Follow The Fizz on Twitter for the latest SU football news
After coach Scott Shafer announced that there would be a hybrid scoring system for the Syracuse University Spring Game, many were skeptical.  However, the team provided an entertaining contest for fans, along with some perks.
There were 4,071 people in attendance, a slight increase from last year.  The game itself was free, and attendees received free food vouchers.  They also had the opportunity to purchase exact seats for season ticket plans, and were able to step on the Carrier Dome turf for an autograph session after the game.  In addition, the fans were treated to stellar quarterback play, in a race that is sure to heat up over the coming months.
The game certainly proved that the Orange has increasing depth at the quarterback position.  Returning starter Terrel Hunt is projected as the starting play-caller for the Orange, barring injury, but the role of his backup is still wide open.  In the mix are two redshirt freshmen and one true freshman.
All three of the backups threw touchdowns; Hunt did not.  He did, however, complete an efficient 12 of his 15 passes for 95 yards.
Redshirt freshman Mitch Kimble and true freshman A.J. Long should be considered the early favorites for the second spot on the depth chart.  Splitting first team reps in the second half, Kimble connected with Brisly Estime downfield for a 64-yard play and a 15-yard touchdown to Jeremiah Kobena.
Long, on the other hand, threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Ashton Broyld, who may have been the standout player in the game.  He had eight catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns.  Long completed 10 of 15 throws for 82 yards, in addition to his score.
Together, the quarterbacks combined to complete 76 percent of its throws.  The passing attack appeared much improved from last season, in which Syracuse’s running game came to the forefront.
The game was played in an offense versus defense fashion.  The offense would score as any offense would, through touchdowns and extra points, while the defense would score through forced turnovers, three-and-outs, and defensive scoring.  The offense won the game 34-27.
All of the quarterbacks ran a watered-down offense that featured plenty of screens to the backs and the wide receivers.  Redshirt freshman quarterback and dark horse Austin Wilson used this play-calling to his advantage: he capped two drives off with touchdown passes to Kobena and Broyld, and the wide receivers used their playmaking abilities and speed to score.
All of this, of course, is second-tier to the redshirt sophomore Hunt, who is penciled in as the starter for the Orange.  It does make the future of Orange football look bright, however, and fans have something to be excited for.  The Orange opens its season against the Villanova Wildcats on August 29.
Posted by: Jason Weingold
66 responses to “Syracuse’s Backup Quarterback Battle Heats Up After Annual Spring Game”
Took my oldest granddaughter and grandson to the spring game yesterday and had a ball. Totally enjoyed the game and was impressed by what I saw on the field. Went down onto the field after the game and had pictures taken with quite a few of the players and met(Denzel Ward,Aaron Roberts,Parris Bennett,Colton Moskal and Ervin Phillips)that are some of the recruits coming in in August. I finally got to meet and shake hands with Coach Shafer which totally blew me away. I also met(the sackster)and talked football with him after the game.
I thought both the offense and defense looked real great. I agree with Terry and believe that Coach Shafer did not show us the complete game plan on what is going to happen this fall. The bubble/screen passes and dump passes to the sidelines will not cut it in a real game situation. We’ve talked about the running game using Adonis Ameen More in short yardage and goal line situations and maybe mixing it up and trying to throw the opposing defenses off. I can see that happening,with the new #1 replacing Jerome Smith is George Morris II with help coming from Devante McFarland. The receivers looked improved over last year,but better watch out,there’s a new group of receivers coming in in August that just might push the current group out of the way if they don’t improve their play.
But I’m going against the grain of the local news/sports writers here. I don’t agree with all of their assessment on the QB play during the game. Yes it’s true they did look pretty good,Terrel Hunt started out on fire moving the team down field early in the game but didn’t score a touch down. AJ Long is too short and couldn’t throw the ball over the heads of the OL and had a couple of balls batted down and at one point couldn’t hang onto the ball and fumbled it within the 10 yard line. The most impressive showing was from Mitch Kimble and Austin Wilson. I think Terrel Hunt starts in the Villanova game,AJ Long gets redshirted this year but watch out for Kimble and Wilson. If Terrel Hunt has problems leading this team against Villanova,Central Michigan and Maryland,either Wilson or Kimble replaces him for the Notre Dame game and will lead Syracuse to victory against the Irish down in MetLife Stadium.
Like I said over the last year my money is on Austin Wilson becoming the starting QB for the Syracuse orangemen Football team.
