Photo from John Brennan, who writes at Orange 44
The Syracuse Orange came out and gave a valiant effort yesterday, losing to the number 8 team in the nation the Cincinnati Bearcats 28-7. The wounds the Orange suffered were mostly self-inflicted. Two brutal turnovers inside the Cincinnati 10 yard line killed any hope of an upset, sapped momentum, and allowed the Bearcats to get out of the teflon bubble undefeated at 8-0.
As we do every week, here are a few observations. I'm going to skip the good, bad, and ugly format I've been using and just rant about a few select topics instead.
Attendance: The attendance has been poor all year, especially given the improvement the team has shown. As you can see above, yesterday it was abysmal. Even with $10 tickets and students being allowed in for free, the place was empty. If you're an SU student, what other activities could possibly keep you from going to see a top 10 team for free? It's not like there's a long commute involved. The apathy the students are showing towards their team is flat out bizarre.
As for the rest of the building, I think there are a number of factors involved in the poor turnout. First, let me say I have season tickets and wasn't there. Why? 6 consecutive home games is flat-out absurd. I live in Albany and simply needed a weekend to get some stuff done at home. I work all week, I own a house, I'm getting married next year and at some point I need to get some sh*t done. I took 3 hours out of my day and watched the game, but I needed the rest of the day for me. Buzz Shaw will be glad to know I do have a life and I'm guessing a number of the other empty seats that had similar issues.
In addition, while the team is 100 percent better than last year, it still isn't translating into wins. After 8 games, this team has one win against a school from a BCS conference. We all know how bad the last 4 years were. It's a fickle fan base. Win games and people will show. That's just a fact of life. Once the quality of the product improves, the bandwagon will fill up again.
Booing Greg Paulus: While it wasn't evident on TV, apparently some jerk-offs who were in the building decided it would be a good idea to boo Paulus when he would run on the field. Are you f*cking kidding me? How is this a good idea? What is the point of showing up if you're going to denigrate (those that booed will have to look up that word) your own team? If you must express your disappointment - boo the coaches when the punt team runs of the field. Go on the internet and rant. Bitch to your friends and neighbors. But booing a hard working kid who is busting his ass for simply runing on the field is awful. For those that booed Paulus, I have a message for you - F you.
The Quarterback Situation: That being said, while the booing was reprehensible, I think it's time to officially kick off the the Ryan Nassib era. When you look at what Paulus has done, it's been pretty amazing. He took 4 years off from football, came back and has played Division I football at a pretty high level. That needs to be appreciated and commended.
However, after 8 games we know what we've got with Greg. The turnovers, especially in the red zone are killing this team. When Paulus is in the game, the ball doesn't go down the field. Maybe that's a function of the play calling, or maybe he's not pushing it down the field, but either way, Syracuse isn't a threat to go down the field when when he's under center.
I know everyone's favorite player is the back up quarterback and there's no way to know how Ryan Nassib will do as a starter, but it's time to find out. Doug Marrone has said Paulus gives SU the best chance to win, I accept that. However, SU isn't winning. Greg has turned the ball over too many times, especially in the red zone. It's time to make a move.
The Defense: Did anyone see what happened to Michigan yesterday? A 1-6 Illinois team ran the ball down the Wolverine's throat. You think they want Scott Shafer back? If they don't, they should. This SU defense is light years ahead of where it's been. The pass defense is obviously a problem, but they held a high-scoring offense to 28 points. A year ago against Greg Robinson, Cincy would have scored 50.
Playing Not to Lose: The game plan was to control clock, keep the Cincinnati offense off the field and capitalize when chances presented themselves. I get that. However, there were a few calls that pissed me off. In the third quarter, down 2 TDs, on third and 10 Rob Spence calls a draw. That is simply awful. Earlier in the third quarter, on third and one they remove power back Delone Carter and call a dive to scat back Antwon Bailey. Bailey gets stood up. That is dumb. A controversial punt followed. In the 4th quarter, with 5 minutes left, SU punts on 4th and 3. Why? So we wouldn't lose 35-7? This team doesn't have enough talent to beat the number 8 team in the country without taking chances. To date, Marrone and Spence have proven they are unwilling to gamble. That won't work - and so far it hasn't.
