Orange Struggles Continue

by Ben Glidden

AP Photo/Steve Jacobs

The Syracuse Orange (2-0) pulled out the victory tonight against the Rhode Island Rams (0-1), but it isn't one of those victories to be proud of. I accepted the fact that the Orange allowed Wake Forest to stay in the game for so long last week because it was the first game of the year. We needed to dust the cobwebs off and get back to playing football. So, what happened tonight?

The Defense: Last game our defense certainly struggled. Our young linebackers were clearly having a problem and our secondary kept getting beat. Tonight, the D definitely improved, however, we were playing an FCS team. Phillip Thomas stayed true to his promise to Orange Slice Sports and improved dramatically from the Wake Forest game. He registered two interceptions, one of them coming at the end of the game, crushing Rhode Island's last hopes of tying the game.

Rhode Island quarterback Steve Probst did seem to have the defense's number tonight. He threw for 154 yards but more importantly, rushed for 46 yards on 15 carries. When the Orange locked down his receivers, he'd simply run take the ball himself past the first down marker. It was a frustrating night for the Orange defense.

The Offense: Ryan Nassib put together another respectable performance. He completed 29 of his 37 passes for a career-high 318 yards and three touchdowns. He completed passes to eight different receivers, which says a lot about the Orange wide receiving core. Van Chew earned the bulk of the yards with 134 and Alec Lemon got the bulk of the receptions with 10 for 94 yards. Both Chew and Lemon had touchdown receptions but the most important TD reception came from senior walk-on Michael Acchione.

The problem with the offense today was the running game and offensive line. The O-Line just doesn't look comfortable yet and it's affecting the entire offense. The part affected most is the running game. Antwon Bailey went for just 43 yards and then Marrone tried to mix it up by running Prince-Tyson Gulley. That didn't really work either.

The Lesson: The Orange aren't as good as we thought they were. The team still has a lot to work on, especially with USC being next week. I'm not saying they can't improve, it's definitely a possibility. The team has looked great in the final ten minutes of each game so far, but once conference play starts, were going to have to start playing before the fourth quarter in order to have a chance to win.

The good news is that the Orange have started out 2-0 for the first time since 1999 and that is certainly something to be happy about. Now lets buckle down, have a good week of practice, and beat the Trojans next week in sunny Southern California.

Back to the Dome: Syracuse Football vs. Wake Forest

By Conor Hurley

Photo by Jason Rostkowski

The Syracuse University community is buzzing about the football team’s season and home opener vs. Wake Forest this Thursday.

Wait… buzzing about… football???

Yes. For the first time in awhile, there is significant hope and excitement for SU football. Coming off a 7-5 record and a win in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, Ryan Nassib and company are looking to start off their season with a statement win vs. the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Fortunately for the Orange, the football Demon Deacons do not have the same pedigree as their basketball counterparts.

WF finished last in the ACC with a 3-9 2010 campaign, going 1-7 in the division. They do return starters Tanner Price, Josh Adams and Chris Givens on offense at QB, RB and WR, all coming off good seasons. They had the 110^th ranked defense though, giving up 35.8 points per game.

Nassib, coming of a stellar season which included over 2,300 yards passing and 19 TD’s, will look to exploit the holes in the demon deacon defense. And he will not be alone in that quest.

Despite Delone Carter’s departure for the NFL, Antwon Bailey was much more than an adequate backup last season, and is looking to have a breakout 2011 campaign. Wide receivers Van Chew and 

Alec Lemon will also be back and will look to improve on their impressive 2010 seasons.

And you already know Phillip Thomas, Chandler Jones and the rest of the SU defense will do their absolute best to keep the Deacs off the scoreboard.

One outstanding negative for SU football last season was their play in the Dome, disappointingly going 3-4. They were young, fairly inexperienced, and may have not been ready for the big stage and hype in front of the ruckus SU faithful.

This year, I expect the Orange to do much better in the Dome, and tomorrow, I expect the Orange to win 24-3. 

Syracuse Orange Fantasy Football Draft

By Ben Glidden

Last weekend, I participated in a fantasy draft for the upcoming NFL season. While choosing from the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Hakeem Nicks, I got thinking. Who would be the number one pick in a Syracuse Orange Fantasy Football Draft?

Photo by Jason Rostkowski

There are many options for a number one overall selection. First, you would have to figure out what position you'd like to draft first.

At quarterback, of course, is Ryan Nassib. Last season, Nassib completed 202 passes for a total of 2,334 yards. His completion percentage was right around 50 percent. He threw 19 touchdown passes but he also tossed eight interceptions. He didn't lose much of his receiving core, with the exception of Marcus Sales, so it looks like he'll have some solid targets downfield. If he displays the confidence we saw from him in the Pinstripe Bowl, he'll have a great season.

