front of that many people, and perhaps rekindle the rivalry personally for them. As for your statue, you’re lucky I’m watching this game at home, as the Pitt Panther has felt my wrath before.

ZN: How about a game prediction? How do you think this game will go, and what about the score?

O44: The game will probably go as most people expect, pending a huge collapse of everything Penn State knows, or an utterly perfect game from Syracuse that will include several turnovers and pick-sixes. Penn State will just be too much to handle for the program rebuilding. I’ll say it will be Penn State over the ‘Cuse 40 to 24.

Many thanks again to Brian! And check out my interview over at Orange::44 HERE.

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First Look '09: Syracuse Orange

Following its traditional opening day bloodbath, Penn State will turn its claws of destruction to the visiting Syracuse Orange. The old rivals–arguably the hottest eastern rivalry outside of PSU-Pitt–met last year for the first time since 1992. Although the series renewal was signed when Syracuse was coming off a 10-2 season, this should be as much of a one-sided contest as it was in 2008. But what do we really know about the 2009 Syracuse Orange? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

Channeling the 'Cuse – If you just started watching football the last few seasons, it would seem absurd to find out Syracuse is No. 14 all-time in total wins (674-472-49). But the recent performance on the field is a far cry from what Orange fans are used to. Prior to the disaster known as Greg Robinson (10-37, '05-'08), there was Paul Pasqualoni ('91-'04) and Dick MacPherson ('81-'90), who combined to go 173-107-5, including five 10-win seasons, and an undefeated run (11-0-1) in 1987.

But now the program is at the bottom of the bottom... of the bottom. In comes former-Orangeman (the name changed to just "Orange" a few seasons ago) Doug Marrone. Marrone was a captain and three-year letterman at Syracuse, playing from 1983-1985 on the offensive line. He's been a successful position coach (OL/TE) at the college and pro levels, and led a pretty good offensive attack as the New Orleans Saints' OC ('06-'08).

Th Orange went defense with Robinson. Now, it's time to try offense with Marrone.

Looking for 44 – Although the surrounding cast was far from competitive on a national scale, Orange running back Curtis Brinkley had a quietly outstanding season in 2008, rushing for 1,164 yards and seven scores. The problem for Syracuse, is that he's gone this year. All is not lost, though, as junior Delone Carter steps in after leading the team in '07 with 713. He's been banged up since, but should be healthy this year.

If the offensive line (lost 2/5 from '08) can come together, the running game could be a focal point for this year's offense. Redshirt frosh Ryan Nassib will have some decent targets to throw to, as six of the top seven receivers return from '08, and add in '07 all-Big East performer Mike Williams after his suspension all last year.

Big Ten-lite – Joe Paterno's idea for Syracuse to consider moving over to the Big Ten might not be all that far-fetched. The Orange play three Big Ten teams (Minnesota 9/5, @PSU 9/12, Northwestern 9/19) on this year's schedule. The schedule sets itself up to be a real pain in the butt for Syracuse, with the possibility of player as many as NINE bowl-bound teams. However, Syracuse only plays four road games, and some of the toughest competition comes to the Carrier Dome.

The record may not look good once December rolls around, but remember that Syracuse is taking on easily the toughest schedule of any Big East member. Orange opponents went 98-57 in '08, and went 4-5 in bowl games. The goal this year, with this schedule, should be to be competitive in as many games as possible. Four wins would be admirable.

From enemy territory:

I asked Brian Harrison, Orange::44 blogger, about the 2009 team. He was a bit more excited than I'd expected, but looking at this year's team, he makes a good point: "No where to go but up."

"While Syracuse is most assuredly in a rebuilding year with a coach that can do the job, this season we take comfort in knowing actual improvement will be seen as there is a different guy with the headset on," Harrison said.

Yet, Harrison said Robinson's recruiting successes (or lack of) gives Marrone a lot of work to do, on and off the field.

"Syracuse is still just not as talented as they should be. They are getting better, but Syracuse is still burdened with the majority of poorly recruited players that [name redacted] left us," he told me.