When you see the new uni’s up close instead of in a picture they do look pretty damn awesome.
Ron,
Thanks for the update.. Live to far away to enjoy those kind of experiences. Glad your getting the kids involved early.. Maybe they’ll be Orange alm’s someday….
I remain concerned about the offensive coaching staff.. I’m finally with you on Shafer. Seems like a good man as well…
its nice to meet the people on this board in person.upstate andy and ron i met at the autograph session. my impressions from the game is the pace that was set on the field. i beleive we have some good depth across the board especially at wr. i do feel there will be wr’s converting over to db though.the thing is everyone needs to stay healthy and be in better shape to really take a run at it but i like this team going foward. i thought wilson kid had a good showing, morris had some nice runs. oline did a good job as well as the dline. davis looked solid at lb. also thought scissum did a good job for a redshirt freshman. i think some of the de’s can play d tackle if need be. i felt this spring game was alot better than the other ones i’ve been to. i wish more people would take the time to go because its nice to meet players and staff and also the fans.
Ron I really didn’t see that much of difference between the red shirts QB’s and HUNT!! Long is behind(and he should be) the red shirts. But at the same time Long looked out of place and his throwing still had that high school look to it!!
DO NOT FIORGET THE KIDS OF PSABUSDU!! THE NCAA DID!!
I was favorably impressed with what i saw of Wilson. AJ LONG..needs a redshirt as he is physically not ready to play D1 football…
I was surprised to see that Arciniega didn’t suit up..I thought he and Hodge were fighting it out as Spruill’s replacement.
Welsh, Thompson, Simmons and Robinson should allow Isaiah Johnson to move to tackle if Raymon can’t go.
I too was at the game and sitting in my newly upgraded Season tickets in section 129 4 rows up. That one catch from Ashton from the bomb that Austin threw was caught almost right in front of me. I really thought he was gonna over throw him, but AB showed some speed in catching up to it. I have to agree with the other assessments of AJ Long, too short and not a really strong arm. I believe that Austin is the best QB we have now, especially for the long balls, but the coaching staff isn’t on board with me. Ha ha, should be a really fun year for football.
SU working on the fundamentals is fine for spring ball. Alabama looked like POOP under Lane Kiffin.. being outscored by the defense, 7-0 at one point in the 2nd half LOL. Some interesting thoughts posted on the spring game, my retort:
1. Hunt has won a bowl game, and is a winning college Qb, there is not a better Qb on the SU roster. Period. Until Drew Allen went 0-3, he was better than Hunt, too. Or was he 0-3-1, because Hunt replaced him and saved the season?
2. SU has had a lack of TE production, even Provo left much to be desired, and he set afew SU career marks. Its nice to see guys perform in these showcase games, but SU w/o an imposing TE corp isn’t right.
3. AAM & the RBs.. does Ameen-Moore even fit anymore? With a mix of speed & power GM3 as well as Mcfarlane, provide what AAM lacks.. top-end burst. The power is there, but he got stuck as many times as he’s scored in the past.
4. Enough shadowboxing… Can this SU team have 2000+ yards passing and running? 3000 yds passing, 2000 yds rushing, and a average defense can mean another bowl game for the ’14-’15 squad. It was HCDMs method, and those numbers equalled success. If people let kids develop, SU can be that fruitful yearly..
* thank god Chad Kelly chose Clemson!
Terry I left out a point that should be said. Look at what “richsufan” said,he thought Wilson had over thrown Broyld. That pass was right on the money to Broyld who was running full stride down the side line. The thing that impressed me the most was Brould actully brtoke 3 maybe 4 tackles after he cought the ball. Where the hell has that been? We’ve all been clamouring for him to break out of that shell he’s been hiding in and maybe this will be his breakout year.
Now back to the play of wilson and Kimble. when watching the QB in a big game,do you notice that he throws the ball to a designated spot and expects the receiver to be there to make the cateh. Well that’s exactly what Wilson and Kimble were doing. Kimble threw that pass over the middle(the ball was in the air) when Brisley Estime was making his cut to the middle of the field which turned out to be a 64 yard pass play.
AJ Long needs to redshirt his freshman year. Terrel Hunt still telegraphs to the defense where he’s going to throw the ball and still doesn’t have a quick enough release of the ball. Just remember folks this is just my opinion on what I saw on Saturday.
One other thing to remember,after all is said and done,stop and think the best QB,(4* Alin Edouard)won’t be on campus until August. Things are starting to heat up guy’s and I think this team is going to surprise a lot of different teams this year.
