-Undoubtedly we have our answer about the long-term decision at quarterback for Syracuse. Terrel Hunt proved his feats against Wagner were no fluke. In the 52-17 drubbing, Hunt helped lead two 75-yards drives out of the gate that led to 14 SU points. It was the type of opening statement good teams make against bad ones, the type that sets the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Hunt looks poised, comfortable, and under control. Comparing that to how herky-jerky Drew Allen played in the first two games is like night and day. Hunt finished with four touchdowns through the air, but it was how he guided the team early that helped put away an inferior opponent and locked up the starting job for good.
-With how well Hunt has played it seems crazy that Scott Shafer has continued to keep the quarterback competition “open.” The ACC broadcast crew was hinting that no matter how well Hunt performs Shafer wants to keep the pressure on him in practices, and that George McDonald’s glare during the week is pushing Hunt. It only makes sense if the staff wants to make sure a young quarterback doesn’t take anything for granted and continues to demand more of himself. There should be no question who the starter is for ACC play. Allen is in over his head. He is not equipped to lead this team against the likes of Clemson, FSU and other solid squads. The offense runs smoothly with Hunt. One has to imagine the staff knows Allen will never take another meaningful snap for the Orange, but wants to get as much out of Hunt during the week.
-Good for the Orange in dispatching two lesser opponents with ease. Syracuse should not have any problem with Wagner or Tulane at home, and blew out both squads. A close win would’ve brought some grumbling before the Clemson game and the ACC slate. Taking care of business, and stomping out any hopes of an upset by the road team is the sign of stability and expectations by SU. We knew the Orange was the better team the last two weeks. Luckily, it played like it too.
-That first half was as good a thirty minutes as you’ll see from an offense. The Orange put up 42 points before intermission, and punched it in from the goal line just before the half. It won’t always run that smoothly, but the fact SU was able to take advantage of all situations (good field position, poor field position, 2:00 drill before the half) showed an offense that can jump on you early. Far too many times last season the attack was slow to build and took into the second half to really get going. The Orange is unlikely to have another half like that again, but it was nice to see nonetheless.
-I liked the blue-blue-blue color scheme. I saw plenty of outrage over the blue helmets on Twitter from traditional-minded SU fans. I thought the matte finish blue lids were pretty cool. But the helmet color fade from orange to blue was overthinking it. Just make it 100% blue. And why is SU unveiling those against Tulane? Wouldn’t it have been more effective next week? Retire Donovan McNabb’s number and trot out the new uniforms? Questionable timing by the athletic department fasionistas.
-The fun and games are over. SU moved itself to .500 with these two blowout wins. Now it’s time for the real competition. No more of the JV stuff. Clemson is one of the best teams in the nation and can put up 400 yards and 30 points without blinking. Is the Orange ready for that next level? It better be, because if not it’ll get ugly at the Dome.
Posted: D.A.
12 responses to “Week 4: D.A.’s Knee-Jerk Reaction as New Look Syracuse Blows Out Tulane”
mark this down, T. Hunt will be Heisman candidate before he leaves the Hill. this is based on his athletic skills and being able to make smart decisions, read progression with routes. You can only hope your QB can pick this up early and he can. Football helmets are sick! gotta move out of the 1950s folks! Go Orange!
I think it’s fairly obvious there is another uniform unveiling on tap for the Clemson game. Your reprimand of the athletic dept fashionistas makes it look like you’re not even remotely paying attention to whats gong on in this program.
I’m calling out all fans to attend this came lets have an orange out, sell out and a win out. Unless you have a wedding or funeral make no excuses the orange need the dome loud and rocking for this game.
My bit since I was at the game:
My feelings and many others to go out to the Edson family for losing a class guy like Ron. His initials should never be removed from that spot until the DOME is destroyed!!
Helmets were ok, but still prefer a SOLID S in ORANGE on the helmet so all can see at all angles!!
Hunt should of been QB from the start. But I think HCSS did the right thing and started Allen. HCSS might of promised ALLEN the starting spot. Keeping his word when other recruits are looking at SU is huge. It can’t hurt SU at all about HCSS honesty!!