Antwon Bailey will get the start this season in the backfield. This pick would come with all kinds of question marks. Bailey didn't start last season but he got a considerable amount of carries behind Delone Carter. He rushed for 554 yards on just 114 attempts. He averaged around five yards a carry and scored a pair of touchdowns. But how will Bailey do when he is getting the bulk of the carries? Can he step up as a starter? The good thing about Bailey is that he catches the ball very well. He had more receptions last year than many of the wide receivers. He caught 35 passes for just over 300 yards. But running back is an injury prone position. If your number one overall draft pick goes down early in the season with an injury, you'll be in trouble.

At the wide receiver position, there are a couple different options. I definitely wouldn't draft Sales, lets get that out of the way. My number one option at this position would be Van Chew. He had 41 receptions for 661 yards last season. He found the end zone just five times but averaged about 15 yards per reception. Another option could be Alec Lemon. He dropped a few crucial passes last season so hopefully he improves this year. He caught 32 passes for about 400 yards and four touchdowns last year.

Nick Provo would be the obvious choice if you were going for a tight end. He stepped up big for the Orange in 2010 and will be a big target for Nassib in 2011. Look for him to improve on his 365 yards receiving from last season.

You don't usually draft a kicker first round of a fantasy draft, but if you did, Ross Krautman would be the obvious selection. As a freshman last season, he kicked six field goals that were over 40 yards. Coming back for his Sophomore year, he will look to improve on those numbers. If you want a kicker first round, go Krautman.

After considering all of this information, I'm ready to make my selection.

With the first pick of the 2011 Syracuse Orange Fantasy Football Draft, I select Ryan Nassib. We know he can perform, so rather than taking a risk, I'm going with the obvious pick. Nassib's productivity this season will definitely get me first place in this fake fantasy football league.

Who would you first pick be? Tell us by commenting or tweeting us @OSliceSports

The Top Five Most Valuable Players for the 2011-2012 Football Season

By D.E. Connors

Photo by Jason Rostkowski

There are now only 14 days until the Orange kickoff versus Wake Forest and begin the highly anticipated 2011 campaign. For SU to play up to its potential as a Big East title contender, its role players and stars will have to play well on a consistent basis. Strong safety Shamarko Thomas, receivers Van Chew and Alec Lemon and the offensive line are all a big part of the Orange’s success this year. However, these five players are the the most valuable on the 2011-2012 Syracuse football team.

#1 Antwon Bailey - Although Nassib is the QB, the offense will be heavily reliant on the production of Bailey. Bailey played Robin to Delone Carter’s Batman, but still managed 569 yards and a couple touchdowns. This year, Bailey will be the biggest offensive threat with his breakaway speed and shifty feet. His ability to open the field and wear down the opponents’ defense will dictate how successful the Orange will be.

#2 Ryan Nassib - Antwon Bailey can only do so much. Last year, Nassib eased into the lead position by providing stability, but he rarely had to make tough throws. This year, he’ll have more responsibility and freedom to create offense. If he can’t make the necessary throws, defenses will key into the running game.

#3 Chandler Jones - Jones could be the key to for the Orange defense. With the return of the Bash Bros (Phillip and Shamarko Thomas), coverage shouldn’t be the biggest issue. If Jones could penetrate through the backfield and pressure the opponents’ QB, the SU defense could be dominant.

#4 Phillip Thomas - Thomas has high aspirations for himself and his team. Despite a slight step back in the form of a broken jaw, Thomas will return in time and wreak havoc as a ballhawk. He simply makes plays. SU will need his athleticism and tackling ability to make a good run in the wide open Big East.

#5 Nick Provo - Provo had 33 receptions last year, good for third on the Orange, but wasn’t particularly effective in the red zone. Without the bruising Delone Carter, a new player will have to become the big touchdown threat. Provo, a 6’4” and 250 TE can be just that for the SU offense. 

Big East Football Preview

With the college football season just around the corner, OSS went to Peter Legrand, a Mizzou Journalism student and writer for Mizzou Sportswriting who has developed his own football simulation, for predictions and projections on the upcoming season.

Photo Courtesy of Jason Rostkowski

Projected Standings
1. West Virginia 6-1 (10-2)*
2. Pittsburgh 5-2 (8-4)*
3. USF 4-3 (8-4)*
4. Cincinnati 3-4 (7-5)*
5. Rutgers 3-4 (8-4)*
6. Connecticut 3-4 (8-4)*
7. Louisville 2-5 (5-7)
8. Syracuse 2-5 (6-6)*
* represents bowl eligibility


1. West Virginia: With new head coach Holgorsen, the offense should be one of the best in the nation - potentially making Geno Smith into one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. 4 returning starters on defense is a major concern, but three of those players are 1st team all-conference players in my mind, with SS Terence Gavin making my 2nd team.
Best Case: 12-0 Worst Case: 6-6 Projection: 10-2