The Rest of the Year: Syracuse goes on the road for the second time this season and the first time since September 12 to face Pitt next week. The Panthers are coming off a bye and playing very well. It represents a huge challenge. After that, there are 3 games Syracuse has a chance to win. How they do in that closing stretch will determine how this season is viewed, because while the team has been more competitive, getting closer won't cut it. This team needs recruits and recruits want to go to a program that wins. So do the fans.
As we do every week, here are a few observations. I'm going to skip the good, bad, and ugly format I've been using and just rant about a few select topics instead.
Attendance: The attendance has been poor all year, especially given the improvement the team has shown. As you can see above, yesterday it was abysmal. Even with $10 tickets and students being allowed in for free, the place was empty. If you're an SU student, what other activities could possibly keep you from going to see a top 10 team for free? It's not like there's a long commute involved. The apathy the students are showing towards their team is flat out bizarre.
As for the rest of the building, I think there are a number of factors involved in the poor turnout. First, let me say I have season tickets and wasn't there. Why? 6 consecutive home games is flat-out absurd. I live in Albany and simply needed a weekend to get some stuff done at home. I work all week, I own a house, I'm getting married next year and at some point I need to get some sh*t done. I took 3 hours out of my day and watched the game, but I needed the rest of the day for me. Buzz Shaw will be glad to know I do have a life and I'm guessing a number of the other empty seats that had similar issues.
In addition, while the team is 100 percent better than last year, it still isn't translating into wins. After 8 games, this team has one win against a school from a BCS conference. We all know how bad the last 4 years were. It's a fickle fan base. Win games and people will show. That's just a fact of life. Once the quality of the product improves, the bandwagon will fill up again.
Booing Greg Paulus: While it wasn't evident on TV, apparently some jerk-offs who were in the building decided it would be a good idea to boo Paulus when he would run on the field. Are you f*cking kidding me? How is this a good idea? What is the point of showing up if you're going to denigrate (those that booed will have to look up that word) your own team? If you must express your disappointment - boo the coaches when the punt team runs of the field. Go on the internet and rant. Bitch to your friends and neighbors. But booing a hard working kid who is busting his ass for simply runing on the field is awful. For those that booed Paulus, I have a message for you - F you.
The Quarterback Situation: That being said, while the booing was reprehensible, I think it's time to officially kick off the the Ryan Nassib era. When you look at what Paulus has done, it's been pretty amazing. He took 4 years off from football, came back and has played Division I football at a pretty high level. That needs to be appreciated and commended.
However, after 8 games we know what we've got with Greg. The turnovers, especially in the red zone are killing this team. When Paulus is in the game, the ball doesn't go down the field. Maybe that's a function of the play calling, or maybe he's not pushing it down the field, but either way, Syracuse isn't a threat to go down the field when when he's under center.
I know everyone's favorite player is the back up quarterback and there's no way to know how Ryan Nassib will do as a starter, but it's time to find out. Doug Marrone has said Paulus gives SU the best chance to win, I accept that. However, SU isn't winning. Greg has turned the ball over too many times, especially in the red zone. It's time to make a move.
The Defense: Did anyone see what happened to Michigan yesterday? A 1-6 Illinois team ran the ball down the Wolverine's throat. You think they want Scott Shafer back? If they don't, they should. This SU defense is light years ahead of where it's been. The pass defense is obviously a problem, but they held a high-scoring offense to 28 points. A year ago against Greg Robinson, Cincy would have scored 50.
Playing Not to Lose: The game plan was to control clock, keep the Cincinnati offense off the field and capitalize when chances presented themselves. I get that. However, there were a few calls that pissed me off. In the third quarter, down 2 TDs, on third and 10 Rob Spence calls a draw. That is simply awful. Earlier in the third quarter, on third and one they remove power back Delone Carter and call a dive to scat back Antwon Bailey. Bailey gets stood up. That is dumb. A controversial punt followed. In the 4th quarter, with 5 minutes left, SU punts on 4th and 3. Why? So we wouldn't lose 35-7? This team doesn't have enough talent to beat the number 8 team in the country without taking chances. To date, Marrone and Spence have proven they are unwilling to gamble. That won't work - and so far it hasn't.
The Rest of the Year: Syracuse goes on the road for the second time this season and the first time since September 12 to face Pitt next week. The Panthers are coming off a bye and playing very well. It represents a huge challenge. After that, there are 3 games Syracuse has a chance to win. How they do in that closing stretch will determine how this season is viewed, because while the team has been more competitive, getting closer won't cut it. This team needs recruits and recruits want to go to a program that wins. So do the fans.
