Syracuse football fans are confused, wondering why Doug Marrone insists on blacking out the media from Spring Practice outside of a measly two scrimmages? The program obviously doesn’t have the cache of power schools that consider Spring Football to be a second season (go ask the SEC about Spring Games).
SU doesn‚Äôt sell out the Dome, and the Orange don’t exactly strike fear into the heart of its opponents with elaborate offensive schemes that must be kept a secret. The athletic department is trying to keep up with the Joneses, searching aggressively for more donations to build a competitive football facility. Wouldn’t it make sense to help build excitement instead of squash it?
This isn‚Äôt an attack on Marrone, because he’s always been gracious to media and fans, and clearly cares deeply about Syracuse. However, this decision feels desperate and perhaps even reflects a pinch of panic for a team that collapsed to end last year. Marrone says his concern is over people mislabeling his team, but that should be far from his worries.
Why does Marrone care how the media and fans “label” his team? Why lose sleep over something so trivial? He’s built up goodwill among the press and Orange Nation for dragging the carcass of a program out of the graveyard that was the Groobers Error. He knows the pressures of the NFL, and has been on the sidelines for much bigger moments than a Tuesday afternoon practice on South Campus.
Does Marrone get a pass because expectations are low, and our focus is diverted by a championship caliber basketball program? Louisville’s Charlie Strong attempted a similar media blackout because he was upset about a lack of coverage. It blew up in his face and he recently had to end his posturing. Marrone would be wise to follow suit.
It‚Äôs counter-productive in several ways. There’s an old saying in the South: “We got two sports – football and spring football.” Big time programs use the spring as a marketing tool, a chance to create buzz and anticipation for the upcoming season. Alabama draws twice as many fans to its Spring Game as SU usually has for a Big East matchup. Practices are controlled, and the game culminates in a glorified scrimmage where every player looks terrific.¬†
If people are interested in a team that lost 5 straight in an epic collapse to end the year, Marrone should welcome them with open arms. A program that barely draws 40,000 fans to games, and has one lonely bowl appearance in a decade should be supportive of anyone who still cares. This isn’t SU basketball where 30,000 fans show up every night, win or lose. Marrone should be making a concerted effort to embrace all media coverage and fan interest.
Fizz Football Notes:
- Deon Goggins has switched to defensive end. SU desperately needs some pressure off the edge with the loss of Chan Jones and so many pieces from the front 7. Hopefully, he can provide that.
- Ashton Broyld needs to get snaps at QB. The coaching staff has already tried him at RB with poor results. Get him under center, and let’s see what his athleticism can do.
- The offense has got to open up. Marrone has experience with the high-flying Saints offense in a controlled environment like the SuperDome. He could attempt to recreate that at SU, but has totally shied away from it.
- The most interesting position battle is in the backfield. There’s obvious talent back there in Prince Tyson Gulley, George Morris, Adonis Ameen Moore, and Jerome Smith. SU has enough high-end players to make an impact next season.
- My expectations are low. This team has a very tough schedule in its final Big East season. I’m predicting only 4 or 5 wins right now.
Posted: Alex Plavin
8 responses to “Syracuse & Doug Marrone are Making a Mistake Closing Spring Practice”
Last time I checked the spring game is open to the public. Who cares about having the press at practice for the first 20 minutes. I like the us against the world attitude he is taking this year. Maybe it helps motivate the kids towards an extra win or two. If the team beats NW in the opener the buzz will be back.
I think it’s smart to welcome all fans and media though. To everything. This is a program that had a huge skid and disappointment last season. Why not build the buzz? I’m all for us against the world unless it’s us against the fans that actually support us.
everybody needs to relax and let marrone do his thing. i mean the guys been patching holes ever since he came here, give the guy a break. instead just go to the spring game for yourself and see how the team looks so far. in my opinion doug’s bringing in his best recruiting class this year which should also make an impact on the team. syracuse needs a major upgrade at manley period to improve recruiting, thats the bottom line. the only way syracuse will have football greatness again is to upgrade better facilites and to update the dome.
How do you know Broyld didn’t do well at RB? Not trying to be a jerk but really, did you talk to him or someone on the staff?
Look HCDM record is only sightly better than GROB’s. He has a losing record!!! He came here with no coaching experience and its showing on the field and with the fans to. You say this class is the best so far and your right, but its really rated average in ability. HCDM feels the thunder of our fandom about his program failing. He’s just trying to save his million dollar a year job!! Wouldn’t you???
I’m with Aaron and Bruce on this. Maronne inherited a bottom-dwelling team with aged facilities. Let him do his job without all the criticism. If SU wins against NW because they hid their practices, that will generate more support than anything. The process of returning to the top 25 was destined to be a long one, considering the situation. Better facilities and fan support is what Maronne needs, not what he’s getting.
You make a good point in saying public interest should be embraced. However, I think that comparing a Syracuse spring game to an Alabama spring game is nonsense. I think a more realistic comparison for Syracuse would be a school like Boston College, Rutgers or Maryland. I’m sure alienating the fan base is not Marrone’s motive behind this move. I believe there was somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,000 fans at last year’s spring game. Last year’s spring practices never had more than 50-75 people, including members of the media. I support Marrone in his decisions. While I would certainly welcome stories on any team and player updates, I also understand that Marrone really feels this is necessary for his team. My job as a fan is to support my team. The proof will be on the field. If this team gets better because of it then Marrone is a coaching genius. If this team does not get better, or god forbid worse, then Marrone is a marketing liability. Let’s see what happens!
For once I agree with Terry,..isn’t the media the eye’s and ear’s of the fan’s?Since when did our team become his?Any new’s is good news this time of year when we thirst for ANY football news.Dougie has no 2 star secret weapons,..what on earth doe’s he think hiding the team is gonna do?right…nothing…let us in…