2. Pittsburgh: Another team with a new head coach, Pitt should also improve drastically on offense with Todd Graham's wide open spread installed. I question their ability to transition as quickly as West Virginia to their new system because they are a built around power running, which should cause some hiccups early in the season. The defense brings back 8 starters, making it a formidable presence.
Best Case: 10-2 Worst Case: 4-8 Projection: 8-4

3. USF: Coach's in their second seasons often experience breakout campaigns, and many see USF finally breaking through and winning the conference. New RB Darrell Scott is a huge addition to the offense, which should also be helped by QB BJ Daniels continued progression. The defense brings back 6 from a mediocre 2010 squad, but they should be steady enough to keep them in most games.
Best Case: 10-2 Worst Case: 4-8 Projection: 8-4

4. Cincinnati: After a disappointing 2010, the '08 and '09 Big East champs should be back to their winning ways in 2011. Stars like Zach Collaros, Isiah Pead, and DJ Woods return to the offense, and although the offensive line loses three regular starters, two of the replacements saw significant action last year. The defense is loaded with experience, returning 10 starters from last season and seventeen of their top eighteen tacklers from the 2010 campaign. I strongly believe they can contend for the title this year, and don't forget, it's Butch Jones second season here.
Best Case: 11-1 Worst Case: 4-8 Projection: 7-5

5. Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights struggled mightily last year, going 4-8 and missing the postseason for the first time since 2003. Look for them to return this year behind the strong arm of sophomore Chas Dodd, who is surrounded by a plethora of weapons. The defense is suspect, but Rutgers will be greatly helped by four Big East home games and new freshman running back Savon Huggins, who could have a Ray Rice type impact for Rutgers.
Best Case: 11-1 Worst Case: 3-9 Projection: 8-4

6. Connecticut: After their first ever Big East championship, the Huskies have great expectations for their 2011 campaign, even with a new head coach. I am not expecting a repeat performance from the Huskies, although reaching the 8 win total from last year is certainly attainable. Sixteen returning starters brings hope, as does four home games in conference play, but the loss of their quarterback and stud running back leads me to believe they will drop down in the conference standings.
Best Case: 9-3 Worst Case: 2-10 Projection: 8-4

7. Louisville: Charlie Strong finally helped right the sinking Louisville football ship, as they went from the strongest program in the Big East under Bobby Petrino to a punching bag with head coach Steve Kragthorpe. Although only 3 offensive starters return, 7 are back on D and they brought in vaunted dual-threat QB recruit Teddy Bridgewater to run the offense. They should start 5-3, but face a difficult schedule and getting back to a bowl will require some luck, but this is a program headed in the right direction.
Best Case: 8-4 Worst Case: 3-9 Projection: 5-7

8. Syracuse: The Orange had a great season under Doug Marrone last year, making the postseason for the first time since 2004. QB Ryan Nassib returns after a spectacular sophomore campaign, with senior RB Antwon Bailey looking to step up and continue Syracuse's success on the ground. The defense only returns 5 and loses their top two tacklers, which is a major concern. The schedule is unfavorable, even though they get 4 home games in Big East play, because their most winnable games are on the road. They can make it back to a bowl, but it will be hard to match the 8 wins of last year.
Best Case: 8-4 Worst Case: 3-9 Projection: 6-6

Syracuse Football Players Disappoint in Lobster Eating Contest

By Ben Glidden

Today is Big East Media Day, which can only mean one thing. Last night was the Big East clambake. Every year, the best football players from the Big East go head-to-head the night before they address the media. Who ate the most lobsters?

This year's crown went to USF's Jeremiah Warren who put back a record-tying seven lobsters. Let me just repeat that, he ate SEVEN lobsters. Warren is a 327-pound offensive lineman and now has the title of lobster king. He probably would have broken the record but the event actually ran out of lobsters.

Warren tied former Syracuse Orange Football player Ryan Durand who ate seven lobsters a few years back. Durand's success in the contest translated to NFL success as he is now a guard with the Tennessee Titans.

I'm extremely impressed with Warren but disappointed with the performance from the Syracuse football team. Here are the results:

Mikhail Marinovich - Three Lobsters

Antwon Bailey - Two Lobsters

Chandler Jones - One and a Half Lobsters

Ryan Nassib - One Lobster

C'mon guys. A combined seven and a half lobsters? At the media day Jones said he put on 20 pounds during the off-season. He had the opportunity to put on a few more today and passed it up. His goal was "seven, maybe eight" lobsters but he fell way short of that mark.

"I feel like I let you guys down, but I promise you I wont let you down this fall," Jones said to Cuse Nation.

Syracuse Football is ranked fourth in the Big East Media poll that was released today. It looks like the team needs to put down the footballs and pick up the butter and start training for next year's contest.