Looking forward to a great season.
GO CUSE;
Coach McDonald has told us that he wanted to speed the game up and run a play every 18 seconds and try to get approximately 80-84 plays a game.
Well it took the team 15-22 seconds on Saturday to run a game and they had a total of 72 offensive plays. Pretty damn impressive if you ask me.
Hey guys. I know that I don’t post that much but I do read all the post. Most of my thoughts are bout the same as most of you. So I just don’t see saying the same thing over again.
To the Sackster. It was a pleasure to have meet you at the spring game. It is nice to have put a face with a name. Hope to see you again in the future and talk bout SU fball with you.
They should use AJ Long in the Wildcat… He is fast fast fast
The person who wrote content is termed Preston. Kentucky is our birth
place but my hubby wants us to move. What me and my family love can be always to read comics and I would personally never give it higher.
After being from the his job for years he became an auditing officer
and his salary is really doing. See what’s new on the website here: Mia Airport
Parking
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really understand what
you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also consult
with my web site =). We will have a link trade agreement among us
You can certainly see your skills within the work you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.
Always go after your heart.
things into perspective for me personally. I feel impressed along with your way involving writing and talents. Thanks with regard to rendering this content clear and understandable and interesting.
I do not even know how I finished up right here, however I assumed
this put up was once good. I don’t realize who you are but certainly
you’re going to a famous blogger if you happen to aren’t already.
Cheers!
A person essentially assist to make seriously articles I might state.
This is the very first time I frequented your web page and
up to now? I surprised with the research you made to make this particular submit
amazing. Excellent job!
This paragraph will help the internet visitors for building up new blog or even a blog from start to
end.
I just like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here frequently.
I’m slightly sure I’ll be told lots of new stuff proper right here!
Best of luck for the following!
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody?
This article posted at this site is really pleasant.
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this web page is genuinely
fastidious.
It’s actually a great and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you simply shared this useful information with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, this article is pleasant, my younger sister is analyzing these
things, therefore I am going to convey her.
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did
you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond
as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like
to find out where u got this from. kudos
These are really wonderful ideas in about blogging.
You have touched some nice factors here. Any way keep up
wrinting.
Thanks in favor of sharing such a nice idea, article is fastidious, thats
why i have read it completely
Very rapidly this web site will be famous among all blogging users, due to it’s fastidious content
Actually when someone doesn’t understand after that its up to other people that they will assist, so here
it happens.
Excellent items from you, man. I’ve take into account your stuff previous to
and you’re just too wonderful. I actually like what you have
bought here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way
in which through which you are saying it. You are making it enjoyable and you continue to take
care of to stay it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you.
That is really a terrific website.
Your site came out inside my research and I’m taken with what you may have written on this topic. My business is presently extending my enquiry thereby cannot contribute further, nonetheless, I’ve bookmarked internet world post and you will be returning to stay informed about any next updates. At the moment think itrrrs great and gives thank you for tolerating my remark.
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post
is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my trouble.
You are wonderful! Thanks!
I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing problems with your blog.
It seems like some of the written text within your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This could be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this
happen before. Kudos
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up and
let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve
tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.
Peculiar article, totally what I was looking for.
I need to to thank you for this excellent read!! I absolutely
enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you bookmarked to check
out new things you post…
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your post seem to be running off the
screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you
know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get
the issue solved soon. Many thanks
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I
provide credit and sources back to your website?
My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this okay with you. Many thanks!
I’m gone to say to my little brother, that he should also visit this weblog on regular basis to
take updated from latest information.
Magnificent site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to some buddies
ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks on your sweat!
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having problems
locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve
got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
Does your site have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like
to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you
might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog
and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
I don’t know if it’s just me or if everybody else experiencing issues with your site.
It seems like some of the text in your posts are running off the screen.
Can somebody else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This could be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this
happen previously. Appreciate it
Hello! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs up for the great info
you have here on this post. I am returning to your website for more soon.
Appreciation to my father who stated to me about this website,
this blog is genuinely remarkable.
Hurrah! At last I got a web site from where I be able to truly obtain helpful facts concerning my study and knowledge.
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a material!
existing here at this blog, thanks admin of this web page.
What a stuff of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious experience concerning unexpected emotions.
Good info. Lucky me I found your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve book-marked it for later!
What’s up, all the time i used to check webpage
posts here early in the break of day, for the reason that i love to gain knowledge of more and more.