8 comments:
Why can't we boo Paulus? This is a kid who gave a giant FU to Syracuse coming out of High
School, which was certainely his right. Then the kid wants to go pro as a QB and gets laughed out of 2 pro-workouts, tries the crappy Michigan Wolverines and gets laughed out of there and then he comes running back to SU. He is not an Orangemen and will never be but we can't be him cause he is a "good kid who is trying hard". Let's rebuild with young SU guys and loose with them not a high effort kid whose best attribute at Duke was flopping. And to the tough guy coach who was an offensive cordinator in New Orleans (in name only, Coach Payton was the OC) hope next time you can make some guttier offensive calls or the dome will forever be a sad place on Saturdays. That act can only work so long ask coach Ryan.
Anonymous- First of all, you need to get over Paulus choosing Duke. That was several years ago and it's unhealthy for you to continue carrying around that kind of spite. I was a little bitter at the time, but I didn't consider Paulus' choice a "giant FU" to Syracuse. Maybe you're not too familiar with Duke, but it's considered one of the top 5 or so schools in the country academically. Think that might have been a factor in his decision? And we all love Jimmy B, but we also know he's no Coach K.
So it took four years, but now Paulus is on our team. Admit you were excited when he chose to use his final year of eligibility at SU - everyone was. This was a top-level college athlete who had been one of the best QB recruits coming out of h.s. And now you're angry enough to write that post about him... why exactly? So he hasn't single-handedly vaulted SU back into college FB's upper echelon. If that's what you expected, you're delusional. But is the team much improved with him as QB? All you need to do is compare this year's Northwestern and Akron scores with last year's. Paulus isn't perfect, but he's not getting paid to be. In fact, he's not getting paid at all. This is a FREAKING COLLEGE KID! (Yes, I know he's 23 and technically a grad student but this is still college ball.) If college kids were perfect (Tim Tebow aside) they'd be in the pros already, so get off Paulus' back.
Booing a college player on your own team is mean and pathetic. You are right about one thing, though - Paulus is definitely "not an Orangeman." They changed the nickname to "Orange" a few years ago.
While I hate all things Duke and wish Paulus was an assistant coach at Duke, where it seems all annoying ex-Dukie guards end up, the "flopper" is playing his heart out. Maybe tying to hard. The booing isn't helping the Cuse and compared to last year they are playing harder then they have in a while. They physically held there own with a legit top 10 team and played better then the final score indicates. I believe Paulus is taking one on the chin for the future of the SU team. The O-Line needs work and putting a freshmen back there on a full time basis would be dangerous.
Rush great line on the radio about the "tubby temptress"
Bresman and Danny Mac are right on. Agree with everything they said.
I stole the tubby temptress line from the NY Post. You gotta love the post.
Hey loved the post & loved the responses to "Anonymous"... couldn't agree more. One thing about starting the "Nassib Era", well, I'm not as sure about that. Admittedly, I'm a Paulus homer (CBA grad) but it appears to be me - you may not agree - that BOTH qbs play better when they are platooning the way they were in the first half. I think that Nassib comes in in particular packages, gives the defense a change up from Paulus, and has made some big plays in that capacity. When he is given the keys and put in to run the whole show like he was in late in the game, I don't think he plays as well.
Nassib has made great progress and some great plays and I'm very impressed. But I think he plays better when spelling Paulus, and I think Paulus plays better when switching with Nassib as well.
I also think that, with the exception of that one pick (granted that was big) Paulus played a good game. I don't agree that he should be yanked.
Everybody spouts the cliche that you can't win with a 2-qb system, but I like the way the current one is working. I think these guys can win a few down the road with it. And I think it gives SU the best chance to win.
That's just my (albeit biased) opinion.
JM - Good stuff.
I think part of the problem when Greg is in the game are the conservative play calls. The coaching staff hasn't done him many favors.
I also think people lose track of how HARD it is to pull off what he's doing.
To all the idiots that booed, Paulus, just think how you would feel if he was your kid. But, 99.99% don't have to worry, because your kid will never have the ability nor the drive to play D1 sports or anything at a high level. But just imagine if they did, and some drunk, fat slob booed them after all that hard work, makes you angry doesn't it. SU fans are the absolute worst ever. IKE
Russianator, good point also on the playcalling. Couldn't agree more.
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