Mr Hunt do not run unless beasts are after you to eat you for lunch. Hand it off!! Even if you are 30 points ahead in the 3rd quarter. PLEASE!!
Smith/PTG you are still not at that Snow Bowl condition yet=WHY??? Smith hardly played and PTG still jukes to much. But PTG did have a decent game so I’ll let up on him.
WR MR WEST was a no show. I think 10 SU players caught the ball. But I always thought West was not truly a scary WR. Hunt needs those monsters to gain wins in the ACC!!
ST speed just is not there at either return spots. It looks like HCSS just wants no mistakes at that positions. Yes they blocked FGs and punts yesterday, but every decent SU team that I have seen(over 50+ years)has had a dangerous return guy and also a quality TE might I say too! Right now SU has none =yet!!
My prediction was way off. I Know, I Know!!! But the stats were quite even for the whole game!! So really it should of been a closer game. Except for stupid mistakes(ST’S) that Tulane made!! Tums might have needed then instead of drinking my Coconut Rum and Cranberry!! AHHHHHHHH! BURP!!
And finally( I know I’m Roning it=long winded-lol)but to have game day at North Dakota State is just $hit to me. That just shows how bad SU rep is nation wide and also other DIV 1 programs as well. I’m so pissed about only hearing about the top ten programs on ESPN. Unless a player has a DWI, slaps his S.O. or signs for $$$ you’ll never hear about those other NCAA DIV 1 programs. But when they show up at NDS for game day that made me eat bad mexican food and want to puke!! There are great College FB stories in upstate NY and surounding areas, but to ESPN its just those Bernie like stories they want if your program is not ranked!! Screw them. Well sort of. I want to watch SU to!! LOL!!
@Terry;
I agree with some of your points and differ with you on others.
First,his name wasn’t Ron it was ROB EDSON. My wife and I had the privilege of getting to meet him when Syracuse first traveled to Poppa Johns Stadium to play Louisville. We’ve met and talked with his wife Sue. Really nice,family oriented people.
I agree whith your point with ESPN going to N Dakota State for game day. Something was new in the stadium on Saturday. Did you notice the FOX Sports crew there doing the Syracuse pregame show? They had it set up right below where I set in the dome. I thought that was fantastic.
I don’t understand why Jerome Smith isn’t getting more touches and I agree that he just doesn’t look the same.
I did however talk with some of the players at work lastnight and I will say their attitudes are completely different than what it was after the Penn State game.
I should have said Rob will surely be missed by the people he helped and whose lives he affected.
Rest in peace Rob Edson and may your journey to see God be a peaceful one.
I’m not quite sure what you mean by that BK Cuse – because I think they should’ve saved the unveiling of a new jersey scheme for a bigger opponent than Tulane I’m not remotely paying attention to the program? Man, I must be better than I thought at running a website devoted to SU athletics!
Typo Ron sorry Please!!
Ron that newness is from the ACC!! You’d never see that in the Big Least!!
The players are feeling quite good now and let them enjoy the victory like HCSS has said. hey deserve that-totally!! But in reality the BIG BOYS are a’coming down the road starting with Clemson!! So enjoy but also fix the problems that Tulane has shown. Bad DB/S play, dropped passes and a running game that was thought to be dominate but really hasn’t shown up big yet!!
LOVE THE HELMETS
way to step it up syracuse!
Hoping we see some Uni tweaks soon too!
Orange chrome helments ,a la the Golden Domers.
@Terry;
I wasn’t critizing you when correcting Rob’s name. I know how easy it is to make a typing error.
I think the blue uniforms are better that the all orange unis. I agree all of the changes is due to Syracuse joining the ACC. I’m old school Terry,I like the orange and blue when it comes to the uniforms. Did you watch the Maryland game on Saturday? Those uniforms were lousy/down right horrible. I know Russell is going to get upset but Rutgers in an all black uniform,what’s up with that? They too look horrible.
Terry I wasn’t being overly critical of your post,not this time anyway. Enjoy the rest of the day,looking forwards to some good highschool football this week.
Play intvamrfioe for me, Mr. internet writer.