And remember when Syracuse was known for "The Loud House?" Well, Harrison thinks with the eight home games coming this season and growing enthusiasm around Marrone, ticket sales should be up this season.

"This means that at least the hostile away crowd factor will not be a factor for the majority of Syracuse’s games," Harrison said about the schedule. "Syracuse could actually see some decent crowds during the bigger games this season as well. Season ticket holders have vastly dwindled the past few years, but they should increase this season for the first time in a while. Syracuse football fans, despite having bad seasons lately, are knowledgeable football fans and like supporting their team, especially the locals. The Carrier Dome, one of the best on campus facilities in the nation, could again be friendly confines for the home team and become “The Loud House” again."

For more on the Syracuse Orange:

2009 Syracuse Schedule

Syracuse Spring Game Review

First Look '08: Syracuse Orange

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Look! A talking Orange

This week, Syracuse blogger Brian from Orange::44 was kind enough to send over his thoughts on the game. Brian and the Syracuse faithful--trust me, they need all the faith they can get right now--are just as excited as we Penn State fans. So here you go, Brian's word.

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1. So things are still bad for Syracuse. How much will Penn State win by on Saturday?

O44: Not gonna lie, I think SU will lose by at least 30 points. My person prediction was 34 points, to which I have a drink riding. So you know it is a serious bet. Either way, #17 Penn State, save some EPIC college football collapse where they forget nearly every fundamental and act like a bunch of high schoolers, should win pretty handily, and score early and often. I wish I could say this game will be closer and I wish I could say Syracuse will not go quietly into that good night. Alas, it was just not meant to be this year.

2. Are you still excited for this rivalry game, even though it might not be close?

O44: Absolutely. While this may not be the best year to renew such rivalry, clearly the entire idea is a good one. Any time you can mix in a team you used to play on a regular basis that you have not in a while is a good idea. Especially when that team is good as it ads credibility to your non-conference schedule. Plus, Penn State is a big time, well established franchise. At the very least, even if it is not a good game it will be fun to see them in action. The entire reason I love college football is the atmosphere and clearly both the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, and Beaver Stadium in State College, will be rocking on game days. That will be amazing to see.

3. What Syracuse player will have the biggest impact on the game and why?

O44: At this point, after having the benefit of seeing two games already, it has to be RB Curtis Brinkley. He has bounced back magnificently from a season ending injury last year, to really tear it up on the ground. He earned 143 yards and a touchdown last week, so at least the running game and offensive line of Syracuse have improved leaps and bounds from last season. Look for them to go to Brinkley, and also RB Delone Carter on a fairly consistent basis to try to establish the running game on Penn State. Whether it works or not remains to be seen.

4. What Penn State player are you worried about for Syracuse?

O44: While Syracuse did a fairly competent job against the running game of Akron last week in the Carrier Dome, RB Evan Royster scars the crap out of me. Considering that this year, in only two games, he has 205 yards and six touchdowns. While the yardage is not that impressive, the six touchdowns certainly are. After all, anytime you find the end zone is impressive, but to do it three times in the first two games of the season, you know he has a nose for breaking the plane. Penn State will probably most use this to their advantage however by either using play action, or simply picking apart the defense on passes. This should be know problem for the Penn State offense to do.

5. Overall thoughts on the game, and some initial thoughts on the game next year?

O44: Again, although this is not the optimal year to restart this epic college football rivalry, it will still be fun. I myself will be in the Carrier Dome this weekend so I look forward to a good college football game, win or lose for Syracuse. If we win, it will clearly be the highlight of an overall low season, but if we lose, it will just further the cause of removing Greg Robinson as the head football coach at Syracuse. Either way, Syracuse fans will win on Saturday.

As for next year, while I am pretty sure the outcome of the game is not in question, I would love to see a game in State College. With the "white out" possibly in effect and thousands of football fans there cheering on their team, that is what big time college football is all about, and I would love to see it in person.

Thanks Brian! To see my answers to the same questions, check it out here.

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